The following information was provided by the
Utah Division of Radiation Control (the Division) via email:
There was a partial roof collapse in a coal mine, resulting in a damaged, beyond repair AshScan coal analyzer. The Division was notified of the incident by voicemail the afternoon of July 24, 2023 (State of Utah Holiday). The Division contacted the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) at 0630 [MDT] on July 25, 2023 after listening to the voicemail.
Received from the licensee (by the Division):
The device referenced was an AshScan serial number AS16-157, utilizing 300 mCi of Am241 and 5 mCi of Cs137. The roof fall occurred on the morning of July 16, 2023. After notification of the incident, the licensee began the process of developing a plan and getting an approval from the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) to begin the work of removing rubble and uncovering the belt and device. The approval allowed the licensee to work their way through approximately 150 feet of rubble, removing rubble and bolting the roof every 5 to 6 feet according to the roof control plan. The area was pre-shifted twice a day with the pre-shifter using a radiation detector to ensure that there was no errant radiation.
The RSO was notified on July 19, 2023, that the device was visible but not yet accessible due to the roof not being bolted. That morning, the licensee had a brow collapse in the same area, effectively setting them back to where they started. The process of mucking and bolting the brow took priority until the morning of July 24, 2023 when they were able to safely access the gauge. Once they were able to access the gauge and assess its condition, the licensee determined that the gauge was not repairable and would need to be decommissioned. The licensee moved the gauge with a scoop into Crosscut 38 which is about 100 feet away from the original position of the gauge. It was filled with rock on one end. The licensee taped off the other end and placed radiation warning signs to keep personnel from entering the area. The licensee is arranging for a technician to come and decommission the device and will then forward the appropriate paperwork once that work is completed.
The Division will investigate this matter and update the record upon completion of the investigation.
Utah Event Report Number: UT23-0006