The following information was provided by the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via phone and email:
The Agency was contacted on 6/21/25 by a gauge user at Klingner and Associates to report that a Humboldt 5001EZ gauge was hit by a truck and damaged on a construction site in Williamsfield, IL. A truck struck the gauge, damaging the handle and the right side of the case. The source rod was not extended when the incident occurred, and the licensee reported that the source appeared to be properly shielded. The licensee followed their emergency procedures, called the radiation safety officer, and then called the Agency for further instructions. The licensee reported that they did not have a survey instrument. The transport case was reported as undamaged, and the gauge was able to be placed in its shielded transport container. The gauge was then transported back to secure storage with strict directions to not open or handle until a reactive inspection could be performed.
Agency staff arrived at the licensee's authorized gauge storage site on 6/23/2025 to assess the gauge condition and determine reportability under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1220(c)(2). Both sources appeared undamaged, however, the sliding shield at the bottom of the gauge was observed to be approximately 25 percent open and the handle could no longer be used to fully close the shutter, due to the gauge handle being sheared off at the time of impact. A survey of the bottom of the gauge indicated a maximum reading of 150 mrem/hr at contact using a Ludlum model 3-IS-1 ion chamber. Agency inspectors confirmed that the incident did not result in contamination, loss of radioactive material, or exposures in excess of regulatory limits. A leak test will be conducted prior to transport for repair/disposal. With the gauge in its transportation case, Agency inspectors measured a TI (transport index) of 2.0 which would require a radioactive yellow III label and placarding [for shipment]. Discussions are ongoing regarding adding additional shielding and reducing the TI to 1.0 or less, to facilitate shipment using a radioactive yellow II label.
Agency inspectors confirmed that the event is reportable under 32 Ill. Adm. Cod 340.1220(c)(2). No items of non-compliance resulted from the reactive inspection. Agency inspectors verified that the gauge user maintained adequate visual surveillance of the gauge and followed the licensee's emergency procedures. The licensee was advised of the requirement to submit a written report within 30 days.
Pending additional information, this matter may be considered closed.
Illinois Reference Number: IL250025