PNO-V-88-040, on 880616,road Grader Operator Backed Over Moisture/Density Gauge.Gauge Control Panel & Housing Damaged.Source Rod & Gauge Bottom Containing 10 Mci Cs-137 & 50 Mci Am-241 Intact.Gauge Now in State of or Storage
| ML20195J451 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/17/1988 |
| From: | Riedlinger B NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION V) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-V-88-040, PNO-V-88-40, NUDOCS 8806290135 | |
| Download: ML20195J451 (2) | |
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p" LV PRELIMINARY N0_TIFICA_ TION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE--PNO-V-40 Date: June 17, 1988 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of-events of POSSIBLE safety or public' interest significance. The information presented is as initially received without verification or evaluation and is basically all that is known by Region V staff on this date.
FACILITY: . Oregon State Highway Division Emergency Classification Transportation Building Notification of Unusual Event Salem, Oregon 97310 Alert Agreement State Licensee , Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable
SUBJECT:
DAMAGE 0 M0ISTURE/0ENFITY GAUGE NRC Region V was notified at 10:30 AM (PDT), June 17, 1988, by the Radiation Control Section of the Oregon State Health-Division of the details of an incident involving a Campbell Pacific Nuclear moisture / density gauge, Model MC-1, which occurred at 4:30 PM, on June 16, 1988, at the intersection of 42nd Street and Highway 101 in Florence,
. ' Oregon.
- A-road-grader operator working in the area did not notice that the gauge operator and equipment were immediately behind him, and backed over the guage. The control panel and housing of the gauge were damaged. The source rod and the bottom of the gauge, containing 10 millicuries of cesium 137 and 50 millicuries of americium 241 respectively, remained intact. The gauge operator and the highway patrol cordoned off a 20-foot area around the damaged gauge.
A member of the Radiation Control Section was dispatched to the site to conduct surveys and provide assistance. It was determined that no contamination hazard existed, but radiation levels measured 5 to 7 mr per hour three feet from the gauge, compared to the
. normal . reading of less than .5 mr per hour. The gauge was placed in its shipping container. 'The Radiation Control Section took possession of the gauge at the licensee's request. It is currently stored at the Portland, Oregon office of the State Health vision. Manufacturer representatives are enroute to obtain the gauge for repair.
A reporter in Florence, Oregon, from the Oregonian newspaper staff, interviewed Ray Paris, Manager, Radiation Control Section by telephone at 5:25 PM on June 16,1988.
The state plans to issue an information notice to all of their gauge licensees.
Region V has informed the Office of State, Local, and Indian Tribe Programs.
! -This Preliminary Notification is issued for information only. This matter is considered
! closed.
CONTACT: B. A. Riedlinger, FTS 463-3765
, 62 35 080617 PNO-Wo.10 ppg
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. PNO-V-88 .40 . DISTRIBUTION.BY 5520:- FAX T0:
- Date:
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