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 Start dateReporting criterionTitleEvent descriptionSystemLER
ENS 5560419 November 2021 06:00:00Agreement StateStuck Shutter

The following was received via email from the Mississippi State Department of Health (the agency) via email: On 22 November 2021, the licensee notified the Agency by email regarding an incident that took place on 19 November 2021. The (Berthold Technologies) reciprocity crew, working under reciprocal recognition, was conducting turn around, replacing three gauge systems at the Licensee plant's Operating Processes. Two of the three sources retracted while one source was discovered to be stuck in the dip tube (Source Information: Co-60, 7.43 mCi, Manufacturer/Model: EG&G Berthold Model P-2608-100, Serial #: 1540-08-05, Device Information: Manufacturer EG&G Berthold, Device Model#: LB 7671, Serial Number: TBD). Reciprocity personnel attempted to dislodge the source to get it to retract but all attempts failed. The technician attached a blind plate (surveys below background) to prevent access and he documented surveys which the reciprocity personnel stated will be provided at a later time. According to the reciprocity licensee personnel, surveys were approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mR/hr at the detector side. Licensee personnel stated that the source is secured and remains shielded. Reciprocity licensee stated that they will continue to consider options to dislodge the source. The investigation into this event is ongoing and information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Mississippi Item Number: MS-210003

  • * * RETRACTION ON January 10, 2022 AT 1726 EST FROM ROBERT SIMS TO TOM KENDZIA * * *

The following information was received from the Mississippi State Department of Health (the agency) via e-mail: Investigation findings indicate this event is not reportable. The highest survey reading is 0.2 mR per hour. This does not exceed public dose limit or an exposure that would cause a 25 milllirem TEDE. It is not lost or stolen. The source activity is 0.64 mCi. The source is at the top of the dip tube in the normal operating position in a safe position. The tank is approximately 30 foot tall and 20 foot wide in which the tank and the fluid is shielding the low activity source. The source will not expose the workers. The tank and gauge are on the 3rd floor of the refinery and only RSO's and workers supervised by RSO are allowed in this area. The engineer tried to remove it from this position for a scheduled source change out, and it could not be removed. At present, without shutting the production line down which makes plastic, this could cause a revenue loss of millions of dollars to the company. In the opinion of the Mississippi Health Physicist, this is not reportable. It does not meet SA 300 reporting requirements. The RSO has agreed to perform surveys at shift change and report any changes. This event is closed. If any changes occur and are reported. The agency will meet reporting requirements. Notified R4DO (Groom) and NMSS Events (by email).