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| Start date | Reporting criterion | Title | Event description | System | LER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 53875 | 12 February 2019 22:45:00 | Agreement State | Agreement State Report - Radiography Camera Malfunction | The following information was received via email from the state of North Dakota: Desert NDT, LLC dba Shawcor reported a 3.256 TBq (88 Ci) Iridium-192 sealed source (Industrial Nuclear Model 32, serial #022E) had disconnected from a drive cable connected to an Industrial Nuclear Model IR-100 radiography exposure device (serial #4321) at a temporary job site in Williston, ND on 2/12/2019. The event occurred at 1645 (MST) while the radiography crew, consisting of a radiographer and assistant radiographer, was performing industrial radiography under extreme cold weather conditions on a pipe section. Upon retracting the source after the third exposure, the crew noticed the radiography device's safety latch did not pop up indicating the source in the safe/locked position. Upon performing a radiation survey while approaching the device, the crew noticed an increased exposure rate indicating a source disconnect. The crew immediately retreated from the device and reset an actual 2 mR/hr public dose boundary and contacted their radiation safety officer who made arrangements for authorized retrieval personnel to dispatch to the site. The crew maintained constant surveillance of the site while awaiting the source retrieval personnel. The source was successfully retrieved at 2020 (MST). At the time of the event, the radiographer had received 50 mR and the assistant radiographer 55 mR on their direct reading dosimeters. The retrieval individual received a total of 357 mR to the direct reading dosimeter located on his arm and 243 mR to the direct reading dosimeter located on his chest. Shawcor will provide a detailed report to the North Dakota Department of Health upon establishing the root cause and corrective actions. NMED Item #ND190001 | ||
| ENS 53087 | 22 November 2017 06:00:00 | Agreement State | Agreement State Report - Radiography Camera Malfunction | The following report was received via e-mail: A crew with (Shawcor) experienced a malfunction on the evening of November 21, 2017, with the INC IR-100 exposure device they were using when performing radiographic operations at Ward Petroleum (10404 E. 146th, Thornton, CO). Exposure Device: INC IR-100 (s/n 6839) Source: INC (s/n T0799) 65 curies After completing a radiographic exposure, the crew attempted to crank the source back into the exposure device; however, they were still able to crank the source out even after the button on the exposure device popped up to indicate the source was fully retracted and locked in place. After an attempt to crank the source out and back into the exposure device, the button was still popping up prematurely. Realizing there was a problem with the locking mechanism, the crew ensured their 2 mR/hr boundary was properly established and immediately contacted the Site RSO/Branch Manager. The crew maintained visual surveillance of the area until (the RSO), along with (the Assistant Site RSO), arrived at the jobsite. When (the RSO and Assistant Site RSO) arrived at the jobsite, they also ensured the 2 mR/hr boundary was properly established and began to assess the situation. There was no visible damage to any associated equipment (guide tube, crank assembly, etc.). They attempted several times to crank the source out and back into the fully shielded position; each time the button popped up prematurely even though the source was not locked into the exposure device. While holding down the button on the exposure device, (the RSO) was able to crank the source back in and upon releasing the button, the source locked in place. Surveys were completed to ensure the source was fully shielded. At no time during the incident did any crew member's dosimeter go off-scale and there was no threat of overexposure at any time to our company's employees, nor un-monitored workers. All personnel involved were wearing and utilizing proper radiation detection equipment, including OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescent) badges, pocket dosimeters, alarming rate meters, and they were properly utilizing survey meters. The INC exposure device will be sent back to the manufacturer for maintenance and repair, if necessary. | ||
| ENS 53075 | 15 November 2017 06:00:00 | Agreement State | Agreement State Report - Radiography Camera Source Failed to Retract | The following information was received via E-mail: Desert NDT, LLC dba Shawcor (Shawcor) reported that a 3.15 TBq (85 Ci) Ir-192 sealed source (SPEC model G-60, serial #YJ2608) had disconnected from a drive cable connected to a SPEC model SPEC-150 radiography exposure device (serial #786) at a temporary job site in Watford City, ND on 11/15/2017. Upon completion of an exposure, the radiography crew performed a radiation survey while approaching the exposure device. At approximately 35 feet from the device, they noticed an elevated reading of approximately 20 mR/hr. At this point, the crew determined the source had not retracted into the safe, shielded position. The crew moved away from the device, secured the area, maintained a 2 mR/hr barrier and contacted the Branch Manager. The Branch Manager, who is trained in source retrieval, responded to the site. He successfully recovered the source following Shawcor established procedures. The Branch Manager inspected the exposure device and associated equipment. He determined no damage had occurred to the exposure device, guide tube, and/or crank assembly, rather the drive cable was not properly connected to the source pigtail. At no time during the event did the radiography crew member's pocket dosimeters go off-scale. In response to the initial notification, the North Dakota Department of Health requested the licensee send the exposure device and associated equipment involved in the event to the manufacturer for further evaluation. North Dakota Item Number: ND170001 | ||
| ENS 51389 | 10 September 2015 23:45:00 | Agreement State | Agreement State Report - Industrial Radiography Camera Source Disconnect | The following report was received from the State of Colorado via email: Event description: The Department (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) received a phone report from (licensee) on 09/11/15, at 0906 (MST). It was reported that a source disconnect occurred on 09/10/15, at about 1745. At that time, the licensee RSO (Radiation Safety Officer), went out and retrieved the source according to procedures for source retrieval. The source was successfully retrieved, and no over exposure was reported. The Department (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) is preparing for a visit to investigate the event and is expecting a full report from the licensee within 30 days. No reported over exposure from this event. No additional information on the Radiography Camera or source strength is available at this time. Event Report ID No.: CO15-I15-26 |