The following report was received via e-mail:
Curwood, Inc. reported an incident involving a NDC Infrared Engineering, Inc. thickness gauge, model 103, serial number 13457, containing 150 mCi's of Americium-241 that occurred on November 2, 2011. A sample of film was cut from the web on a production line and as the sample passed the device, the tail snagged the gauge and dislodged it from the mounting bracket. The gauge fell approximately 40 inches to the treater deck platform. The fall caused the shutter to become dislodged from the device and the crystal lens was cracked. Curwood contacted NDC and was instructed to perform a survey and wipe test of the device. The survey and wipe test indicated that the source was intact and no removable contamination was present. The device is currently packaged and in storage awaiting shipment to NDC for repair. The cause of this incident was the fact that the sample was taken prior to the device and that one of the two screws mounting the device was missing. Corrective actions include now taking the samples at a location on the production line after the device, replacing and securing the missing screw, [performing] a daily spot check of the mounting screws, and a weekly check of the screws to ensure that they are secure.
Iowa Event: IA110006