The following information was received by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
The licensee called the Agency [Massachusetts Radiation Control Program] to report a fixed fill level gauge stuck in the open position. The gauge is a Berthold LB7400 Series gauge, Model LB7440, and contains a 150 mCi Cs-137 source [S/N:1476].
The gauge is mounted to a liquid holding tank which was emptied and was scheduled for routine cleaning. Before cleaning of the tank could begin, the gauge shutter was attempted to be put into the closed position. When attempting to close the shutter, the handle broke off and left the gauge stuck in the open position. Cleaning was not able to be performed and no one was able to enter the tank. The gauge remains in the installed position and is in an inaccessible area with safety controls in place to prevent access. The manufacturer was contacted and will be servicing the gauge 09/27/16 thru 09/28/16 by either repairing or replacing the shielding as necessary.
The Agency continues to investigate and considers this event to be open.
Manufacturer of
gauge notified and will respond to assess the device; repair or replacement as necessary.