The following was received from the State of
Texas via email.
On June 11, 2018, the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) reported to the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] that one of its Humboldt 5001-EZ moisture/density gauges (serial number 4097) containing a 40 milliCurie americium-241/Beryllium source (NJ04418) and a 8 milliCurie cesium-137 source (7146GQ) had been run over by a dump truck at a temporary job site. The upper casing on the gauge was damaged and the guide bar broke off as the rod was taking a reading. The rod was in the ground when hit by the truck. The technician was taking readings when he noticed a dump truck backing up close to his location. He moved to the side and tried to wave the person driving to stop. The truck didn't stop and hit the gauge. The incident was reported by the RSO and stated the area has been restricted access until the device can be recovered. The RSO traveled to the site and accessed the device. The source was successfully pulled/retrieved into the shielded position, surveyed and being transported to a servicing company for possible repair or disposal. The company will provide full details of the incident within the next few days. Investigation ongoing.
Texas Incident #: 9584