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 Start dateReporting criterionTitleEvent descriptionSystemLER
ENS 5300810 October 2017 16:35:00Agreement StateAlarm System BreachThe following report was received from the Texas Department of State Health Service via email: On October 10, 2017, the Agency had an alarm system breach at 1135 CDT. Security called our program stating the alarm to the source room was alarming. I went down to the room to check it out. I checked the door and it was locked, turned off the alarm system by entering the code, and called the security company and provided information to stop law enforcement from responding to the location. The postal service technician was next door and I asked her who opened the door, she said the contractors asked her to open the door and she stated she went to building operations office and got the key and opened the door for the contractors. And she said when the alarm went off, the door was closed and security guard was informed. That is when our program received the call to go down there. An investigator from our program stayed with the contractors and set the alarm when they were finished. A complete investigation will be completed. Investigation ongoing. Update will be provided in accordance with SA300. Texas Incident#: I-9516
ENS 5445620 December 2019 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Three Gauge Shutters Inoperable

The following was received via email from the state of Texas:

"On December 23, 2019, the licensee notified the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) that late, after hours, on December 20, 2019, it had discovered during routine gauge inspections that the shutters on three (3) of their Berthold Model LB 7440 gauges were inoperable. The shutters are in the open position which is the normal operating position for the gauges. Two of the gauges contain 100 milliCuries of cesium-137 each and the third contains 10 milliCuries of cesium-137. Due to their location, there is no increased risk of exposure to any persons. The licensee is in the process of scheduling repairs. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300."

TX Incident # 9729

ENS 5447512 January 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State - Fixed Gauge Stuck ShutterThe following was received from the agreement state via e-mail: On January 13, 2020, a licensee reported to the Agency that on January 12, 2020, it had discovered a shutter on a fixed nuclear gauge was stuck in the open position, which is the normal operating position for the gauge. The device is a Ronan SA-1 containing 5 milliCuries of Cs-137. The licensee stated that there is no concern of overexposures due to this equipment malfunction. A service company has been onsite and plans to remove the gauge on January 17, 2020. At that time, a decision will be made whether to repair or replace the gauge. An investigation into this event is ongoing and more information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Source: Cesium-137, 5 milliCuries (original activity 10/07/1996), SN: 2263GQ, manufactured by Amersham Texas Incident 9731.
ENS 5448215 January 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Radiography Camera Source DisconnectThe following was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On January 16, 2020, the Agency was notified by a licensee of a source disconnect event. The licensee stated that on January 15, 2020, a crew using a QSA Spec-150 camera with 76 Curies of iridium-192 were unable to retract the source back into the camera. The source was recovered and returned to the shielded position. The licensee suspects that the source was not properly connected to the drive cable, allowing the source to be pushed inside the guide tube but unable to retract it. The licensee stated that the individuals that performed the recovery received 50 mR to 60 mR of exposure, and that no overexposures are suspected as a result of the event. Investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident #: 9732
ENS 5448621 January 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateTexas Agreement State Report - Stolen Moisture Density GaugeThe following information was obtained from the state of Texas via email: On January 21, 2020, the licensee notified the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services), that one of its company trucks with one of its moisture/density gauges had been stolen from its facility. The technician had pulled the truck into the licensee's yard (fenced area but gate open) and pulled up to the building. He turned off the truck, but left the keys in it, while he took a test sample inside the building. The licensee's video surveillance shows an individual walked into the yard and stole the truck which had a Troxler model 3440 moisture/density gauge in the bed. The gauge has a lock on the insertion rod. The gauge is inside its transport case which has a lock. The transport case is inside a metal box that is bolted in the bed of the pickup that also has a lock. However, the keys to these locks are on the same key ring as the truck ignition key. The licensee immediately notified the local police department who responded to the facility and is investigating. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Gauge info: Troxler 3440 SN: 27798 Sources: Am-241/Be: 40 mCi, SN: 479223; Cs-137: 8 mCi, SN: 750-9353 Texas Incident No. I-9734 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 5449929 January 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateTexas Agreement State Report - Contamination Event Resulting in Restricted AccessThe following is a summary of information obtained from the state of Texas via email: On January 28, 2020, the licensee notified the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services), that it had discovered a load of soil containing Radium-228, collected during remediation/decommissioning activities for another licensee, had been taken to the municipal landfill in error. The soil was taken to the landfill on January 15, 2020, and was identified by the licensee on January 24, 2020. The error was identified while processing sample reports and other paperwork. A sample indicated the material had a concentration of 776 picoCuries of Radium-228 per gram. The Agency has confirmed the material does not pose a risk of becoming an uncontrolled contamination event, because it is in a cell at the landfill with clean soil covering it. The area has been cordoned off and the material does not pose a risk of exposure to any individual. The licensee has coordinated with the landfill to go onsite February 3, 2020, to take surveys and get information to develop a plan to recover the material so it can be properly disposed of. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident No.: 9736
ENS 545114 February 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Brachytherapy Source Failed to RetractThe following information was received from the state of Texas via email: The Methodist Hospital reported a source retraction failure during an intravascular Brachytherapy treatment performed on 2/4/2020. The intravascular brachytherapy system (Best Vascular Model A-1000 Serial #89670) contained a 1.3 GBq (35.2 mCi) Sr-90 source (AEA Model SICW.2 Serial #ZA925). The patient was treated as prescribed and the source was completely out of the patient. As it was retracting into the device, it didn't go into home position. The device was immediately placed in the emergency equipment box (shielding box) per manufacturer's instructions for response to this type of occurrence. There was no underexposure or overexposure to the patient. The manufacturer has been contacted to investigate and conduct repairs. Additional information in accordance with SA-300 will be provided. Texas Incident No.: 9739
ENS 5452111 February 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Qsa Exposure Device Open Shutter and CapThe following information was received from the state of Texas via email: On February 11, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was notified of an event by the licensee's consultant. The consultant stated the licensee had purchased a QSA 880 exposure device containing a 111 Curie iridium - 192 source from a licensee in Houston, Texas. The licensee's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) picked up the shipment at the common carrier shipping building in Amarillo, Texas and placed (it) in the back of his pickup truck. The RSO then surveyed the package. The RSO found readings of 40 millirem per hour (mR/hr) on three sides, but 400 mR/hr of the fourth side. The RSO confirmed the reading with a second meter. The RSO contacted the consultant and the consultant had the RSO tape a self-reading dosimeter (SRD) to the side of the box with the highest reading and leave it there for 10 minutes. After ten minutes the RSO read the SRD and found it reading 50 millirem. The RSO contacted the company manager (CM) in Dumas, Texas. The CM brought two additional meters to the common carrier location. New readings were taken and the highest dose rate was now 700 mR/hr. The RSO moved the truck to a remote area at the common carrier facility and placed barriers up. The consultant stated they have contacted the licensee who shipped the device who has provided pictures on how the device was packed for shipment. The RSO is qualified for source retrieval. It was decided that they would get a power screw driver (to minimize time in the area) and remove the top of the box and inspect the exposure device. At 2116 CST, the Agency was notified by the licensee that they had open the transportation container and inspected the device. The RSO found that both the shutter and cap were opened. The RSO closed the shutter and cap using a remote handling tool. A dose rate taken after closing the shutter and cap was 40 mR/hr. The licensee is transporting the device to its storage location. The licensee was instructed to provide dose estimates for any individual who may have been exposed. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA300. Exposure received from closure of the door and cap was approximately 3 millirem. Texas Incident Number: 9742
ENS 5453419 February 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Underdose of Yttrium-90 During TreatmentOn February 20, 2020, the Radiation Safety Officer for the Licensee notified this Agency of a medical event involving yttrium-90 Theraspheres. The prescribed dose was 120 Gy but only 85.2 Gy was administered with the remaining intended dose left in the tubing. The remainder could not be flushed out and the procedure was halted. The Licensee will meet with the manufacturer next week at the Licensee's facility to address this issue. This investigation is ongoing. More information will be provided when obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: I-9745 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5454024 February 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Stolen Density Gauge

The following is a synopsis of a event reported by the state of Texas via email and phone call: On February 24, 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services (Agency) was contacted by the Braun Intertec Corporation RSO to report a stolen moisture density gauge. The gauge was last seen on February 19, 2020 at the end of work in McKinney Texas. It was locked in a box in the back of a truck which was then driven to Euless, Texas where it reported to stay until February 24, 2020. The truck was then driven to a jobsite in Richardson, TX on February 24, 2020 at which point the employee realized that the locks were gone and the moisture density gauge was removed from the box in the back of the truck. Euless Police were notified. The activity for the density gauge is estimated to be 10 mCi Cs-137 and 40 mCi of Am241/Be. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided when obtained in accordance with SA- 300. Texas Incident number: 9746

  • * * UPDATE ON 6/18/20 AT 1721 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following information was received from the state of Texas via email: On June 17, 2020, the Agency was notified by a steel mill in Midlothian, Texas, that it had found a moisture/density gauge in a load of metal from a recycler. The serial number was checked and it was determined to be this licensee's gauge that was stolen February 24, 2020. The licensee was notified and picked up the device on June 18, 2020. The licensee transported the device to a manufacturer's facility in Arlington, Texas, and transferred it for disposal. The manufacturer will complete leak tests and provide the licensee with the results. (There were) no exposures that would exceed any regulatory limit at the steel mill. Investigation will continue to determine if any exposures occurred at the recycler and if the recycler can provide information on where, or from whom, it got the device. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Warnick), NMSS Events Notification (email), ILTAB (email), and CNSNS (email). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

ENS 545531 March 2020 06:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Loss of Control of Radioactive MaterialThe following information was received via E-mail: This event occurred in Austin, Texas. On March 1, 2020, one of the licensee's technicians had pulled off the road and was parked in a parking area, sleeping, when local law enforcement pulled up. Local law enforcement wanted to take the technician in for suspicion of DWI. At approximately 0800 CST the technician called the site radiation safety officer and told him of the situation. Law enforcement stayed with the technician until the tow truck came and took the vehicle to impound at approximately 0830 CST. The vehicle was locked, the alarm on the dark room was activated and the technician took all the keys to the dark room and camera with him. The vehicle was carrying a radiography camera (Spec 150) containing an 80 Curie Iridium-192 source. The licensee dispatched employees to the impound yard and they arrived at approximately 1015 CST and provided surveillance of the vehicle until it was released to them. They verified that the alarm system on the dark room was still armed and that the camera was present. The truck is being returned to the licensee's facility. At last report from the licensee, law enforcement had not performed any testing to determine if the technician was under-the-influence. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: Not Yet Assigned
ENS 5457910 March 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Stuck Open ShutterThe following information was received from the state of Texas via email: On 10 March, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was notified of a gauge with a stuck shutter in the open position. The gauge is a Berthold Model LB7440L with a 5 mCi Cs-137 source with serial 186-1-88. This gauge normally operates with the shutter in the open position. There is no increased risk of exposure to any individual. An investigation into this event is ongoing. Texas Incident #: 9750
ENS 5458513 March 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Patient UnderdoseThe following was received from the State of Texas via email: On March 13, 2020, (the Texas Department of State Health Services) was notified by the Houston Methodist Hospital of a medical event. The patient was to receive 18.4 Gy of therapeutic dose from a Novoste Beta-Cath system Sr-90 source (system serial no. 89670, source train serial no. za925). When the procedure began, the command was sent to the system to deliver the source. The source did not appear within the fluoro field as expected after 10 seconds and the command was sent to the system to retract the source. The source failed to retract. The oncologist manually removed the catheter from the patient and found the source stuck inside. It is now back in the system. The licensee has been reminded that they need to notify the referring physician within 24 hours. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided when obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9751 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5458616 March 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Radiography Source Guide Tube DamagedThe following was received from the State of Texas via email: On March 17, 2020, the Texas of Department of State Health (Agency) was notified that on March 16, 2020, one of the licensee's radiography crews was performing work at a temporary job site near Van Horn, Texas, when a piece of pipe fell onto the guide tube and they were unable to retract the source. A person authorized for source retrieval was dispatched and was able to retrieve the source and secure it inside the exposure device. The source retriever's pocket dosimeter had a reading of 155 millirem at the conclusion of the retrieval. The licensee will send the retriever's and the crew's dosimetry badges for processing. There were no other exposures as a result of this event. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Device Info: QSA Delta 880, SN: D5797, Source Info: 59.4 curies, Iridium-192, SN: 93949G Texas Incident Number: 9752
ENS 5462327 March 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Underdose of Patient Medical EventThe following was received from the State of Texas via email: On March 27, 2020, the licensee reported that at the completion of a procedure during which 26 milliCuries of Yttrium-90 Sirspheres were administered to a patient, the assay of the tubing, vial, catheter, etc., revealed that the patient had only received approximately 16 milliCuries of the administered dose. Approximately 10 milliCuries were still in the equipment. The authorized user determined this was not the result of vascular stasis. The licensee plans to hold the administration equipment for decay for approximately seven days at which time they will assay and inspect the equipment and attempt to determine the cause. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9755 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5462624 February 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Lost Static Control DeviceThe following was received from the State of Texas via email: On March 31, 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services (Agency) received a letter that had been originally sent to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, received March 3, 2020, which was forwarded via email. The letter was reporting a lost static control device: NRD Neutralizer model P-2021-Z705, SN: A2LP525, containing 10 milliCuries of polonium-210. This is a general license device. It was last used on February 20, 2020, and then replaced. On February 25, 2020, (employees at Gemini Sign Products) realized the box containing the device (to be shipped back to manufacturer) was missing. It was determined that on February 24, 2020, the device and its associated paperwork, which was in a box in an office awaiting paperwork completion/packing for transit back to the manufacturer, was mistaken by a custodian for waste, and it was thrown away in an outdoor dumpster. The dumpster was searched, but the waste had already been picked up and they learned from the waste company that the contents of that load were already at the landfill and buried. The report included the company's corrective actions: reminders to staff about the equipment and the regulations associated with it and new policy and procedure for changing out the devices in the future. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: I-9757 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 546679 April 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Dose Not Delivered to the Correct Location During Brachytherapy TreatmentThe following was received from the state of Texas via email and by telephone: On April 10, 2020, the licensee reported to the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) that it had an event on April 9, 2020, involving a Novoste device in which the source train had not advanced to the designated treatment site during two attempts to deliver intravascular brachytherapy to a patient. It was unclear if the source train had actually entered the patient and the Agency requested confirmation and more information. On April 14, 2020, the licensee reported back to the Agency confirming that the source train had stopped moving after it had entered the patient. During the first attempt, the source train of 16 Strontium-90 sources in the Novoste device failed to go to the expected treatment position and instead got stuck in the beta-rail catheter proximally to the treatment area for 6 minutes 54 seconds. The device was checked and a second attempt was made during which the source got stuck in the beta-rail catheter proximally to the desired treatment area for 3 minutes 41 seconds. The source train was stuck at different positions in the catheter for the two attempts and each time the physicians worked with the catheter to try and get the source train to move to the treatment site. Doses calculated for each of the locations: first location = 26.2 Gy at 2 mm; second location = 14.2 Gy at 2 mm. The licensee was able to fully retract the source into the device each time. The vendor is expected onsite next week to check the device and investigate the cause. The licensee has suspended this particular treatment program indefinitely pending identification of cause. Device Information: Novoste device SN: 89670 Source train SN: ZA925 Active source train length: 40 mm Number of Sr-90 sources: 16 Total activity: 2 GBq calibrated on 8/16/2002 Treatment Information: Vessel description: RCA Vessel diameter: 4 mm Lesion length: 30 mm Radiation dose: 23 Gy Dwell time: 5 minutes and 57 seconds Dose to staff was negligible since the source train was inside the patient. Effects to the patient, if any, as a result of this event were not reported with this initial information. An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: I-9760 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 546987 May 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Damaged Nuclear Gauge

The following was received from the state of Texas by email: On May 7, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee that a Humboldt model 5001 EZ was damaged at a temporary job site (in Dallas, TX). The gauge contains a 40 milliCurie americium-241 source and an 8 milliCurie cesium-137 source. The gauge was struck by the bucket of a Bobcat machine breaking the handle rod. The cesium source was in the fully shielded position. The cesium source could not be operated. The technician set up a barrier and contacted the radiation safety officer (RSO.) The RSO performed a radiation survey and measured the dose rate at two feet from the gauge at 0.15 millirem per hour, which is normal according to the licensee. The gauge was returned to the licensee's facility. No individual received a significant exposure due to this event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident #: 9764

  • * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO BRIAN P. SMITH AT 1046 EDT ON 5/11/2020 * * *

The following update was received from the state of Texas by email: On May 8, 2020, the licensee notified the Agency that the activity of the cesium source involved in this event was 10 milliCuries and not 8 milliCuries as previously reported. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (O'Keefe), and via E-mail: NMSS Events Notifications E-mail group

ENS 5470610 May 2020 05:00:00Agreement State

EN Revision Imported Date : 7/2/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - NUCLEAR GAUGE BROKEN LOCKING MECHANISM The following was received by the state of Texas via email: On May 12, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was notified by the licensee that the locking mechanism on a Endress Houser nuclear gauge model number FQG61 had broken off the gauge housing preventing them from locking the shutter in the closed position. The gauge contains a 100 milliCurie (original activity) cesium-137 source. The shutter operates normally. The licensee reported the gauge will not present an exposure risk to any individual. The licensee stated it is in the process of trying to schedule repairs to the gauge. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA 300. Texas Incident Number: 9766

  • * * UPDATE ON 7/1/2020 AT 1312 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following update was received via email: On June 30, 2020, the licensee reported that there had been another failure with the gauge. The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) was investigating to determine what had happened and learned that the rotary element and the source tube attached to it had come partially out of the gauge and when employees tried to put it back in it came apart into pieces. The two employees thought the source was still in the gauge housing and they picked up the pieces. They did not realize that one of the pieces they picked up was the source and it had separated from the source tube. One employee picked it up and gave it to the other employee who put it into his shirt pocket. The RSO contacted a licensed service company who put the source into a lead pig and it is now secured at the licensee's facility. The licensee is continuing to investigate, but initial dose calculations as of July 1, 2020 indicate the dose, especially to the one employee, will exceed reporting requirement of greater than 25 rem TEDE (Total Effective Dose Equivalent). The licensee will conduct a re-enactment to collect better information for dose reconstruction and calculation. They have been given the information for REAC/TS and have indicated they will pursue contacting them for biodosimetry. Current activity for the Cesium-137 source is 95 milliCuries (was 100 milliCi original activity). More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Silva), NMSS Regional/INES Coordinator (Rivera-Capella) and NMSS Event Notifications (email).

ENS 5472321 May 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Stolen Moisture Density GaugeThe following was received via email: On May 21, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was contacted by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) and notified that a Humboldt 5000 EZ moisture/density gauge had been lost by one of its technicians. The gauge contained a 40 milliCuries americium-241 source and a 10 milliCuries cesium-137 source. The RSO stated the technician had completed a job and placed the gauge back in the transport case. After completing their paperwork, they got into the cab of their truck and drove off, leaving the tailgate down and the gauge on the tailgate. The gauge came off at the intersection which was at a farmers' market. The technician drove to the next job site and discovered the gauge was missing. The technician backtracked and started looking for the gauge. The technician found an individual at the farmers' market that saw the gauge fall off the truck and someone pull up, grab the gauge, and drive off. The individual took a picture of the vehicle and captured part of the license plate. The technician contacted the RSO who responded to that location. The licensee contacted local law enforcement. The RSO stated the cesium source rod was locked in the shielded position, but was not sure if the transport case was locked. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas event number I-9770 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 5473029 May 2020 04:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Loss of Control of Radioactive Material

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via E-mail: On May 29, 2020, at approximately 0130 (CDT), the licensee notified the Agency that at approximately 2300 (CDT) on May 28, 2020, one of its industrial radiography crews was crossing a river southeast of Fredericksburg, Texas, when their vehicle was washed off the road and into the river. Their SPEC 150 exposure device, containing a 47 curie Iridium-192 source, is secured in the vehicle locked inside a robust overpack container, which is held by locked metal brackets which are bolted to the truck. The two radiographers and two licensee staff who responded, aided by county law enforcement with a helicopter, are looking for the vehicle. The river is flowing full and swift and making their search difficult and the truck appears to be being carried downstream. The roof of the darkroom was seen by helicopter at approximately 0440 (CDT). At this time, it is unlikely that an exposure could result to persons in unrestricted areas. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Notified DHS SWO, DOE Operations Center, FEMA Operations Center, HHS Operations Center, USDA Operations Center, EPA Emergency Operations Center, DHS CISA IOCC Watch Officer, FDA Emergency Operations Center (email), Nuclear SSA (email), FEMA National Watch Center (email) and DNDO Joint Analysis Center (email). Texas Incident No.: I-9722

  • * * UPDATE ON 5/30/2020 AT 1924 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO BRIAN P. SMITH * * *

The following updated information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via E-mail: On May 29, 2020, the pickup was found almost totally submerged approximately 1 mile downstream from where it entered the (Pedernales River at Goehmann Lane southeast of Fredericksburg, Texas). On May 30, 2020, the darkroom, which had separated, intact, from the vehicle, was found approximately 11 miles downstream from where it entered the river. Both were recovered May 30, 2020 by the licensee and will be transported to one of their licensed facilities on May 31, 2020. Neither the exposure device nor the overpack in which it was stored in the darkroom were in the vehicle or darkroom. The licensee has attempted to continue search operations to locate the device, but the river levels and water current are prohibitive at this time. They will continue the search as conditions permit, which will improve as the water recedes. Media and public attention are increasing. The Agency has released and the county will release statements (press releases). Exposure risk is still considered low at this time. In the update email a correction has been made in that the device is an INC IR100 and not a SPEC 150 as previously reported. The source information remains the same. Notified R4DO (Werner), ILTAB (Clark), IRD (Kennedy), INES (Milligan), NMSS (Williams), NMSS Events Notification (email), CNSNS (email)

  • * * UPDATE ON 5/31/2020 AT 1933 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO BRIAN P. SMITH * * *

The following updated information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: The device has been found on the riverbank and recovered by the licensee approximately 13 miles from where the truck entered the river. It was still secured inside the overpack container. No exposures to any member of the public. Notified R4DO (Werner), ILTAB (Clark), IRD (Kennedy), INES (Milligan), NMSS (Williams), NMSS Events Notification (email), CNSNS (email), DHS SWO, DOE Operations Center, FEMA Operations Center, HHS Operations Center, USDA Operations Center, EPA Emergency Operations Center, DHS CISA IOCC Watch Officer, FDA Emergency Operations Center (email), Nuclear SSA (email), FEMA National Watch Center (email) and DNDO Joint Analysis Center (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 6/3/2020 AT 0904 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO THOMAS KENDZIA * * *

The following updated information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: GPS coordinate mapping has provided more accurate information on the locations of the truck, darkroom, and industrial radiography device recovery locations. From the bridge where the truck entered the water: the truck was located within 1 mile, the radiography device was approximately 8.5 miles and the darkroom was approximately 9.9 miles. Notified R4DO (Proulx), ILTAB (Clark), IRD (Gott), INES (Milligan), NMSS (Rivera-Capella), NMSS (Williams), NMSS Events Notification (email), CNSNS (email), DHS SWO, DOE Operations Center, FEMA Operations Center, HHS Operations Center, USDA Operations Center, EPA Emergency Operations Center, DHS CISA IOCC Watch Officer, FDA Emergency Operations Center (email), Nuclear SSA (email), FEMA National Watch Center (email) and DNDO Joint Analysis Center (email). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "CATEGORY 2" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Category 2 sources, if not safely managed or securely protected, could cause permanent injury to a person who handled them, or were otherwise in contact with them, for a short time (minutes to hours). It could possibly be fatal to be close to this amount of unshielded radioactive material for a period of hours to days. These sources are typically used in practices such as industrial gamma radiography, high dose rate brachytherapy and medium dose rate brachytherapy. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

ENS 547449 June 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Stuck ShutterThe following was received by email from the state of Texas: On June 9, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was contacted by the licensee and informed that the shutter on a Vega SH-F1 gauge was found stuck in the open position during a routine inspection. The gauge contains a 20 milliCurie cesium-137 source. The gauge does not pose an exposure risk to any individual. The licensee has contacted the manufacturer for assistance in repairing the gauge. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident #: 9773
ENS 5475523 June 2020 14:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - High Dose Rate Tandem Applicator Broken During Treatment

The following was received via E-mail from the State of Texas: On June 23, 2020, the licensee reported that at approximately 0900 CDT, a Medical Event occurred at its facility. The event involved a patient receiving an High Dose Rate (HDR) cervix treatment with a Nucletron Model microSelectron using a tandem and ring. The device contained a 5.191Curie Iridium-192 source. After the treatment was completed and the device was removed, it was discovered the tandem had broken into two pieces. The licensee stated it is unknown where the source was positioned during the treatment. The licensee reported no warnings or errors from the machine were recorded from either the check source or the treatment cable. The licensee stated the source was in the patient for a total of 564.7 seconds. The source was in the tandem a total of 355.2 seconds of that total time. The licensee stated the physician has been notified, but was not sure if the patient had been notified. The licensee stated they were still investigating what occurred and will provide more specific information as it is discovered. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA300. Texas Incident No.: 9774

  • * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0902 EDT ON 6/30/2020 * * *

The break in the tandem occurred about four inches from the end of the tandem. A picture provided by the licensee shows the break at the beginning of the bend in the tandem on the insertion end at the start of the ring. The licensee stated using the location of the guide wire, which they could track, it now appears that the source tracked next to the tandem and that the exposure occurred only to the intended tissue. The manufacture is investigating the event with the licensee. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA300. Notified R4DO (Silva) and NMSS Events Notification E-mail group.

ENS 5480529 July 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Stuck ShuttersThe following information was received via email: On July 29, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that during the performance of routine gauge inspections two gauges were found to have shutters that would not function. One was a Ronan model SA-1-F37 gauge containing a 150 mCi cesium-137 source with the shutter stuck in the open position. The second gauge was a Ronan model SA-1-C10 gauge containing a 100 mCi cesium-137 source with the shutter stuck in the closed position. Both source activities reported are the original activities. The gauge shutters are stuck in the normal operating position and do not create any additional exposure risk to any individual. The licensee has contacted a service company to repair the gauges. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9780
ENS 548101 August 2020 17:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Lost Moisture Density Gauge

At approximately 1749 CDT on August 1, 2020, the licensee notified the agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) that at approximately 1200 CDT, one of the licensee's technicians had completed density testing and placed the Troxler Model 3440 gauge (SN: 25201) in the bed of his pickup with the insertion rod locked. The technician then collected a moisture sample. He failed to secure the gauge in its transportation case and failed to raise the tailgate of the truck as well. The technician had driven approximately 1.5 miles from the site when he realized what had happened and that the gauge was not in the bed of the truck. He reported immediately to his supervisor. The licensee searched by vehicle and on foot the entire route the technician had driven and also checked with some other workers on the site but they had not seen anything. The licensee reported the loss to local police department and then notified the agency. The licensee will pursue other avenues to attempt to locate the gauge (notify pawn shops, check for surveillance cameras at locations along the route, etc.). The gauge contained an 8 milliCurie cesium-137 and 40 milliCurie americium-241 source. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident No.: TBD.

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/1/20 AT 2150 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO BETHANY CECERE * * *

The licensee has notified the agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) that a member of the public had posted on Facebook that he had found the gauge. The technician who lost the gauge saw the post and made arrangements to get the gauge from him. At approximately 1945 CDT, the licensee took possession of the gauge. The lock on the insertion rod was still in place, sources were in the fully shielded position, and there is no apparent damage to the gauge. The licensee will have it checked by the manufacturer/service company. Licensee will notify LLEA of the recovery. Notified R4DO (Gepford), NMSS Events Notification, ILTAB, and CNSNS (Mexico). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

ENS 548153 August 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Patient UnderdoseThe following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 4, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that an event occurred during the administration of Y-90 TheraSpheres on August 3, 2020. The RSO stated the written directive prescribed dosage was 22.3 mCi. During the administration of the TheraSpheres, the pressure observed by the Authorized User (AU) became significantly less than expected, and activity leaving the dose administration vial into the catheter decreased significantly before the entire dose could be delivered. The RSO stated a TheraSpheres (Boston Scientific) representative was present during the procedure and assisted the authorized user through troubleshooting, and remote consultation with TheraSpheres medical specialists. However, flow from the dose administration vial could not be re-initiated. The AU chose to end the procedure. Following survey of the dose administration vial in the hot lab, it was determined that approximately 7.1 mCi (31.8 percent) was delivered to the patient. The RSO stated that their initial assessment is that this was the result of a device malfunction. There were no adverse effects to the patient. It is likely that a second procedure will be scheduled to complete the procedure. The RSO stated that the patient and referring physician were notified. This is the first event involving TheraSpheres reported to the Agency by this licensee. The RSO stated additional information on the event will be provided within the next 10 days. Additional information will be provided as it is received by the Agency in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9782 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5483713 August 2020 05:00:00Agreement State

EN Revision Imported Date : 8/17/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FIRE INVOLVING OIL WELL LOGGING SOURCE On August 13, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was contacted by the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRC) and notified that they had been contacted by a State of Texas licensee. The NRC still had the licensee on their bridge line and tied the Agency into the call with the licensee. The licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) reported that one of their well service blending trucks was engaged in a fire. The well is located near Mentone, Texas. The truck has a TN model 5190 nuclear gauge containing a 200 milliCurie cesium - 137 source installed on the piping system. The gauge was purchased in December 2019. At the time of the call (2121 CDT) the fire was still burning, and a fire department was on scene. The RSO believed the fire department was aware of the source. The RSO stated all their personnel had been evacuated from the scene of the fire. There is no way to know the status of the gauge shielding or of the source. The RSO agreed to contact the Agency when the fire was put out, and after completing a survey of the gauge. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. TX Incident #: I-9783 Notified DHS SWO, DOE Ops Center, FEMA Ops Center, HHS Ops Center, CISA Central, USDA Ops Center, EPA Emergency Ops Center, FDA Emergency Ops Center (email), FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

  • * * RETRACTION ON 8/14/2020 AT 2051 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO KERBY SCALES * * *

The following retraction was received from the state of Texas via email: On August 14, 2020, the licensee reported that after the fire was extinguished it found that the fire did not reach the gauge or equipment around it. This included electrical wiring and rubber hoses which showed no damage from the fire. A portion of the equipment the gauge was mounted to did have some fire damage. An Agency radioactive material inspector went to the site and performed a dose rate survey on the gauge. Based on this survey, it does not appear there was any damage to the gauge shielding. There was a second gauge at the site, but it was not anywhere near the area of the fire and was not affected. It was also surveyed and did not appear to have had any damage. The dose rates taken on the gauges were similar. Based on this information this event does not meet the reporting criteria and is therefore retracted. The licensee has performed a leak test of the gauge and if the results are greater than the limit it will be reported in accordance with SA-30. Notified R4DO (Proulx), NMSS EO (Williams), IRD MOC (Gott), and NMSS Event Notifications (email). Additionally notified DHS SWO, DOE Ops Center, FEMA Ops Center, HHS Ops Center, CISA Central, USDA Ops Center, EPA Emergency Ops Center, FDA Emergency Ops Center (email), FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).

ENS 5485121 August 2020 13:00:00Agreement State 

EN Revision Imported Date : 9/14/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - NUCLEAR GAUGE ENGULFED DURING FIRE The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 21, 2020, at 1307 CDT the Agency was notified by the licensee consultant (LC) that a fire was burning on one of its dredges off the coast Corpus Christi, Texas. The LC stated the drudge had a 250 milliCurie (original activity) (Cs-137) source in a Berthold model 7440 nuclear gauge installed on a pipe for density measurement. The LC did not have any other information on the location, but knew the dredge was in between 40 and 50 feet of water. The LC stated that the personnel on board were fighting the fire. The LC stated they believed that the gauge would be engulfed by the fire. The LC stated they would supply additional information once the fire is out and they have a chance to inspect the equipment. At 1553 CDT the LC contacted the Agency and stated the dredge workers were able to take dose rate reading about two feet from the gauge and the reading was 26 millirem per hour. The LC stated that the steel was still too hot to stay very long in the area. The LC stated (when asked) that they believe the fire is out. The LC stated the current priority on the drudge was locating several missing individuals. The LC stated they directed personnel on the drudge to take a contamination survey on the gauge as soon as possible. The LC stated the gauge source serial number was 0025-06. A search of news sources in Corpus Christi, Texas by the Agency found that a barge had struck an underwater natural gas line at a facility in Corpus Christy, Texas. This information was verified by the licensee's LC. The news reports stated the event occurred at about 0800 CDT. The report stated that the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area. The United States Coast Guard is assisting in the fire fighting and search for individuals. The name of the dredge involved was provided in several reports. The Agency contacted the LC verified the ship was owned by the licensee. This information was verified by the Agency by reviewing four different news sources. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9784

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/21/20 AT 2337 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 21, 2020, at 2200 CDT, the Agency was notified by the LC that the dredge has sunk. The dredge is believed to be in 45-50 feet of water on its starboard (stbd) side. The gauge is located on the stbd side of the vessel and the shutter was in the open position. The LC stated that after talking to the radiation safety officer who is at the location the LC stated the dose rate they were able to take earlier today and was reported as 26 mR/hr at 2 feet was 26 mR/hr at 6 feet. A request for the composition of the source material has been made to the manufacturer. The search for four missing persons continues and is the current priority. Notified R4DO (Taylor), NMSS (Jamerson), and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/22/20 AT 0915 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO THOMAS KENDZIA * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 22, 2020 the manufacturer confirmed the source involved in this event is made of ceramic source material and is double encapsulated. Follow-up phone call to the Agency confirmed that the fire is out and the LC and the RSO are working on a recovery plan. First priority remains the search for the four missing persons. Notified R4DO (Taylor), NMSS (Jamerson), and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/23/20 AT 1444 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: The Agency has contacted the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) and received the following information. The RSO stated that before the vessel sank a hazmat crew was able to get eyes on the gauge. The hazmat team stated the gauge did not appear to have been damaged by the fire. The area around the gauge also did not appear to have been damaged by the fire. The RSO stated the current plan is to raise the vessel, survey the gauge, and close the shutter. The RSO stated they would send a written report providing additional information. Notified R4DO (Taylor), NMSS (Jamerson), and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/24/20 AT 2209 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: The Agency contacted the licensee's consultant (LC) on August 24, 2020, and requested an update on the event. The consultant stated he had received a written report completed by the licensee's RSO for his review. The LC stated he is on vacation but hoped to forward it to the Agency today. As of the writing of this update the report has not been received by the Agency. The LC stated they had a contractor in place to retrieve the vessel. Once raised the plan is to inspect the gauge, perform surveys of the gauge, and close the shutter. The raising of the vessel is not scheduled to take place until next week or the week after that due to difficulties getting the needed equipment in place. In addition, the local weather may hamper recovery activities. Notified R4DO (Kellar) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/25/20 AT 2046 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 25, 2020, the Agency received the following information from the licensee's radiation safety officer: 'We do not have the equipment to do a deep-water survey of the radiation source. T&T our salvage contractor is ordering the equipment to do the survey of the source to insure the safety of their divers because the source has not had an up-close survey since the vessel sunk. We have taken a survey above the water and have not picked up any radioactivity.' The report from the licensee has been delayed while a review is completed. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Kellar) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON AUGUST 27, 2020 AT 1136 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email: The licensee has confirmed that a member of a hazmat team who was able to inspect the gauge from a small boat next to the vessel prior to it sinking stated the gauge appeared undamaged, the wires leading to and from the gauge appeared to be undamaged, and that painted surfaces in the area of the gauge did not appear to be damaged by heat or the fire. The licensee stated they were unable to locate any pictures of the gauge prior to the vessel sinking. The licensee stated that their salvage contractor is ordering the equipment to do an underwater survey of the source to insure the safety of their divers because the source has not had an up-close survey since the vessel sunk. The licensee stated they have taken a survey in the water above the vessel and have not picked up any radioactivity. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Kellar) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 9/11/20 AT 1653 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On September 11, 2020, the licensee reported the dredge was raised to the surface and the gauge was recovered on the dredge. The gauge was undamaged, and the licensee was able to shutter the source. Dose rates at the gauge were reported as normal. The shutter has been locked closed and the source will be disposed by a contractor. Additional information will be provided via the Nuclear Materials Events Database. Notified R4DO (Warnick) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).

ENS 5485724 August 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Nuclear Gauge Shutter Stuck OpenThe following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 25, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee's consultant that during routine inspections the shutter on a Vega model SHGL-1 nuclear gauge containing a 2,000 milliCurie (original activity) cesium-137 source was stuck in the open position. Open is the normal position for the shutter. The gauge does not create an exposure hazard to any individual. The licensee's service provider is aware of the failure. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9786
ENS 5486226 August 2020 05:00:00Agreement State

EN Revision Imported Date : 9/2/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF SOURCE IN SHIELDED POSITION ON LEVEL INDICATOR The following information was received via E-mail: On August 26, 2020, the Agency (Texas Department of State Health Services) was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that while making preparations for the coming hurricane, the position of the source rod on a Tracerco, Model T-218-160032 (used for level indication) could not be confirmed. The source rod contains 10 cesium-137 sources of 10 milliCuries each (original activity.) The RSO stated when they return the sources to the shielded position, the control system does indicate the sources are shielded as indicated by a light change on the system console. When the licensee attempted to shield the sources on this day, the light did not change to indicate the sources were shielded. The gauge source rod is operated manually. They tried it a couple of times, but the light still did not change. A survey was performed on the outside of the vessel. The RSO stated there wasn't enough change in dose rate readings with shutter in the open and closed positions to determine whether the sources were shielded based on survey. The RSO stated it may be that the sources are not moving, or it may be that there is an issue within the control system causing the light not to change. They cannot determine at this time which problem is occurring. The RSO is contacting the manufacturer to send someone out after the hurricane. There is no risk of exposure. The RSO stated they will update the Agency once the manufacturer determines the problem. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9787

  • * * RETRACTION ON 9/01/2020 AT 1406 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO THOMAS HERRITY * * *

The following information was received via e-mail: On September 1, 2020, the licensee notified the Agency (Texas DSHS) that on August 31, 2020, a service company came onsite to investigate the shutter problem they had reported, and identified that there was no mechanical issue with the shutter. The problem they had was a failure of the output signal to indicate source position. The source rod was functioning normally. Based on this information, the Agency is retracting this event. Notified R4DO (Deese) and NMSS Events (email).

ENS 5486528 August 2020 05:00:00Agreement State

EN Revision Imported Date : 9/1/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST SHIPMENT OF TRITIUM EXIT SIGNS The following was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On August 28, 2020, the Agency was contacted by an individual to notify it that they had shipped seven Forever Lite tritium exit signs to a manufacturer in May of 2020 and they have been informed by the transportation company that they do not know where the signs are. The signs are Forever Lite signs, each containing 7.03 curies (original activity) of tritium, manufactured in May 2011. The package was last scanned in Fort Worth, Texas, in May of 2020. The shipper stated that they were told on May 19, 2020 it was to be delivered in Canada. The next update when they followed up they were advised the package was lost and they were trying to locate the shipment and opened a claim. The location where the signs were lost is unknown at this time; therefore, the Agency is making this report for your information. The Agency has requested additional information and clarifications from the shipper. Additional information will be provided as it is received. Texas Incident #: I - 9789 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

  • * * UPDATE ON AUGUST 31, 2020 AT 1126 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: After reviewing documents provided by the licensee, the Agency contacted the licensee and confirmed that eight signs were lost and not seven as previously reported. The transportation company's radiation safety officer (RSO) was contacted by the Agency and the RSO stated they do not store the tracking records of shipments in their computer system for very long, therefore they would not be able to review the tracking information for this shipment. The Agency will provide additional information as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Deese), NMSS Events Notification, ILTAB, CNSC (Canada), and CNSNS (Mexico) via email.

ENS 5486629 August 2020 14:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Stolen Vehicle with Moisture Density Gauge

The following was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: The licensee notified the Agency at approximately 1315 CDT that one of its company pickups had been stolen and a Troxler model 3440 moisture/density gauge (SN: 37337) was secured in the bed of the truck. The gauge contains 40 milliCurie americium-241 and 8 milliCurie cesium-137 sources. The technician had a late testing and then went to his residence from the job site due to a serious water leak that was occurring there. After fixing the leak, it was late and he fell asleep and did not return the gauge to the licensee's facility. He last saw the vehicle/gauge at approximately 0100. At approximately 0900, he discovered the vehicle, with the gauge, had been stolen. The set of keys to the locks securing the gauge and the insertion rod were in the cab of the truck. Local police were notified. Police will notify the local pawn shops and the licensee will search local buy/sell/trade internet sites for the gauge and other equipment. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident # I-9790

  • * * UPDATE ON 08/29/20 AT 2018 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO OSSY FONT * * *

The following update was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email: The licensee's Radiation Safety Officer notified the Agency at approximately 1847 CDT that he has possession of the gauge and it was back at their facility. He had been called by the San Antonio Fire Department HAZMAT at approximately 1800 that they had been called to a location where the gauge was - the gauge was sitting on the edge of a street next to the curb. The latches on the transport case were unlocked but the gauge and all other equipment were present. The chains and locks that secured the gauge in the bed of the truck were also present. There was no damage to the transport container or the gauge. Technicians put the device through its normal testing procedures and it is fully operational. Any further information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Kellar), and NMSS Events Notification, ILTAB, and CNSNS (Mexico) via email. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

ENS 5487231 August 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report- Shutter Stuck in Open PositionThe following was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via e-mail: On September 1, 2020, the Agency received a report from the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) indicating the shutter on an Ohmart Vega model SH-F1B nuclear gauge was stuck in the open position. Open is the normal operating position of this gauge. The gauge contains a 100 milliCurie (original activity) cesium-137 source. The stuck shutter was found during routine inspections. The licensee has contacted a service provider to repair the gauge. The gauge does not create an exposure risk to any individual. Additional information will be provided in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9791
ENS 548865 September 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Gauge Damaged When Struck by VehicleThe following was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email: On September 5, 2020, The Agency was notified by the licensee's site radiation safety officer (SRSO) that a Humboldt EZ 5001 moisture/density gauge was damaged at a temporary job site when a bulldozer struck the gauge. The gauge contains a 40 milliCurie americium-241 source and a 10 milliCurie cesium-137 source. The cesium source was in the shielded position when the event occurred. The operating rod was bent, and the SRSO stated he did not believe the cesium source rod would move. The SRSO stated they performed radiation surveys around the gauge and the highest reading they obtained was 1.3 millirem per hour, which is a normal reading. The SRSO stated they were taking the gauge back to their storage location and would perform a leak test of the gauge. The event did not present an exposure risk to any individual. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident #: 9795
ENS 548918 September 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Lost and Recovered CameraThe following was received from Texas Department of Health Services (the agency) via email: On September 9, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that on September 8, 2020, one of his crews lost a QSA 880D exposure device containing a 38.1 Curie iridium-192 source. The radiography crew had placed the exposure device on the tailgate of their truck at the licensee's location. The crew drove away from the site with the exposure device still on the tailgate. The device fell off the truck a short distance from the licensee's location. A second crew left the licensee's location a short time (10 minutes) later and found the device on the pavement. The second crew performed a radiation survey of the device and found the radiation levels to be normal and the source was still fully shielded. The second crew returned the device to the licensee's location. The device was inspected and did not appear to be damaged. The licensee has sent the device to the manufacturer for inspection. Additional information has been requested from the licensee. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: I-9798 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "CATEGORY 2" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Category 2 sources, if not safely managed or securely protected, could cause permanent injury to a person who handled them, or were otherwise in contact with them, for a short time (minutes to hours). It could possibly be fatal to be close to this amount of unshielded radioactive material for a period of hours to days. These sources are typically used in practices such as industrial gamma radiography, high dose rate brachytherapy and medium dose rate brachytherapy. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 548991 September 2020 05:00:00Agreement StateAgreement State Report - Underdose During Medical TreatmentThe following information was received via e-mail from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency): On September 14, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that they had discovered a medical event (occurred September 1, 2020) involving a Varian high dose rate remote afterloader (HDR) unit had occurred. The RSO reported that a patient was to receive two boost treatments using the HDR unit. While setting up for the second treatment, the licensee noted the length of source catheter tube used in the first treatment was incorrect, therefore only part of the intended target was treated. The RSO stated the patient and physician were both notified of the event and that the current plan is to perform an additional treatment to the area that was under exposed in the first treatment. The RSO stated they did not expect any adverse effects to the patient. The Agency has requested additional information on the event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident Number: 9796 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5490014 September 2020 05:00:00Agreement State 

EN Revision Imported Date : 10/9/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST AND FOUND DEVICE The following information was submitted by the Texas Department of Health Services (the Agency) via email: On September 15, 2020, at 1700 CDT, the Agency was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that one of their technicians had left a Troxler model 4640B density gauges at a job site overnight. The technician had completed their work on September 14, 2020, and left the job site after completing their paperwork, but failed to store the device into their truck. The RSO stated the gauge handle was locked and did not believe any individual would receive an exposure. The RSO stated the device contains two cesium-137 sources, but did not know the activities. The manufacturer's website states the activity to be 8 (+ or - 1) milliCuries. The licensee's license states a device source cannot exceed 9 milliCuries. The RSO stated they had technicians out searching for the gauge. At 1736 CDT, on September 15, 2020, the RSO contacted the Agency and reported the gauge had been recovered. He could not provide any additional information. Additional information has been requested. If during the investigation of this event it is determined that an individual could have been exposed, the Agency will submit an update to this report. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Texas Incident No.: 9797

  • * * UPDATE ON 10/08/2020 AT 0749 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO OSSY FONT * * *

The following update was received from the Agency via email: On October 7, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee that the gauge only had one source and not two as first reported. The licensee stated it thought it had two sources because of the way it calculates the density of the top two inches. The licensee stated it has only one source, but two detectors so it can calculate thin lift density. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300. Notified R4DO (Josey) and NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB via email.

Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf