ENS Event | |
|---|---|
05:00 Sep 14, 2022 | |
| Title | Damaged Gauge with Source Displacement |
| Event Description | The following information was provided by the Kentucky Department for Public Health & Safety, Radiation Health Branch (KYRHB) via email:
KYRHB was notified on 9/14/2022 by the RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] from SME, New Albany, Indiana, that a Troxler 3411-B portable moisture density gauge (Serial Number 13640; Cs-137: 8 mCi; Am-241:Be: 40 mCi) was significantly damaged after it was impacted by a bulldozer at a temporary jobsite. The gauge was in use when the operator of the bulldozer stopped within 8-10 feet of the moisture density gauge. After a brief pause and despite attempts by the authorized user to stop the driver, [the bulldozer] proceeded forward and subsequently impacted the device, resulting in breakage of the notched index rod, and displacement of the entire source rod (Cs-137) from the device minus the lead shielding. The area was cordoned off in a 100-foot diameter circle and the RSO was contacted. The source rod containing the Cs-137 source was successfully reinserted into the device and readings with a GM detector confirmed no residual radioactivity remained after removal of the gauge from the site. The condition of the 40 mCi Am-241:Be source was not determined but the gauge housing did not suffer significant damage. No overexposures are expected from the incident, but dosimetry for the personnel involved has been requested. The damaged gauge will be transported to the company's headquarters in Plymouth, MI for leak testing and final disposition. A follow-up inspection of the licensee is planned as a follow up to this incident. Kentucky Incident Number: KY 220005 |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Sme Richwood, Kentucky (NRC Region 1) | |
| License number: | 201-823-51 |
| Organization: | Kentucky Dept Of Radiation Control |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+34.25 h1.427 days <br />0.204 weeks <br />0.0469 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Anjan Bhattacharyya 15:15 Sep 15, 2022 |
| NRC Officer: | Adam Koziol |
| Last Updated: | Sep 15, 2022 |
| 56109 - NRC Website | |
Sme with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 561092022-09-14T05:00:00014 September 2022 05:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State Damaged Gauge with Source Displacement 2022-09-14T05:00:00 | |