The following was received from the
California Department of Public Health (
CDPH) via email:
On October 24, 2023, the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) of Barnett Quality Control Services, contacted the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding a moisture density gauge that was struck by a front loader at a construction site while the Cs-137 source was in the extended position. The gauge was a Troxler Model 3440, serial number 15052 (8 millicuries (nominal) Cs-137, 40 millicuries (nominal) Am:Be-241). The impact with the gauge resulted in the top section of the index rod breaking off. The source rod and the body of the gauge were intact (including the Am:Be-241 source). The RSO was contacted and responded to the scene of the incident. The RSO was able to place the Cs-137 source in the shielded position, but the section of the index rod that allowed the source rod to be locked in the shielded position was missing. The RSO was instructed by a CDPH inspector to secure the source with duct tape on the source handle and at the bottom opening to prevent the source from shifting from the shielded position. The RSO was also instructed to perform a radiation survey of the area of the incident after moving the gauge to ensure that the radioactive sources were not left behind. The licensee's investigation into this event is ongoing and will be reviewed further by the California Department of Public Health.
There were no reports of contamination or exposure to personnel.
California Incident (5010) Number: 102423