The following is a summary of information provided by the
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (
LDEQ) via email:
The licencee's radiation safety officer notified LDEQ of an equipment malfunction, which occurred at their facility on August 6, 2025, at approximately 0930 CDT. During a routine shutter check, the shutter of a fixed gauge became stuck in the closed position. The vendor conducted a site visit and assessment where he noted that the bolt fastening the rotor handle sheared, leaving the rotor inoperable. The shutter was left in the open position while awaiting replacement. The licensee intends to order a replacement source holder and shield, remove the existing source holder, and prepare it for disposal. The gauge shutter is now stuck in the open position. No exposures in excess of regulatory limits took place. The licensee is monitoring radiation levels around the gauge and vessel and will notify the LDEQ of incident status changes.
Device Information:
Manufacturer: VEGA
Source housing model: SH-F1A-45
Device serial number: 74127
Source serial number: 7474CO
Activity: 300 mCi
Isotope: Cs-137
Louisiana Event Report Number: LA20250005