The following report was submitted via e-mail:
At approximately 3:00 PM the licensee called the Agency [Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency] to report an equipment failure of an industrial radiography exposure device, involving a QSA Model 880 Delta camera, serial # D3231. The source did not crank back into a closed and shielded position after use. After working with the crank system and not being able to return the source, the crank system was disengaged and the source was pulled manually into the closed and shielded position in the camera. The camera contained 48 Curies of Selenium-75. The licensee will perform a leak test on the camera and then send it out for repair.
The Agency continues to investigate the actions of the licensee and timeliness of reporting the incident.
The NRC and the Arizona Governor's office have been notified of this event.
Press coverage is not anticipated.
Arizona Incident 13-006
- * * UPDATE FROM AUBREY GODWIN VIA EMAIL TO HOWIE CROUCH @ 1127 EST ON 2/14/13 * * *
The Licensee supplied additional information... showing the effects of heat on the equipment. The radiography was being conducted at a solar power generation site. The mirrors were rotated down so the radiography could be conducted. The guide tube appears to have partially melted. The manufacturer recommends not exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit for the equipment. The steering wheel of their truck was also melted.
The Licensee is now conducting their work at night.
Notified R4DO (Hagar) and FSME_Events Resource (email).