On June 11, 2010 at 1100 Central Daylight Time, the Agency, [Texas Department of Health,] was notified by the licensee that the shutters on six
gauges failed in the open position. Three of the
gauges were manufactured by Berthold [Model 7400D] and each contained 30 millicuries of
Cesium (Cs) - 137 (S/N's: 2423, 2425, 2426). The other three
gauges were manufactured by Ohmart/VEGA [Model SHD] and each contained 150 millicuries of
Cs-137 (S/N's: 74452, 74453, 73491). The licensee stated that dose rates taken in the area were normal, since the shutters failed in their normal operating positions. The licensee has contacted the manufacturer to schedule a repair of the
gauges. The Agency reminded the licensee to request an exemption to continue to use the
gauges while their shutters are awaiting repair so that that the licensee would not violate a condition of their license.
A contractor is making arrangements for the gauges to be repaired by their manufacturers.
Texas Incident No: I-8753