On May 14, 2014, the licensee notified the Agency [Texas Department of Health] that when it was locking out sources on May 12, 2014, for a shutdown it was unable to close the shutter on one of its Ohmart-Vega model SHLG-2 fixed nuclear
gauges which contained a 3 curie
cesium-137 source. The licensee contacted the manufacturer. A service company came to the licensee's facility on May 14, 2014, and closed the shutter, removed the
gauge, and placed it in storage.
The licensee will send the gauge to the manufacturer for repair. The gauge normally operates with the shutter in the open position. No one received any exposure as a result of this event. Additional information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300.
TX # I-9193
- * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY ART TUCKER TO JEFF ROTTON VIA EMAIL AT 1249 EDT ON 06/18/2014 * * *
A review of the licensee's written report found that a second gauge had failed during this event. The second gauge was an Ohmart-Vega model OHM-S-A2 gauge containing a 3000 milliCurie cesium - 137 source. The licensee stated that while trying to close the shutter on this gauge, the pin for the actuator handle broke and the handle came loose from the gauge. The handle was placed on the gauge and held in place with wire. The shutter was left in the open position. On May 14, 2014, the manufacturer was able to free the shutter and place it in the closed position. The gauge was removed from its mounting and package for shipment by the manufacturer. No significant exposure was received by any individual as a result of this event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300.
Notified R4DO (Hay) and
FSME Resources (email).