The following was received from the State of
New York by fax:
Terracon Consultants reported that a moisture/density gauge [Troxler model 3430P, serial #70428, containing 0.30 GBq (8 mCi) Cs137 and 1.48 GBq (40 mCi) Am-Be source] was damaged at a mass fill project in Rochester, NY. The source manufacturer and serial number are not yet available.
While at a mass fill project in Rochester, NY, a technician had completed a round of density testing and placed the gauge within a roped off area at the end of the fill area. He then walked to his truck approximately 100 feet away to get water. During that time, a 10-ton single drum roller moving in reverse headed towards the roped off area and gauge. The technician noticed the operator approaching the gauge as he walked back towards it and yelled and tried to gain the attention of the roller operator. The rear rubber tire of the roller impacted the side of the gauge and damaged the plastic covering. The technician cordoned off the area 15 feet around the gauge and surveyed the operator and roller.
The technician called their office manager and a regional manager (who happened to be in their office) and went to the site and surveyed the gauge and all parties/equipment involved and it did not appear that the gauge was leaking. The gauge was visually inspected for damage and it appeared that only the top case was damaged, the gauge was still operational, and the source rod was fully enclosed in the gauge. The gauge was returned to its transport case and returned to its permanent storage location in Rochester, NY. The gauge will be transported for repair and leak testing.
An internal root cause analysis and follow up training with the technician will be set in place with their corporate RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] in the next few days.
NY EVENT REPORT ID NO. NY-18-02