AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED GAUGE
The following information was received via E-mail:
"At approximately 1420 CDT on Saturday, May 30, 2020, the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for Global Brass and Copper, Inc., d/b/a Olin Brass, IL-01069-01 contacted the Agency [Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)] to advise that a SU-S3 fixed gauge containing 1 Ci of Am-241 was damaged on a process line. The source assembly was somehow separated from the fixed gauge housing and fell onto surrounding equipment in an unshielded position. Workers immediately withdrew and fire/safety and security staff cordoned off the area with Radioactive Material (RAM) signage. Reportedly, this incident happened at approximately 0700 CDT on the morning of May 30, 2020. The licensee was attempting to contact their consultant and the manufacturer for assistance.
"Agency staff responded to the facility to assist in securing the source, assess for removable contamination, and to evaluate any potential exposures to workers. IEMA arrived on site at approximately 1600 CDT on May 30, 2020. IEMA evaluated airflow, took surveys, and established a recovery plan with site security/safety and the RSO. Exposure rates were approximately 170 mR/hour at one foot. Exposure rates were approximately background at the RAM signage/cordon. Remote handling tools were used to place the source in a pig owned by the licensee. The source was then secured within the licensee's RAM storage safe. Exposure rates around the properly secured safe were approximately 20 microR/hour. Wipes were taken of the area, the damaged gauge housing, and the process equipment. No removable contamination was identified. Discussions concerning worker proximity and time in place after the source became dislodged indicate no exposures exceeding regulatory limits.
"IEMA is awaiting a return phone call on June 1, 2020 for additional source details, results of leak tests and availability of the manufacturer to respond and evaluate."
Event Report ID No.: IL200009 |