Bulletin 78-13: Failure in Source Heads of Kay-Ray, Inc., Gauges Models 7050, 7050b, 7051, 7051B, 7060, 7060B, 7061, and 7061B
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
October 27, 1978
IE Bulletin No. 78-13
FAILURE IN SOURCE HEADS OF KAY-RAY, INC., GAUGES MODELS 7050, 7050B, 7051,
7051B, 7060, 7060B, 7061, AND 7061B
Description of Circumstances:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received information that
on three occasions in the past year fractures have occurred at the weld
between the dome and the box of source heads used in the subject gauges
manufactured by Kay-Ray, Inc. These gauges contain radioactive material
regulated by the NRC. The possession and use of the radioactive material in
the gauges is governed by either a specific NRC license or under the general
license provisions of NRC regulation 10 CFR 31, Section 31.5. A copy of 10
CFR 31.5 is enclosed.
These incidents of weld fractures in the gauges have caused the dome to
separate from the box, exposing the 500 millicurie cesium-137 sealed source.
In one case, the radioactive source itself fell loose from the dome and was
completely exposed. The separation of the dome from the box could result in
a radiation overexposure if an individual actually handled the radioactive
source or worked in close proximity to a gauge where the lead dome had
separated from the box.
In order to correct this potential radiation hazard, Kay-Ray has developed a
support bracket which they will supply free of charge to prevent the dome
separation if a fracture does occur. In a June 30, 1978 letter (copy
enclosed) Kay-Ray advised you of the availability of the support bracket and
requested you to return a card confirming the specific source heads in your
possession. A number of companies have not returned a card to Kay-Ray, Inc.
In order to assure correction of this potential hazard, you should complete
the following actions.
Actions to be taken by you as a licensee of the NRC:
1. On the enclosed form, enter your company's name, address and telephone
number, complete the other actions according to the instructions, and
sign the preaddressed form and return it to the NRC after completing
all the required actions.
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IE Bulletin No. 78-13 October 27, 1978
If you have transferred or otherwise disposed of any Kay-Ray gauges, take
the action in item number 2, following:
2. Complete item 1 of the enclosed form, and (a) if you possessed the
gauge under a general license of 10 CFR 31.5 include with the form a
statement of how you have complied, or information which does comply,
with the requirements of 10 CFR 31.5 (c)(8) or (9) and provide the name
and address of the persons or organizations to whom the gauge was
transferred, or (b) if you possessed the gauge under a specific license
include with the form a statement of how you complied with the
requirements of 10 CFR 30.41 and provide the name and address of the
persons or organizations to whom the gauge was transferred.
If you have any of the specified Kay-Ray gauges in your possession, take the
actions in item numbers 3 through 5, following:
3. Within two (2) days of receipt of this Bulletin, visually inspect the
source head on models 7050, 7050B, 7051, 7051B, 7060, 7060B, 7061, and
7061B of Kay-Ray gauges in your possession for evidence of weld cracks
between the dome and box. If cracks are found, take the following
actions: (a) contact Kay-Ray immediately at (312) 259-9244 and inform
them, and (b) file a report with this office as required by 10 CFR 31.5
(a)(5). (A copy of 10 CFR 31.5 is enclosed.)
4. Within ten (10) days after receiving the support bracket(s) from Kay-
Ray, install a support bracket on each Kay-Ray gauge model (identified
in item 3 above) in your possession.
5. Within twelve (12) days after receiving the support bracket(s) from
Kay-Ray, report the completion of the above actions to this office.
The report should be submitted by completing and returning the enclosed
preprinted, preaddressed form to the NRC.
In addition to the above specific actions, we recommend that you read and
become thoroughly familiar with the conditions of either the specific NRC
license or the general license of 10 CFR 31.5 whichever authorizes your use
and possession of the gauge devices.
Approved by GAO, B180225 (R0072); clearance expires 7-31-80. Approval was
given under a blanket clearance specifically for identified generic
problems.
Enclosures:
1. Report Form
2. 10 CFR 31 (extract)
3. Kay-Ray letter dtd 6/30/78
4. Kay-Ray Card
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