Iridium-192

Iridium-192 Stuck in the Guide Tube: Crucial Information in 200 Words

A “stuck source” occurs when the Iridium-192 capsule fails to return to the shielded projector after exposure. Until verified home, dose rates near the guide tube can be dangerously high. Treat this as an emergency focused on people first, equipment second.

Immediate actions (T-D-S):

  • Time: Stop work, pre-plan each move, limit approaches to seconds.

  • Distance: Clear the area, set a boundary using real-time meter readings, expand until safe.

  • Shielding: If accessible, place temporary shielding (lead/steel/concrete) near the hot spot to cut dose.

Do not: crowd the scene, force the crank, reroute the tube blindly, or guess at the source location. Measure along the tube to localize the highest reading and mark it.

Controlled recovery essentials:

  • One operator acts; one monitors time and readings; both wear dosimetry.

  • Inspect connectors/couplers end-to-end; correct tight bends before any pullback.

  • After freeing the path, confirm with a dummy run, then verify locked-home by indicator and background meter.

Prevention:

  • Plan the straightest route; protect it from disturbance.

  • Perform a clean dummy run before live shots; cap ends when idle.

  • Retire worn guide tubes/connectors early; maintain a stocked retrieval/shielding kit.

  • Drill the “stuck source” scenario; reinforce Time-Distance-Shielding habits.

Close-out: document doses, file the incident report, conduct root-cause analysis, and brief lessons learned.

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