10 CFR 50.54(x), Immediate TS Deviation

50.54(x) is an allowance to break regulatory rules if their is an immediate need. NRC permission is not required but notification is needed. 10 CFR 50.72(b)(1) within an hour and an LER 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(C) within 60 days.

For example: someone is in danger in a air lock and opening the door is against TS requirements. The plant Operator can make this determination to help the person even if regulation would normally prevent this action.

10 CFR 50.54(x)

A licensee may take reasonable action that departs from a license condition or a technical specification (contained in a license issued under this part) in an emergency when this action is immediately needed to protect the public health and safety and no action consistent with license conditions and technical specifications that can provide adequate or equivalent protection is immediately apparent.

Ways to avoid following the TS. (See Template:Amendment levels)

Time	Type	oe
Normal
> 1 year	Long - NRC is just taking a long time
1 year	Normal - NRC normal review time is expected to be within a year
< 1 year	Shorten - Licensee request a shorter turnaround to meet plant events
< 6 months	Expedited - Licensee requests a fast turnaround. NRC doesn't appreciate this.
Asking permission on a short timeline
< 30 days	Exigent License Amendment	The NRC needs to give a 30 day public comment period unless there is cause.
< 14 days	Emergency License Amendment	The NRC may grant permission without public comment.Public comment period is done afterward.
< 1 day	Notice of Enforcement Discretion (NOED)	NRC chooses not to penalize a licensee for violating TS
Without NRC Permission
Immediately	50.54(x)	A plant Operator has permission to violate TS for a good reason.
Discovered after the fact	You discover that equipment was Inoperable prior to discovery. This usually means a condition prohibited by tech specs.
Resources:
NEI 06-02, License Amendment Request Guidelines, LIC-109, Acceptance Review Procedures