IR 05000059/2016201
| ML16098A077 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Texas A&M University |
| Issue date: | 04/21/2016 |
| From: | Anthony Mendiola Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch |
| To: | Mcdeavitt S Texas A&M Univ |
| Morlang G, NRR/DPR, 301-415-4092 | |
| References | |
| IR 2016201 | |
| Download: ML16098A077 (19) | |
Text
April 21, 2016
SUBJECT:
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-059/2016-201
Dear Dr. McDeavitt:
From March 21-24, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the Commission)
completed an inspection at your Texas A&M University Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified Research Reactor facility (Inspection Report No. 50-059/2016-201). The enclosed inspection report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on March 24, 2016, with Jeremy Osborn and Jerry Newhouse.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license, as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations, and with the conditions of your license. The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities at the facility, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, and requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Mr. Gary Morlang at (301) 415-4092 or by electronic mail at Gary.Morlang@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief
Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch
Division of Policy and Rulemaking
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket No.50-059 License No. R-023
Enclosure:
As stated
cc: See next page
ML16098A077; *via e-mail
NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB: RI NRR/DPR/PROB: LA*
NRR/DPR/PROB: BC NAME GMorlang NParker (ABaxter for)
AMendiola DATE 04/19/2016 04/14/2016 04/21/2016
Texas A&M University
Docket No.50-059
cc:
Mayor of the City of College Station P.O. Box Drawer 9960 College Station, TX 77843-3575
Governors Budget and Planning Office P.O. Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711
Bureau of Radiation Control State of Texas 1100 West 49th Street Austin, TX 78756
Test, Research, and Training Reactor Newsletter University of Florida 202 Nuclear Sciences Center Gainesville, FL 32611
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.50-059
License No.
R-23
Report No.
50-059/2016-201
Licensee:
Texas A&M University
Facility:
Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified Research Reactor
Location:
College Station, TX
Dates:
March 21-24, 2016
Inspector:
Gary Morlang
Approved by:
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief
Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch
Division of Policy and Rulemaking
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Texas A&M University Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified Research Reactor Report No: 50-059/2016-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was on-site review of selected aspects of Texas A&Ms (the licensees) Class II research reactor safety program, including:
(1) organization and staffing; (2) operations logs and records; (3) procedures; (4) operator licenses, requalification, and medical activities; (5) surveillance and limiting conditions for operations; (6) experiments; (7) radiation protection program; (8) effluents and environmental monitoring; (9) design changes; (10) committees, audits and reviews; (11) emergency preparedness; (12) maintenance logs and records; (13) fuel handling logs and records; and (14)
transportation of radioactive materials, since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas. The licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety. No deviations or violations of significance were identified.
Organization and Staffing
- The licensees organization and staffing did not meet the Technical Specification (TS)
requirements, as there were no permanent staff personnel.
Operations Logs and Records
- The reactor had been shut down since June 21, 2013, because of discrepancies noted during the NRCs license renewal review of the reactor console wiring.
Procedures
- The procedural control and implementation satisfied the TS requirements.
Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Activities
- There were no licensed senior reactor operators or licensed reactor operators at the facility. A graduate student was in training to obtain a senior reactor operator (fuel handling only) license. The requalification program was inactive.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operations
- The inspector found that the surveillance program and supporting procedures were in compliance with the TSs.
Experiments
- The program for conducting and controlling experiments was in place, but no new experiments had been proposed.
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Radiation Protection Program
- Postings met the regulatory requirements specified in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 19, Notices, instructions and reports to workers: Inspections and investigations, and 20, Standards for protection against radiation.
- Radiation monitoring equipment was being maintained and calibrated, as required.
- The Radiation Protection Program satisfied regulatory requirements.
Effluents and Environmental Monitoring
- Effluent monitoring satisfied license and regulatory requirements, and there had been no releases of radioactive effluents.
Design Changes
- The licensee maintained a procedure to process facility changes in accordance with regulatory requirements, but had not made such a change since the previous inspection.
Committees, Audits, and Reviews
- The Reactor Safety Board continued to perform independent oversight in accordance with the TS requirements.
- Emergency training and requalification were not being conducted, as there were no permanent staff personnel.
Maintenance Logs and Records
- Maintenance was being conducted in accordance with approved procedures and TS requirements.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
- Fuel movements were conducted to facilitate control rod removal in accordance with approved procedures.
Transportation of Radioactive Materials
- The licensee did not ship any radioactive material under the R-23 license since the last transportation inspection.
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Plant Status
Texas A&M Universitys (TAMUs or the licensees) 5 watt Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified (AGN-201M) training reactor had been shutdown since June 21, 2013, because of a reactor control console wiring discrepancy noted during the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRCs) license renewal review. The reactor was not operated during this inspection.
1.
Organization and Staffing
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following regarding the licensees organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements of Technical Specifications (TSs) 6.1, Organization, and 6.2, Staff Qualifications, latest revision dated May 14, 1997, were being met:
- Console Log Book Number 55, January 23, 2013, to present
Administrative controls and management responsibilities
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
There were no permanently assigned reactor staff personnel. One nuclear engineering graduate student was in training to obtain a senior reactor operator (fuel handling only) license. The Nuclear Science Center (NSC) Director had been designated as the individual directly responsible for the move of the reactor from the Zachery Engineering Building to the NSC.
c.
Conclusion
The organization and staffing did not meet the TS requirements.
2.
Operations Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
The inspector reviewed selected portions and/or aspects of:
- Console Log Book Number 55, January 23, 2013, to present
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- Reactor Safety Board meeting minutes from January 26, 2015, to December 16, 2015 (7 meetings)
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
As noted previously, the last date of operation of the reactor was June 21, 2013.
During the NRCs license renewal review, wiring discrepancies were noted on the upgraded reactor control console.
The control rods for the reactor had previously been removed. The remainder of the fuel will be removed at a later date, prior to the move of the reactor tank.
c.
Conclusions
Records and operating logs were in compliance with procedures and TSs prior to the reactor shutdown. There have been no reactor operations conducted since June 21, 2013.
3.
Procedures
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine whether facility procedures met the requirements outlined in TSs 6.5, Approvals, and 6.6, Procedures, the inspector reviewed:
- PE-1, Personnel Injury, approval dated May 13, 2010
PE-2, Personnel Injury Involving Radioactive Contamination, approval dated May 13, 2011
PE-3, Radioactive Contamination of Personnel or Spill of Radioactive Material Within the Reactor Facility, approval dated May 13, 2011
PE-4, Suspected Radiation Overexposure of Personnel, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-1, Reactor Facility Fire, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-2, Bomb Threat, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-3, Civil Disturbance, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-4, Severe Natural Phenomenon, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-5, General Emergency Alert, approval dated May 13, 2011
RE-1, Reactor Emergency, approval dated May 13, 2011
PWCL-3, Power Calibration, dated May 2010
C2HT-3, Calibrate Channel #2 and verify High Trip, dated May 2010
C3HT-3, Calibrate Channel #3 and verify High Trip, dated May 2010
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b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that the licensee had reviewed and updated all of the procedures for the reactor. Standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance procedures were presented to the Reactor Safety Board in May of 2010 for review and approval. The licensee had presented the revised emergency procedures to the Reactor Safety Board for review and approval in May of 2011, as required by the TSs.
c.
Conclusion
Facility operations, maintenance and emergency procedures were being reviewed, revised and approved by the Reactor Safety Board, as required by the TSs.
4.
Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Activities
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following in order to determine whether operator training and requalification activities were conducted, as required, and to confirm that medical requirements were met, as required by the licensees Requalification Program for Licensed Reactor Operators and Senior Reactor Operators - Texas A&M University, dated May 20, 1988:
- Console Log Book Number 55, January 23, 2013, to present
Reactor Safety Board meeting minutes from January 26, 2015, to December 16, 2015 (7 meetings)
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
There were no licensed senior reactor operators or licensed reactor operators at the facility. The requalification program was inactive. One individual was in training to obtain a senior reactor operator (fuel handling only) license.
The inspector identified the need for a written requalification exam during the last inspection in this area; however, with no licensed individuals, this inspector follow-up item (IFI-05/059-2014-201-1) will be closed.
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c.
Conclusions
The operator requalification program was inactive.
5.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operations
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the surveillance requirements and limiting conditions for operation specified in TS Section 4.0, Surveillance Requirements, were met:
- Preventive maintenance log, dated November 3, 1983, to present
Surveillance record notebook for 2013
Surveillance certification sheets for 2011 and 2012
PWCL-3, Power Calibration, dated May 2010
C2HT-3, Calibrate Channel #2 and verify High Trip, dated May 2010
C3HT-3, Calibrate Channel #3 and verify High Trip, dated May 2010
CRIS-6, Maintenance Procedure for conducting a detailed Control Rod Inspection and Functional Check, dated May 2010
RDTM-6, Measuring Rod Drop Times, dated May 2010
RCAL-6, Determining the Reactivity Worth of Each Control Rod, dated May 2010
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011, dated July 11, 2011
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012, dated August 21, 2012
b.
Observations and Findings
The reactor had not operated since June 21, 2013. The licensee was aware that all required surveillance would have to be completed before the reactor could again be operated. All limiting conditions for operation were clearly noted in the console log books.
c.
Conclusion
The licensee could not complete periodic surveillance requirements as required by TS Section 4.0.
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6.
Experiments
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify that experiments would be conducted within approved guidelines specified in TS Sections 3.0, Limiting Conditions for Operation, and 4.0, Surveillance Requirements:
- Documentation of experiment review and approval by the Reactor Safety Board
Listing of Texas A&M approved experiments contained in the program document entitled, Reactor Experiments for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Reactor Facility
Console Log Book Number 55, January 23, 2013, to present
Reactor Safety Board meeting minutes from January 26, 2015, to December 16, 2015 (7 meetings)
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
Various types of experiments had been proposed to be conducted on a routine basis at the facility. The inspector verified that experiments had been reviewed and approved by the Reactor Safety Board, as required.
c.
Conclusions
The program for conducting and controlling experiments was in place, but no new experiments had been conducted.
7.
Radiation Protection
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Parts 19, Notices, instructions and reports to workers: Inspection and investigations, and 20, Standards for protection against radiation, as well as Section 4.4.c of the TS:
- Area dosimetry results for 2014 and 2015
Radiological signs and postings in various areas of the facility
Maintenance and calibration of radiation monitoring equipment
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- Annual Operating Report of the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor, for the period June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012, dated June 2, 2012
Annual Operating Report of the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor, for the period June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, dated August 30, 2013
b.
Observations and Findings
(1)
Surveys
The reactor room had been sealed to keep out moisture and dirt while the Zachry Engineering building is being renovated. There were no operations or evolutions being conducted at the facility and surveys had been suspended.
(2)
Postings and Notices
The inspector reviewed the postings at the entrances to the facility controlled areas. The postings indicated the radiation hazards present.
Other postings also showed the industrial hygiene hazards present in the areas. The facilitys radioactive material storage areas were noted to be properly posted. No unmarked radioactive material was detected in the facility. Copies of the notice to workers required by 10 CFR Part 19 were posted on the door outside the hallway leading to the reactor area.
(3)
Dosimetry
The licensee used a National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program-accredited vendor to process personnel and area dosimetry quarterly. There were no personnel permanently assigned to the AGN reactor. Personnel from the NSC who had assigned dosimetry were available should the need arise to enter the facility.
(4)
Radiation Monitoring Equipment
The calibration of portable survey meters and friskers was typically completed by an outside contractor. There were no fixed radiation detectors installed at the facility.
(5)
Radiation Protection Program
The licensees Radiation Protection Program was established in the Texas A&M Environmental Health and Safety Departments document entitled, Radiological Safety Program Manual, latest revision dated July 2004. The program required that all personnel who had unescorted access to work in a radiation area or with radioactive material receive
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training in radiation protection, policies, procedures, requirements, and facilities prior to entry.
c.
Conclusions
The Radiation Protection Program was adequate. The Radiation Protection Program being implemented by the licensee satisfied regulatory requirements.
8.
Effluents and Environmental Monitoring
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with 10 CFR Parts 19 and 20, as well as Section 4.4.c of the TSs:
- Annual Operating Report of the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor, for the period June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012, dated June 2, 2012
Annual Operating Report of the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor, for the period June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, dated August 30, 2013
b.
Observations and Findings
An optically-stimulated luminescent dosimeter was placed in the AGN reactor room, several feet from the reactor. A second dosimeter was also placed directly outside of the reactor room in the ante chamber room, which was also part of the controlled area at the facility. The inspector verified that there were no liquid or gaseous effluents discharged from the facility in 2014 and 2015.
c.
Conclusions
Effluent monitoring satisfied license and regulatory requirements and no releases had occurred.
9.
Design Changes
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of 10 CFR Section 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, and TS 6.4.2, Reviews, were being implemented effectively:
- Console Log Book Number 55, January 23, 2013, to present
Reactor Safety Board meeting minutes from January 26, 2015, to December 16, 2015 (7 meetings)
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- Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that administrative controls existed in the TSs that required the appropriate review and approval of changes to equipment, experiments, and procedures prior to implementation. The licensee indicated that this process is followed for all changes and major revisions as well. There had been no changes to the facility since the last inspection, as noted in the Reactor Safety Board meeting minutes.
c.
Conclusion
The licensee was committed to following the program outlined in the TSs, which required a 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation and Reactor Safety Board review and approval of changes made to the facility structures, systems, or components.
10.
Committees, Audits, and Reviews
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
In order to verify that the licensee had established and conducted reviews and audits as required by TS 6.4, Reactor Safety Board, the inspector reviewed:
- Console Log Book Number 55, January 23, 2013, to present
Reactor Safety Board meeting minutes from January 26, 2015, to December 16, 2015 (7 meetings)
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Report for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor for the periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
The composition and meeting frequency of the Reactor Safety Board satisfied the TS requirements. It was noted that the Reactor Safety Board was responsible for the oversight of the Texas A&M TRIGA Research Reactor (Docket No. 50-128), located in the NSC, as well as the Texas A&M AGN-201M Research Reactor, located in the Zachry Engineering Center. The meeting minutes indicated that the Reactor Safety Board meeting time was shared
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equally between the two reactors. Quarterly operational audits of the reactor had not been completed due to the lengthily shutdown.
c.
Conclusion
The review and audit program was being conducted acceptably by the Reactor Safety Board as stipulated in TS Section 6.4.
11.
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify the implementation of the Emergency Plan:
- Postings of emergency information and phone numbers
Emergency response facilities, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation
Emergency Plan for the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Reactor, dated May 2011, which included the following Implementing Procedures
PE-1, Personnel Injury, approval dated May 13, 2011
PE-2, Personnel Injury Involving Radioactive Contamination, approval dated May 13, 2011
PE-3, Radioactive Contamination of Personnel or Spill of Radioactive Material Within the Reactor Facility, approval dated May 13, 2011
PE-4, Suspected Radiation Overexposure of Personnel, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-1, Reactor Facility Fire, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-2, Bomb Threat, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-3, Civil Disturbance, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-4, Severe Natural Phenomenon, approval dated May 13, 2011
EA-5, General Emergency Alert, approval dated May 13, 2011
RE-1, Reactor Emergency, approval dated May 13, 2011
b.
Observations and Findings
The Emergency Plan in use at the AGN facility was the same as the version most recently approved by the NRC, dated October 1998. The inspector verified that the facility and emergency equipment was as described in the Emergency Plan.
The implementing procedures appeared to be sufficient to effectively implement the Emergency Plan. The Emergency Plan was updated for grammatical errors and approved by the Reactor Safety Board on May 26, 2011.
Emergency training and drills had not been conducted since 2012.
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c.
Conclusion
Emergency training, requalification, and annual emergency drills were not being completed as required by the Emergency Plan.
12.
Maintenance Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine whether maintenance and surveillance activities were being completed, the inspector reviewed:
- Maintenance log, dated June 7, 2010, to present
Annual Operating Report of the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor, for the period June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, dated July 24, 2015
Annual Operating Report of the Texas A&M University AGN-201M Training Reactor, for the period June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, dated November 4, 2015
b.
Observations and Findings
The licensee maintained a maintenance log to document work on reactor equipment. A separate certification log was maintained to document required surveillance testing. As discussed above, because the reactor has been inoperable since June 2013, numerous surveillance requirements will need to be completed prior to restart of the reactor.
c.
Conclusions
Maintenance items were being conducted and documented, as required.
13.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify adherence to fuel handling, positioning, and inspection requirements specified in TS Sections 5.1, Reactor, and 5.2, Fuel Storage:
- Fuel handling equipment and instructions
CRIS-6, Maintenance Procedure for Conducting a Detailed Control Rod Inspection and Functional Check, dated May 2010
Console logbooks 55, from January 23, 2013, to present
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b.
Observations and Findings
Through records review and interviews with licensee personnel, the inspector determined that the licensee had moved fuel (removed the control rods) on May 29, 2013, for control rod inspections. The Reactor Manager, a licensed senior reactor operator, was present during the fuel movement. The inspector verified through review of records that TS procedural requirements were met during this activity.
c.
Conclusions
Fuel movements were being conducted following TS requirements and applicable procedures.
14.
Transportation of Radioactive Materials
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector interviewed licensee personnel and reviewed training records to verify compliance with procedural requirements for shipping radioactive material.
b.
Observations and Findings
Through records review and discussions with licensee personnel, the inspector determined that the licensee had not shipped any radioactive material from the AGN reactor facility under the auspices of that license
c.
Conclusion
No radioactive material was shipped from the reactor facility under the reactor license.
15.
Exit Interview
The inspection scope and results were summarized on March 24, 2016, with members of licensee staff and management. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection and did not identify any information to be withheld from public disclosure.
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee
J. Osborn
Graduate Student, Senior Reactor Operator (Trainee)
J. Newhouse Nuclear Science Center Associate Director
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
Class II Research and Test Reactors IP 86740
Transportation of Radioactive Materials
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None.
Closed
50-059/2014-201-1 IFI Review timely administration of the written requalification exam.
Discussed
None.
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations ADAMS Agencywide Documents Access and Management System AGN-201M Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified IFI
Inspector Follow-up Item IP
Inspection Procedure NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission NSC
Nuclear Science Center TAMU
Texas A&M University TS
Technical Specification