IR 05000150/2020201
| ML20315A007 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Ohio State University |
| Issue date: | 03/30/2021 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Cao L Ohio State University |
| O'Brien P | |
| References | |
| IR 2020201 | |
| Download: ML20315A007 (14) | |
Text
March 30, 2021
SUBJECT:
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000150/2020201
Dear Dr. Cao:
From October 19-21, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Ohio State University Research Reactor facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on October 21, 2020, with you and members of your staff.
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 various activities, 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, 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 Publicly Available Records component of 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). If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Phil OBryan at 301-415-0266, or by electronic mail at Phil.OBryan@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Travis L Tate, Chief
Non-Power Production and Utilization
Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket No. 50-150 License No. R-75
Enclosure:
As stated
cc: See next page
Ohio State University Docket No. 50-150
cc:
Chief Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Environmental Health and Radiation Protection 246 North High Street Columbus, OH 43215
Radiological Branch Chief Ohio Emergency Management Agency 2855 West Dublin-Granville Road Columbus, OH 43235-2206
Andrew Kauffman, Associate Director Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Ohio State University 1298 Kinnear Road Columbus, OH 43212
David B. Williams, Dean College of Engineering Ohio State University 142A Hitchcock Hall 2070 Neil Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1278
Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter Attention: Amber Johnson Dept of Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20742-2115
- concurrence via e-mail
NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO*
NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA*
NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC*
NAME POBryan NParker TTate DATE 11/17/2020 11/16/2020 3/30/2021
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.:
50-150
License No.:
R-75
Report No.:
Licensee:
Ohio State University
Facility:
Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
Location:
Columbus, Ohio
Dates:
October 19-21, 2020
Inspector:
Phil OBryan
Approved by:
Travis L Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Inspection Report No. 05000150/2020201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the on-site review of selected aspects of the licensees Class II research reactor facility safety program including:
(1) procedures; (2) experiments; (3) health physics; (4) design changes; (5) committees, audits and reviews; and (6) transportation. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined that the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Procedures
- The inspector found that procedural review, revision, control, and implementation satisfied technical specification (TS) requirements.
Experiments
- The inspector found that the program for reviewing, approving, and conducting experiments satisfied TS and procedural requirements.
Health Physics
- The inspector found that surveys, postings, and personnel dosimetry met regulatory requirements.
- The inspector found that radiation monitoring equipment was maintained and calibrated as required by TSs.
- The inspector found that calculations of effluents released from the facility satisfied license and regulatory requirements and releases were within the specified regulatory limits.
Design Changes
- The inspector found that changes to the facility were evaluated using the criteria specified in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, and were reviewed and approved by the Reactor Operations Committee (ROC) as required.
Committees, Audits and Reviews
- The inspector found that review, audit, and oversight functions required by the TSs were acceptably completed by the ROC.
Transportation
- The inspector found that radioactive material was shipped in accordance with the applicable regulations.
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REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The Ohio State University (OSU, licensee) 500-kilowatt pool-type research reactor was operated in support of undergraduate instruction, laboratory experiments, reactor operator training, and various types of irradiation projects. During the inspection, the reactor was started up, operated, and shut down as required to support these ongoing activities.
1.
Procedures
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001, Section 02.03)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with the licensees TS requirements for procedures:
- Appendix A to Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-75, Technical Specifications and Bases for The Ohio State University Pool-Type Nuclear Reactor, Columbus, Ohio, Docket No. 50-150, dated March 30, 2020
select OSU Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (NRL) operating, maintenance, and administrative procedures
procedure revision and review tracking tables listing effective procedures, revision numbers, revision dates, ROC review, and last NRL review
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the facility procedures and the processes to write, review, approve, and change procedures. The inspector noted that facility procedures were developed as required by TS 6.3.1, Reactor Operating Procedures, and TS 6.3.2, Administrative Procedures. The procedures were written, reviewed, approved, and changed in accordance with TS 6.3.1 and Administrative Procedure (AP)-06, Format for Writing, Revising, and Approving Procedures. Procedures were reviewed biennially as recommended by AP-06.
During the inspection, the inspector observed NRL staff following procedures to complete tasks. Additionally, the inspector found that the procedures used were effective and able to be implemented for the intended purposes.
c.
Conclusion
The inspector determined that procedural review, revision, control, and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
2.
Experiments
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.06)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with the licensees TS requirements for experiments:
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Appendix A to Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-75, Technical Specifications and Bases for The Ohio State University Pool-Type Nuclear Reactor, Columbus, Ohio, Docket No. 50-150, dated March 2020
The Ohio State University Research Reactor Annual Report for [Fiscal Year (FY)] 2019/2020, dated September 2020
select OSU NRL operating procedures, including OM-3, Experimental Facilities, and OM-17, Beam Port 2 Beam Facility Use, and AP-03, Writing and Reviewing Requests for Reactor Operations
ROC meeting agenda and minutes, dated May 3, 2019, and August 19, 2019
select pages from [Ohio State University Research Reactor] OSURR Operations Logbook[s], from the time period 2019-2020
select records, The Ohio State University Research Reactor Pre-Startup and Post-Shutdown Checkout Form, from the time period 2019-2020
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the licensees program for conducting experiments. The inspector verified that experiments utilizing the reactor were evaluated in accordance with TS 6.4.2, Approved Experiments. The inspector also verified that experiments not previously approved for the reactor were reviewed and approved by the ROC in accordance with TS 6.4.3, New Experiments. The inspector determined that experiments conducted at the facility met the reactivity limit, design, and material requirements in TS 3.7, Experiments.
c.
Conclusion
The inspector determined that the program for reviewing, approving, and conducting experiments satisfied TS and procedural requirements.
3.
Health Physics
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.07)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with 10 CFR Part 19, Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, 10 CFR Part 20, Standards for Protection against Radiation, and TS requirements for health physics:
- Appendix A to Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-75, Technical Specifications and Bases for The Ohio State University Pool-Type Nuclear Reactor, Columbus, Ohio, Docket No. 50-150, dated March 2020
- The Ohio State University Research Reactor Annual Report for FY 2019/2020, dated September 2020
select radiation safety procedures
completed RS-08 Attachment A, Reactor Building Smear Survey Form, from the time period 2019-2020
completed RS-04 Attachment A, Particulate Air Sample Data Sheet, from the time period 2019-2020
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completed RS-09 Attachment A, Reactor Building Area Radiation Survey, from the time period 2019-2020
completed RS-17 Attachment A, Ar-41 Weekly Release Record, from the time period 2019-2020
2019 and 2020 records of calibration for TS radiation monitoring instruments
personnel dosimetry results for the years 2019 and 2020
environmental dosimetry results for the years 2019 and 2020
completed RS-6 forms, Annual Training of Approved Users, for the years 2019 and 2020
training records for irradiator supervisor training for the years 2019 and 2020
b. Observations and Findings
(1)
Surveys
The inspector reviewed selected radiation and contamination surveys from 2019 to the present. The inspector found surveys were completed as required by procedures and in accordance with the requirements in Subpart F, Surveys and Monitoring, to 10 CFR Part 20.
During the inspection, the inspector performed independent radiation surveys to verify that radiation levels were consistent with expected radiation levels.
(2)
Postings and Notices
The inspector toured the facility and observed that signage, posting, and labels were used in accordance with requirements in Subpart J, Precautionary Procedures, to 10 CFR Part 20. Radioactive material storage areas were noted to be properly posted. No unmarked radioactive material was detected in the facility. The inspector observed that copies of notices to workers were posted in the facility, including a copy of the most recent revision of NRC Form 3, Notice to Employees, as required by 10 CFR 19.11, Posting of notices to workers.
(3)
Dosimetry
The inspector determined that the licensee monitored individuals for radiation exposure in accordance with the requirements in 10 CFR 20.1502, Conditions requiring individual monitoring of external and internal occupational dose. An examination of the dosimetry records for the past 2 years showed that the highest occupational doses were within Subpart C, Occupational Dose Limits, to 10 CFR Part 20 limits and licensee action levels.
The inspector verified that NRC Form 5, Occupational Dose Record for a Monitoring Period, or equivalent reports, as required by 10 CFR 19.13, Notifications and reports to individuals, were completed and provided to each employee who received exposure at the facility during 2019 and
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2020 by the OSU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Radiation Safety group.
(4)
Radiation Monitoring Equipment
The inspector reviewed the records of selected meters, detectors, and air monitoring equipment in use at the facility. Annual calibration and quarterly source check frequency of the portable and fixed meters and monitors were consistent with manufacturers recommendations and appropriate calibration records were maintained. The inspector found that portable survey meters were maintained as required by TS 4.6.3, Portable Survey Instrumentation, and Subpart F to 10 CFR Part 20.
The inspector observed storage and use of portable survey instrumentation at the facility. Portable survey instrumentation capable of measuring beta, gamma, and neutron exposure and dose rates were available and operable during times when the reactor was operating as required by TS 3.6.1, Radiation Monitoring, Specification (3).
(5)
Radiation Protection Training
The inspector reviewed documentation of the initial and annual radiation protection training given to staff and facility users. The inspector verified that training was provided to new users as well as staff members. The inspector found the content of the training program satisfied the requirements in 10 CFR 19.12, Instruction to workers.
(6)
Radiation Protection Program
The inspector found that the licensees radiation protection program was acceptably established in the OSU Radiation Safety Standards, as well as, through the facility procedures. Part of the annual OSU audit ensured that the radiation protection program at the facility was conducted as required by the applicable procedures. The inspector found that no deficiencies related to the radiation protection program at the OSU NRL were identified during audits of the program.
(7)
As Low As Reasonably Achievable Policy
The inspector found that a policy for maintaining radioactive exposure to personnel as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) was outlined and established in the OSU Radiation Safety Standard. The policy discussed and set expectations for radiation safety culture and provided guidance for keeping doses ALARA, including local action levels for personnel radiation exposure doses, consistent with the requirements in 10 CFR 20.1101, Radiation protection programs.
(8)
Environmental Monitoring and Effluents
The inspector reviewed the calibration records of the area radiation monitors and the gaseous effluent (or stack) monitor. These systems
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were calibrated annually in accordance with the requirements in TS 4.6.1, Effluent Monitor, and TS 4.6.2, Area Radiation Monitors. The inspector also reviewed selected records from the past 2 years of the daily channel test for these systems. During the inspection, the inspector observed these systems operating while the reactor was in operation, as required by TS 3.6.1.(1) and TS 3.6.1.(2).
The inspector reviewed the records documenting solid, liquid, and airborne radioactive material releases to the environment. No releases of solid radioactive material to the environment occurred. No liquid radioactive material releases from operation of the OSURR occurred during the time period reviewed. The inspector determined that gaseous radioactive material release activity continued to be calculated and the results were adequately documented. The inspector found that releases were determined to be within the concentrations specified in Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 20, Annual Limits on intake (ALIs) and Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) of Radionuclides for Occupational Exposure; Effluent Concentrations; Concentrations for Release to Sewerage, and TS limits. The inspector found the highest calculated dose that could be received by a member of the public as a result of gaseous emissions from reactor operations was determined to be well below the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1101(d).
Environmental gamma radiation monitoring was conducted using thermolucient dosimeters in accordance with the applicable procedures.
The inspector found the data indicated that there were no radiation doses in uncontrolled areas from operation of the reactor that would result in a member of the public exceeding the limits in Subpart D, Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public, to 10 CFR Part 20.
c. Conclusion
The inspector found that surveys were completed and documented acceptably as required by TSs and procedures. Postings met regulatory requirements. Personnel dosimetry was worn, as required, and doses were verified by the inspector to be within regulatory limits. Radiation monitoring equipment was maintained and calibrated as required by procedures. Radiation protection training was provided to facility personnel. The inspector determined that calculations of effluents released from the facility satisfied license and regulatory requirements and releases were within the specified regulatory limits.
4.
Design Changes
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with 10 CFR 50.59 and TS requirements for design changes:
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Appendix A to Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-75, Technical Specifications and Bases for The Ohio State University Pool-Type Nuclear Reactor, Columbus, Ohio, Docket No. 50-150, dated March 2020.
- The Ohio State University Research Reactor Annual Reports for FY[s]
2018/2019 and 2019/2020
select OSU NRL operating procedures
OSURR facility modifications numbered 82-94
Select AP-14 Attachment A, OSURR Modification Request forms
Select AP-16 Attachment A, 10 CFR 50.59 Screening Forms
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed OSURR Modification Request forms, the associated 10 CFR 50.59 screening, and the corresponding design change packages concerning the latest facility changes since the last inspection in this area. The inspector determined that the facility design change evaluations contained adequate supporting documentation and information required by procedure.
Additionally, the inspector found that the ROC reviewed proposed changes in accordance with the requirement in TS 6.2.3, Review Function, Specification (1).
c.
Conclusion
The inspector determined that changes to the facility were evaluated using the 10 CFR 50.59 criteria and were reviewed and approved by the ROC, as required.
5.
Committees, Audits and Review
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with the TS requirements for review and audit:
- Appendix A to Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-75, Technical Specifications and Bases for The Ohio State University Pool-Type Nuclear Reactor, Columbus, Ohio, Docket No. 50-150, dated March 2020.
- The Ohio State University Research Reactor Annual Report for FY 2019/2020, dated September 2020.
- ROC meeting agenda and minutes, dated March 21, 2017, May 3, 2019, and August 19, 2019
audit of operations for calendar year 2018 and 2019 dated December 19, 2018, and December 23, 2019, respectively
AP-08, NRL Audit, Revision 6, January 12, 2017
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that the composition of the ROC and the meeting frequency satisfied the requirements of TS 6.2.1, Composition and Qualifications of the Reactor Operations Committee, and TS 6.2.2, Reactor Operations Committee Meetings. The minutes of these meetings demonstrated that the ROC provided the
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review and conducted the audits required by the TS 6.2.3 and TS 6.2.4, Audit Function. The inspector found issues brought up by the ROC were resolved in an appropriate time frame and were noted in ROC meeting minutes.
c. Conclusion
The inspector found that review, audit, and oversight functions required by the TSs were acceptably completed by the ROC.
6.
Transportation
a. Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with the regulations in 10 CFR Part 71, Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material, 49 CFR, Transportation:
- completed RS-11 Attachment A, Shipping Paper, from the time period 2019-2020
completed RS-08 Attachment B, Shipping Smear Survey Form, from the time period 2019-2020
hazmat worker training certification records
copies of radioactive materials licenses or permits for purposes of verification prior to shipments
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that the licensee shipped various types of radioactive material since the last previous inspection in this area. The records indicated that the radioisotope types and quantities were calculated, and dose rates measured as required. The inspector noted that staff members received the required training and were certified for shipping radioactive material by the OSU EH&S Radiation Safety group. All radioactive material shipment records reviewed by the inspector were completed in accordance with Department of Transportation and NRC regulatory requirements.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that radioactive material was shipped in accordance with the applicable regulations and licensee procedures.
7.
Exit Interview
The inspection scope and results were summarized on October 21, 2020, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results.
Attachment PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee Personnel Director, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory A. Kauffman Associate Director, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory K. Herminghuysen
Other Personnel
D. Konate
RSO, Facilities Operation and Development, EH&S
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
Class II Non-Power Reactors IP 86740
Transportation
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
None
Discussed
None