IR 05000156/2017201
| ML17139D435 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Wisconsin |
| Issue date: | 06/05/2017 |
| From: | Anthony Mendiola Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch |
| To: | Agaise R Univ of Wisconsin |
| Bassett C | |
| References | |
| IR 2017201 | |
| Download: ML17139D435 (20) | |
Text
June 5, 2017
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-156/2017-201
Dear Mr. Agasie:
From April 24-27, 2017, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, or the Commission)
completed an inspection at the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on April 27, 2017, with you and Corey Edwards, Reactor Supervisor.
This 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 observed various activities in progress, interviewed personnel, and reviewed selected procedures and representative records. 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 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 Craig Bassett at 301-466-4495 or by electronic mail at Craig.Bassett@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA Elizabeth Reed Acting for/
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket No. 50-156 License No. R-74
Enclosure:
As stated
cc: See next page
University of Wisconsin
Docket No. 50-156
cc:
Mayor of Madison City Hall 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Room 403 Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Chairman, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin 610 North Whitney Way Madison, WI 53707-7854
Paul Schmidt, Manager Radiation Protection Section Division of Public Health Wisconsin Dept of Health Services P.O. Box 2659 Madison, WI 53701-2659
Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter P.O. Box 118300 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611
Jason Timm, Assistant Director
& Radiation Safety Officer University of Madison - Wisconsin Department Environmental Health & Safety Environmental Protection and Safety Bldg.
30 E. Campus Mall Madison, WI 53715
ML17139D435; *concurrence via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB*
NRR/DPR/PROB/LA*
NRR/DPR/PROB/BC NAME CBassett NParker (EReed for) AMendiola DATE 5/23/17 5/23/17 6/5/17
U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.
50-156
License No.
R-74
Report No.
50-156/2017-201
Licensee:
University of Wisconsin
Facility:
Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
Location:
Madison, WI
Dates:
April 24-27, 2017
Inspector:
Craig Bassett
Approved by:
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Wisconsin - Madison Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Report No. 50-156/2017-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the on-site review of selected aspects of the University of Wisconsin (the licensees) Class II research and test reactor safety program including: (1) organizational structure and staffing, (2) review and audit and design change functions, (3) reactor operations, (4) operator requalification, (5) procedures and procedural control, (6) fuel handling, (7) maintenance and surveillance, (8) experiments, and (9) emergency preparedness since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
inspection of these areas. The licensee's program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with NRC requirements. No violations or deviations were identified.
Organizational Structure and Staffing
The organizational structure was consistent with technical specifications (TSs) requirements.
Shift staffing met the requirements for duty, relief, and on-call personnel.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
The review and audit functions required by TS Section 6.2 were being acceptably completed by the Reactor Safety Committee.
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 50.59 design change process at the facility was being followed as required and no recent changes required NRC approval.
Reactor Operations
Reactor operations were conducted in accordance with TSs requirements and applicable procedures.
Operator Requalification
The operator requalification/training program was up-to-date and acceptably maintained.
Medical examinations for facility operators were being completed biennially as required.
Procedures and Procedural Control
Facility procedural review, revision, and control satisfied the requirements specified in TS Section 6.4.
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Fuel Handling
Reactor fuel movements and inspections were completed and documented in accordance with procedure.
The fuel was being inspected as specified by TS Sections 3.1.6 and 4.1 and the core was used and arranged as required in TS Sections 3.1.4, 5.3, and 5.4.
Maintenance and Surveillance
Maintenance logs and records were being kept and maintenance activities were being conducted in accordance with procedural requirements.
The program for tracking and completing surveillance checks and Limiting Conditions for Operation verifications satisfied TSs requirements and licensee administrative and procedural controls.
Experiments
Conduct and control of experiments and irradiations met the requirements specified in TS Sections 3.8, 4.8, and 6.5, the applicable experiment and irradiation authorizations, and associated procedures.
The emergency plan (E-Plan) and Implementing Procedures were being reviewed annually as required and updated as needed.
Emergency response facilities and equipment were being maintained as required.
Emergency responders were knowledgeable of proper actions to take in case of an emergency.
Off-site support was available and the various support organizations were staffed and well equipped.
Semiannual drills were being conducted as required by the E-Plan.
Emergency preparedness training for staff personnel was being completed as required.
Enclosure REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Plant Status
The University of Wisconsin (UW or the licensee) continued to operate the one megawatt TRIGA conversion reactor as needed in support of laboratory and lecture courses, research in various areas including neutron irradiation, and the Reactor Sharing Program. During this inspection the reactor was operated several hours per day on Monday and Wednesday, at varying power levels, for experiments and sample irradiations.
1.
Organizational Structure and Staffing
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
To verify that the organization, responsibility, and staffing requirements specified in Section 6.1 of the facility technical specifications (TSs) (designated as Appendix A of the UW Nuclear Reactor renewed license, dated March 25, 2011)
were being met, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:
Management responsibilities stipulated in the TSs Staffing requirements for operation of the reactor facility Selected Startup Checklists for 2016 and to date in 2017 Organizational structure for the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Selected Operations Log Sheets, checklists, and associated forms and records for 2016 and to date in 2017 University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) Procedure Number (No.) 001, Standing Operating Instructions, Revision (Rev.) 16 The University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Fiscal Year 2014 - 2015 Annual Operating Report, for the period from July 2014 through June 2015, submitted to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on July 31, 2015 The University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Fiscal Year 2015 - 2016 Annual Operating Report, for the period from July 2015 through June 2016, submitted to the NRC on July 29, 2016
b.
Observations and Findings
Through discussions with licensee representatives, it was noted that management responsibilities and the organization at the UWNR Laboratory had not changed since the previous NRC inspection in July 2016 (Inspection Report No. 50-156/2016-202). The Reactor Director was responsible for all activities at the facility as stipulated in the TSs. The Reactor Supervisor retained direct control and overall responsibility for safe operation and maintenance of the reactor. The Reactor Director reported to the Chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Madison through the Chair of the Engineering Physics Department as required.
The licensees current operational organization consisted of a Reactor Director, a Reactor Supervisor, and six reactor operators (ROs). This organization was consistent with that specified in the TSs.
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A review of selected reactor Operating Log Sheets and the associated records for the past two years showed that the logs were being maintained as required.
The logs and records confirmed that shift staffing met the requirements for duty, relief, and on-call personnel.
a.
Conclusions
The licensees organization and staffing met the requirements specified in the TSs and applicable procedures.
2.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
In order to verify that reviews required by TS Section 6.2.3 had been completed by the Reactor Safety Committee (RSC); and that the audits stipulated in TS Section 6.2.4 had been conducted by the Radiation Safety Office and the RSC; and to determine whether modifications to the facility were consistent with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, the inspector reviewed:
RSC meeting minutes from May 2015 through the present Selected Operations Log Sheets, checklists, and associated forms and records for 2016 and to date in 2017 Records of design changes and/or modifications to the facility documented on forms entitled, UWNR Modification Checklist, Safety Screening, and Safety Evaluation Audits completed by Radiation Safety Office staff personnel documented in monthly reports submitted to the RSC entitled Nuclear Reactor Audit and Report, for 2015, 2016, and to date in 2017 Audits completed by operations staff personnel documented in monthly reports submitted to the RSC entitled Monthly Operations Summary, for 2015, 2016, and to date in 2017 Audits of the facility Requalification Plan, the emergency plan (E-Plan), and the Security Plan completed by personnel from various organizations, including the UW Safety Department and the UW Police Department UWNR Procedure No. 005, UWNR Administrative Guide, Rev. 60 UWNR Procedure No. 019, Changes, Tests, and Experiments, Rev. 3 The two most recent Annual Operating Reports issued by the facility
b.
Observations and Findings
(1)
Review and Audits Functions
The inspector reviewed the RSCs meeting minutes from May 2015 to the present. These meeting minutes demonstrated that the RSC had met at the required frequency and that a quorum was present. The minutes also indicated that the RSC, or a designated subcommittee, was completing reviews of those items and documents required by the TSs. Through these reviews, the RSC was providing appropriate oversight and direction for reactor.
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The inspector noted that various audits had been conducted of the facility in the areas of reactor operations, radiation protection, emergency preparedness, security, requalification of operators, and procedures. The inspector noted that the RSC reviewed these audits as required. The audits were structured so that the various aspects of the licensee's radiation protection and safety programs were reviewed on a monthly basis. Major facility documents and plans were reviewed annually, as were the facility procedures. The inspector noted that the audits and the resulting findings were adequately documented and that the licensee responded and took corrective actions to the findings as needed.
(2)
Design Control Functions
Through review of applicable records and interviews with licensee personnel, the inspector determined that various modifications and design changes had been initiated at the facility since the last NRC operations inspection. The majority of the recent changes involved either procedure changes or replacing items of equipment with more modern versions.
The inspector verified that the licensee was following the established design change control program and that the required reviews and approvals of the changes had been completed by the RSC, if required, prior to implementation. It was noted that the design change procedure had been revised to help licensee personnel screen the change proposal and then determine whether or not a full safety evaluation was required.
The procedure incorporated screening criteria for this purpose. The licensee determined that one change that had been proposed to date met the criteria of 10 CFR 50.59(c)(2) paragraphs (i) through (viii) which would require a safety evaluation and/or NRC approval of the change. It involved a proposed new experiment. The inspector verified that a safety evaluation had been completed for the new experiment and that the evaluation was reviewed and approved by the Reactor Director and the RSC as required. The change did not require NRC approval.
c.
Conclusions
Review and audit functions required by TS Section 6.2 were acceptably completed by the RSC. The 10 CFR 50.59 process for reviewing and approving design changes at the facility was being followed as required and no recent changes required NRC approval.
3.
Reactor Operations
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to ensure that actions taken during routine operations were conducted in accordance with TS Sections 3 and 4, or that actions following abnormal occurrences, were in compliance with TS Sections 6.6 and 6.7, and with the procedures specified in TS Section 6.4:
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UWNR Special Orders which were currently in effect UWNR Operators Turn-Over Log maintained on the computer in the Control Room Selected Operations Log Sheets, checklists, and associated forms and records for 2016 and to date in 2017 Selected audits completed by Radiation Safety Department staff personnel documented in monthly reports for 2016 and to date in 2017 Various reviews completed by operations staff personnel documented in monthly reports for 2016 and to date in 2017 Various UWNR Procedures including Procedure No. 001, Standing Operating Instructions, Rev. 16; Procedure No. 110, Daily Reactor
Pre-Startup Checklist, Rev. 53; Procedure No. 111, Reactor Startup Check Sheet, Rev. 46; Procedure No. 112, Operating Log Sheet, Rev. 10; Procedure No. 114, Reactor Shutdown Checklist, Rev. No 19; and, Procedure No. 115, Scram, Rev. 6 The two most recent Annual Operating Reports issued by the facility
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector observed various reactor operations during the inspection. These included reactor startup, steady state operation, and reactor shutdown.
Operations were conducted in accordance with TS requirements and the applicable procedures and no problems were noted.
The inspector reviewed selected Daily Reactor Pre-Startup Check Lists, Reactor Startup Check Sheets, Operating Log Sheets, and Reactor Shutdown Checklists from December 2015 through the date of this inspection. The forms were color coded to facilitate location of the recorded data and to ensure proper usage of the forms. Through this review, the inspector determined that reactor operations were carried out following written procedures as required by the TSs. Any problems or abnormal events that occurred during operation, were documented in the operations log, reported, reviewed, and the problems resolved as required by TSs and the procedures. Scrams were identified on specific forms in the logs and records, reported as required, and their cause(s) resolved before the resumption of operations under the authorization of a licensed senior reactor operator (SRO).
The inspector verified that the information that was required to be recorded by the TSs and various procedures was logged on the appropriate forms and cross referenced with other logs and/or forms. The data indicated that no TS operational limits had been exceeded. The logs and records indicated that shift staffing was adequate and satisfied the requirements for duty and on-call personnel.
c.
Conclusions
Reactor operations and other required actions were completed in accordance with TSs requirements and applicable procedures.
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4.
Operator Requalification
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine that operator requalification activities and training were conducted in accordance with the licensees operator requalification plan and 10 CFR Part 55, and that medical requirements were met, the inspector reviewed:
Active operators license status Written examination records for 2015 and 2016 Operator medical examination records from 2014 to the present UWNR Procedure No. 004, University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Operator Proficiency Maintenance Program, Rev. 4, RSC approval dated May 28, 2015 Selected Operations Log Sheets, checklists, and associated forms and records for 2016 and to date in 2017 Audits completed by operations staff personnel documented in monthly reports submitted to the RSC entitled Monthly Operations Summary, for 2016 and to date in 2017 2015, 2016, and 2017 Training Status Record forms for selected individuals for the past three years UWNR Operator Evaluation Check Sheet records for the past three years UWNR Operator Proficiency Maintenance Program - Class Record Sheets for the past three years Various UWNR Procedures including Procedure No. 004, University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Operator Proficiency Maintenance Program, Rev. 4 and Procedure No. 005, UWNR Administrative Guide, Rev. 60 Logs and records of reactivity manipulations documented on forms associated with UWNR Procedure No. 112, Operating Log Sheet, Rev. 10 The two most recent Annual Operating Reports issued by the facility American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society (ANSI/ANS)
Standard 15.4, Standards for Selection and Training of Personnel for Research Reactors, dated June 9, 1988
b.
Observations and Findings
There were two qualified SROs who were full-time university employees working at the facility as well as six part-time student ROs. All of the operators licenses were verified to be current. It was noted that there were no people in training to become qualified operators as of the date of the inspection but a class was scheduled to begin in the fall.
A review of facility logs and training records showed that training and lectures had been conducted in accordance with the licensees requalification and training program. It was noted that annual written examinations had been given as stipulated and the results documented. A review of the records of reactor operations, reactivity manipulations, and other operations and supervisory activities, indicated that these required activities were being completed by each licensed operator. Records also indicated that quarterly performance evaluations were being completed as required. Records further documented participation by
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the operators in semi-annual emergency training and drills. The inspector noted that the licensees training program appeared to be comprehensive and was well maintained and documented.
Through discussions with licensed operators and a review of records, the inspector also verified that each operator was receiving a biennial medical examination as required.
c.
Conclusions
The requirements of the Operator Requalification Program were being met and the program was being acceptably implemented. Medical examinations for facility operators were being completed biennially as required.
5.
Procedures and Procedural Control
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine whether facility procedures met the requirements outlined in TS Section 6.4, the inspector reviewed:
Selected operating procedures and administrative logs Selected forms and checklists associated with current procedures Procedural reviews and updates as documented in RSC meeting minutes UWNR Procedure No. 005, UWNR Administrative Guide, Rev. 60 The two most recent Annual Operating Reports issued by the facility
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector determined that the licensee had developed procedures for the operations, tasks, and conditions listed in TS Section 6.4. The inspector noted that procedure UWNR Procedure No. 001, Standing Operating Instructions, specified the role and use of procedures at the facility. The licensees procedures and checklists were found to be acceptable for the current facility status, staffing, and level of operations. The procedures were being audited and/or reviewed annually, as noted earlier, and were updated as needed.
Minor changes to some types of procedures were allowed to be reviewed and approved by two SROs prior to implementation. These types of items were subsequently presented to the RSC for information and were reviewed by that committee. Major changes to the procedures were required to be reviewed and approved by the RSC prior to implementation. The inspector determined that substantive revisions to checklists and forms were presented to the RSC for review and approval as required. The inspector verified that the latest revisions to selected procedures and forms had been through this review and approval process.
During the inspection the inspector reviewed an issue identified by an NRC License Examiner during an examination in May 2016. The Examiner had found that three candidates had problems with switching from steady state operation while the reactor controls were in automatic to increasing or decreasing the power level. When this was identified, the licensee committed to correcting the
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problem. The inspector verified that the licensee had revised the operating procedure to instruct operators on all the required steps for properly changing power level while in automatic and when those steps could be taken. This issue is considered resolved.
c.
Conclusions
Facility procedures satisfied TS Section 6.4 requirements and procedure reviews were being completed annually.
6.
Fuel Handling
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
In order to verify adherence to fuel handling, use, and inspection requirements specified in TS Sections 3.1.4, 3.1.6, 4.1, 5.3 and 5.4, the inspector reviewed:
UWNR low-enriched uranium (LEU) Fuel Bundle Data Log Book Core Status Boards located at the reactor pool top and in the Control Room and the associated fuel element/bundle map located in the Fuel Bundle Data Log Book Operator Information Book which included core loading diagrams and standard fuel loading instructions Selected Operations Log Sheets, checklists, and associated forms and records for 2016 and to date in 2017 Various UWNR Procedures including Procedure No. 142, Procedure for Measuring Fuel Element Bow and Growth, Rev. 16; Procedure No. 143, Procedure for Fuel Handling and Core Arrangements, Rev. 3 (including Fuel Movement Log Sheet, forms); and Procedure No. 143A, Core Loading Diagram, Rev. 4 The two most recent Annual Operating Reports issued by the facility
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that the reactor fuel bundles in the core and in storage were being inspected annually as required by TSs. The results of the inspections were recorded as required and comments on the condition of each fuel bundle were noted on the appropriate pages in the LEU Fuel Bundle Data Log Book.
The procedures and the controls specified for these operations were acceptable.
The inspector determined that the licensee was maintaining the required records of the various fuel movements that had been completed using Fuel Movement Log Sheets. This information was routinely stored with the facility Operating Log Sheets. The inspector verified that the movements were conducted and recorded in compliance with procedure. The current core was designated as Core K21-R6.
c.
Conclusions
Reactor fuel movements and inspections were completed and documented in accordance with procedure. The fuel was being inspected as specified by TS
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Sections 3.1.6 and 4.1, and the core was used and arranged as required in TS Sections 3.1.4, 5.3, and 5.4.
7.
Maintenance and Surveillance
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine that surveillance and limiting conditions for operation (LCO)
activities and verifications were being completed as required by TS Sections 3 and 4, and that maintenance activities were being conducted, the inspector reviewed:
Selected preventive maintenance records for 2016 and to date in 2017 Open Pool Reactor Manual (OPRM) referenced in UWNR Procedure No. 100A Selected forms and records associated with various procedures UWNR including UWNR Procedure No. 100, Surveillance Activities, Rev. 57 and Procedure No. 169, Annual Maintenance Procedure, Rev. 16 The two most recent Annual Operating Reports issued by the facility
b.
Observations and Findings
(1)
Maintenance
The inspector reviewed the maintenance that had been completed for 2016 and to date in 2017 as required by UWNR Procedure No. 100 and UWNR Procedure No. 169. The records indicated that various maintenance activities were conducted monthly and others annually as required. The majority of the annual maintenance was completed in June each year. Also, preventive maintenance items were tracked and conducted as scheduled and any problems found were addressed in accordance with the TSs, applicable procedures, the OPRM, or other equipment manuals. Maintenance activities ensured that equipment remained consistent with the safety analysis report and TS requirements.
Unscheduled maintenance or repairs were reviewed to determine if they required 10 CFR 50.59 evaluations.
(2)
Surveillance
The inspector determined that selected daily, weekly, monthly, semiannual, and annual checks, tests, and verifications for selected LCO and surveillance activities were completed as stipulated. Those surveillance and LCO verifications reviewed were completed on schedule and in accordance with licensee procedures. All the recorded results were within the TSs and procedurally prescribed parameters. The records and logs reviewed appeared to be complete and were being maintained as required.
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c.
Conclusions
Maintenance logs and records were being maintained and maintenance activities were being conducted in accordance with procedural requirements. The program for surveillance and LCO verifications was being carried out in accordance with TS requirements.
8.
Experiments
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
In order to verify that experiments were being conducted in accordance with approved procedural guidelines and reviewed and approved as specified in TS Sections 3.8, 4.8, and 6.5, the inspector reviewed:
Control of irradiated items and potential hazards identification Records of recently proposed experiments and/or changes to approved experiments documented on forms entitled, Experiment Review Questionnaire Various UWNR Procedures including Procedure No. 002, Experiment Standing Operating Instructions, Rev. 12, and Procedure No. 030, Experiment Review Questionnaire, Rev. 8, and the associated forms and records
b.
Observations and Findings
In accordance with the licensees TSs, experiments were classified as routine, modified routine, or special. It was noted that routine and modified routine experiments could be conducted at the discretion of the SRO responsible for reactor operation. These were typically conducted under the auspices of UWNR Procedure No. 002. Special experiments were required to be reviewed by the RSC and possibly were of such a nature that they could require review and approval by the NRC. It was noted that three routine experiments were currently in use at the facility.
It was noted that two new experiments had been initiated recently. One was a new phase of a previous experiment which dealt with the accurate measurement of the rate of energy deposition (nuclear heating) in a variety of materials. The new phase involved the insertion of a bismuth reflector between the reactor core and the measuring devices (calorimeters). The other new experiment dealt with the irradiation of radiation tolerant still and video digital cameras in a location near the reactor core. The inspector reviewed the new experiments and verified that they had been reviewed and approved by the Reactor Director as required.
Copies of the Experiment Review Questionnaires for the experiments had been forwarded to the RSC for review. Appropriate safety evaluations had also been completed. The new experiments had been reviewed and approved by the RSC.
The conduct and results of the experiments and irradiations were documented on the Operations Log Sheets. Sample irradiation results were documented on the irradiation request forms, UWNR Procedure No. 130, Request for Isotope Production. The inspector verified that experiments and irradiations were
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conducted in accordance with procedure, and the material produced was controlled as required in the TSs, the applicable questionnaires, or authorizations.
c.
Conclusions
Conduct and control of experiments and irradiations met the requirements specified in the TS Sections 3.8, 4.8, and 6.5, the applicable experiment and irradiation authorizations, and associated procedures.
9.
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure that the licensees emergency response program was being conducted in accordance with the facility E-Plan, the inspector reviewed:
Offsite support for the UWNR facility Records of emergency and evacuation drills Training records regarding emergency response for facility staff and offsite support personnel Various UWNR Procedures including Procedure No. 005, UWNR Administrative Guide, Rev. 60 and Procedure No. 150, Reactor Accident, Fission Product Release, or Major Spill of Radioactive Materials, Rev. 22 Emergency response requirements stipulated in ANSI/ANS 15.16 - 1982 (R1988), Emergency Planning for Research Reactors
b.
Observations and Findings
The E-Plan in use at the UWNR Laboratory was the facility procedure, UWNR Procedure No. 006, University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Emergency Plan, Rev. 7, RSC approval dated May 25, 2015. The E-Plan was audited and reviewed annually as required. E-Plan Implementing Procedures, UWNR Procedure Numbers 150-154, 156 and 157, were also reviewed annually and revised as needed.
The inspector observed as a licensee representative inventoried the materials maintained in the Emergency Support Center at the facility. The inspector verified that the required supplies, instrumentation, and equipment were being maintained, controlled, and inventoried annually as required.
Through records review and interviews with licensee and support personnel, emergency responders were found to be knowledgeable of the proper actions to take in case of an emergency. Two agreements, one with an on-site support group (UW Engineering External Relations) and one with an off-site response organization (the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics), were updated every two years and were being maintained as required. Other agreements were not needed with such entities as the fire department and police force because they were under statutory requirements to respond to the UWNR in case of an emergency. Communications capabilities with these support groups were tested periodically and were acceptable.
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Emergency drills for operations personnel were conducted semiannually as required by the E-Plan. One of the semiannual drills was required to include a practice evacuation of the facility. The other drill involved reviewing the emergency procedures, discussing what actions to take, and conducting walk-through training in various areas or on various pieces of equipment. The results of the drills were documented and filed.
Training for reactor staff personnel in emergency response was conducted and documented through the Operator Requalification Program. The inspector verified that the E-Plan and implementing procedures were reviewed annually by UWNR staff as a part of their training. As noted earlier, a review of facility logs and training records showed that other related training and classroom instruction had also been conducted as required. The inspector was also able to attend a training session given for various members of the Madison Fire Department (FD).
The training gave the FD personnel a good review of radiation, locating sources of radioactive material, and handling radioactive material and contamination.
The inspector, accompanied by the UWNR Facility Director and the Reactor Supervisor, visited the Madison Fire Department Station No. 7 and observed some the equipment they possessed for response to emergencies. It was noted that they appeared to be well staffed and equipped to handle any fire emergency that might arise at the reactor facility and assist in other types of emergencies. It was apparent that there was a good working relationship between the reactor staff and the fire department personnel.
c.
Conclusions
The inspector concluded that the emergency preparedness program was being conducted in accordance with the E-Plan because: (1) The E-Plan and Implementing Procedures were being reviewed annually as required and updated as needed; (2) emergency response facilities and equipment were being maintained as required; (3) emergency responders were knowledgeable of proper actions to take in case of an emergency; (4) off-site support was acceptable; (5) semiannual drills were being conducted as required by the E-Plan; and (6) emergency preparedness training for staff personnel was being completed as required.
10.
Exit Meeting Summary
The inspection scope and results were summarized on April 27, 2017, with licensee representatives. The inspector discussed the findings for each area reviewed. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection.
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee Personnel Reactor Director R. Deyoe
Reactor Operator C. Edwards
Reactor Supervisor Z. Fiscus
Reactor Operator A. Gross
Reactor Operator A. Malie
Reactor Operator J. Quincy
Reactor Operator K. Zander
Reactor Operator
Other Personnel
D. Blocker
Lieutenant, B Shift, Fire Station 7, City of Madison Fire Department T. Hagen
Lieutenant, B Shift, Fire Station 7, City of Madison Fire Department S. Larson Captain, B Shift Training/Haz Mat Team Coordinator, Fire Station 7, City of Madison Fire Department B. Lofy Lieutenant, B Shift, Fire Station 7, City of Madison Fire Department T. Recob Lieutenant, B Shift, Fire Station 7, City of Madison Fire Department J. Timm Radiation Safety Officer and Assistant Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, Office of Radiation Safety, University of Wisconsin
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
Class II Research and Test Reactors
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
None
PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
ANSI/ANS American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society 10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations E-Plan Emergency Plan FD
Fire Department IP
Inspection Procedure LCO
Limiting Conditions for Operation LEU
Low-Enriched Uranium No.
Number NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission OPRM Open Pool Reactor Manual Rev.
Revision RO
Reactor Operator RSC
Reactor Safety Committee SRO
Senior Reactor Operator TSs Technical Specifications UW University of Wisconsin UWNR University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor