IR 05000170/2015201
| ML15092A971 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute |
| Issue date: | 04/03/2015 |
| From: | Kevin Hsueh Research and Test Reactors Branch B |
| To: | Huff L US Dept of Defense, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute |
| Eads J | |
| References | |
| IR 2015201 | |
| Download: ML15092A971 (12) | |
Text
April 3, 2015
SUBJECT:
ARMED FORCES RADIOBIOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - NRC ROUTINE
INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-170/2015-201
Dear Colonel Huff:
From March 3-5, 2015, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the Commission)
conducted an inspection at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute reactor facility.
The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on March 5, 2015, with you and members of your staff.
Areas examined during the inspection are identified in the report. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations of activities in progress. Based on the results of this inspection, no safety concerns or noncompliances with NRC requirements were identified.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, request for withholding, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the NRCs document system (Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.
Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Johnny Eads at (301) 415-0136.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Kevin Hsueh, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-170 License No. R-84
Enclosure:
NRC Inspection Report No. 50-170/2015-201
cc w/encl: See next page
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Docket No. 50-170
cc:
Director, Maryland Office of Planning 301 West Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201
Montgomery County Executive 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor Rockville, MD 20850
Mr. Stephen I. Miller Reactor Facility Director Armed Force Radiobiology Research Institute 8901 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20889-5603
Environmental Program Manager III Radiological Health Program Air & Radiation Management Adm.
Maryland Dept of the Environment 1800 Washington Blvd. Suite 750 Baltimore, MD 21230-1724
Manager Nuclear Programs Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tawes B-3 Annapolis, MD 21401
Rich McLean, Manager Nuclear Programs Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tawes B-3 Annapolis, MD 21401
Director Air & Radiation Management Adm.
Maryland Dept of the Environment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 710 Baltimore, MD 21230
Test, Research, and Training Reactor Newsletter University of Florida 202 Nuclear Sciences Center Gainesville, FL 32611
ML15092A971 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB:RI*
NRR/DPR/PROB:BC NAME JEads KHsueh DATE 03/30/2015 04/03/2015
U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No:
50-170
License No:
R-84
Report No:
50-170/2015-201
Licensee:
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
Facility:
AFRRI Reactor Facility
Location:
Bethesda, MD
Dates:
March 3-5, 2015
Inspector:
Approved by:
Kevin Hsueh, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Research Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report No. 50-170/2015-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection included the onsite review of selected aspects of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRIs or the licensees)
Class II research reactor facility safety programs, including organization and staffing, operations logs and records, requalification training, surveillance and limiting conditions for operation, emergency planning, maintenance logs and records, and fuel handling logs and records. The licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements.
Organization and Staffing
- The licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the requirements specified in the Technical Specifications (TS) 6.1.
Operations Logs and Records
- Operational activities were consistent with applicable TS and procedural requirements.
Requalification Training
- Operator requalification was up-to-date and was being performed as required by AFRRIs reactor operator requalification program.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
- All surveillances were completed in accordance with TS Section 4.0 and the licensee was in compliance with limiting conditions for operation requirements in TS Section 3.0.
Emergency Planning
- The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan.
Maintenance Logs and Records
- Maintenance activities ensured that equipment remained consistent with the Safety Analysis Report and TS requirements.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
- Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by TS and facility procedures.
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRIs or the licensees) one megawatt Training Research Isotope Production General Atomics (TRIGA) Mark II research reactor, located on the campus of the National Naval Medical Center, operated in support of the Institutes mission of research, experiments, education, reactor operator training and periodic equipment surveillance. During the inspection the reactor was maintained in a shutdown status for maintenance.
1.
Organization and Staffing
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
To verify that the licensees organization and staffing were in accordance with AFRRI Technical Specification (TS) 6.1, the inspector reviewed the following:
- Organizational structure
Management responsibilities
Staffing requirements for safe operation of the research reactor facility
Reactor Logbook Number 137, January 9, 2014 to present
b.
Observations and Findings
The structure and functions of the licensees organization at the AFRRI facility had not functionally changed since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection. The licensees current organizational structure and assignment responsibilities were consistent with those specified in the TS 6.1.
There were no major changes in management since the last inspection. All positions reviewed were filled with qualified personnel. Review of records verified that management responsibilities were generally administered as required by TS 6.1.2 and applicable procedures. The inspector determined from the reactor console logbook that minimum staffing and on-call requirements were in compliance with TS 6.1.3.2, Operations.
c.
Conclusion
The licensees organization and staffing was in compliance with the requirements specified in the TS 6.1.
2.
Operations Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with TS Sections 2.0, 3.0, and 6.0 and applicable procedure requirements for operation:
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- Reactor Logbook Number 137, January 9, 2014 to present
AFRRI Malfunction Log from 2013 to present
AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Reactor Operations, Rev. dated May 1, 1998
AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Tab A, Logbook Entry Checklist, Rev.
dated February 26, 2001
AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Tab B, Daily Operational Startup Checklist, Rev. dated September 11, 2009
AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Tab H, Weekly Operational Instrument Checklist
AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Tab I, Daily Operational Shutdown Checklist
Daily Operational Startup and Shutdown Checklists, 2013 to present
Weekly Operational Instrument Checklist, 2013 to present
AFRRI 2013 Annual Report
b.
Observations and Findings
The operating logs and records were well maintained and provided a clear indication of operational activities, changes in reactivity, and maintenance actions or malfunctions that had occurred.
Logs and records also showed that operational conditions and parameters were consistent with license and TS requirements. Information on the operational status of the facility was recorded in logbooks and on checklists as required by procedure.
Operational problems and events noted in the logs were reported, reviewed, and resolved as required. Operations logs and records also documented that shift staffing met the minimum requirements.
c.
Conclusion
Operational activities were consistent with applicable TS and procedural requirements.
3.
Requalification Training
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify that the licensee was complying with the requirements of the operator requalification program, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
- Reactor Operator Requalification Program for the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute TRIGA Reactor Facility, revised June 27, 2001
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Effective dates of current operator licenses
Operator training records maintained on Requalification Program Checklist forms in individual folders for each operator
Medical examination records for the past 2 years
Operator requalification training lectures for 2013-2014
Facility written exam, administered in 2014
b.
Observations and Findings
As of the date of the inspection, all the NRC-licensed senior reactor operators (SROs) on staff maintained current licenses. All operators were enrolled in the licensees NRC-approved requalification and training program and had completed a minimum of 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br /> of shift functions per quarter. The inspector noted that operators were receiving the required biennial medical examinations.
A review of the logs and records showed that training was being conducted in accordance with the program. Requalification program data, such as attendance at training sessions and completion of written examinations and operation tests, was documented as required. The inspector noted that the required biennial written examination was administered in 2014 as required. Records of quarterly reactor operations, reactivity manipulations, and other operations activities were being maintained.
c.
Conclusion
Operator requalification was up-to-date and was being performed as required by the AFRRI reactor operator requalification program.
4.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine that LCOs were met and surveillances were completed as required by TS Sections 3.0 and 4.0, the inspector reviewed:
- TS for the AFRRI reactor facility, dated June 27, 2001
2013 Annual Operating Report for the AFRRI
AFRRI Malfunction Log from 2013 to present
Reactor Logbook Number 137, January 9, 2014 to present
Daily Operational Startup/Shutdown Checklist, 2013 to present
Calibration procedures for the AFRRI reactor facility
Maintenance procedures for the AFRRI reactor facility
TRIGA Tracker Report
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b.
Observations and Findings
Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and other periodic checks, tests, and verifications for TS required LCOs were being completed as required. The inspectors performed a random sampling of the AFRRI surveillance and verified that the reactor fuel elements inspection was performed in accordance with TS 4.2.5; that the ventilation system check was performed in accordance with TS 4.4; and the area radiation monitoring system check was performed in accordance with TS 4.5.
The inspector reviewed a random sampling of operational logs and records and determined that they met the required LCOs.
The AFRRI uses a computer database, the TRIGA Tracker Report, to track completion of the various required surveillance and LCO verifications. The inspector performed a random sampling of the database to ensure that there were no overdue requirements and cross-referenced the applicable TS to ensure all required surveillances were accounted for in the TRIGA Tracker Report; there were no issues noted.
c.
Conclusion
All surveillances were completed in accordance with TS Section 4.0 and the licensee was in compliance with LCO requirements in TS Section 3.0.
5.
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the implementation of selected portions of the emergency preparedness program, including:
- AFRRI Emergency Plan, dated December 2003
AFRRI emergency drill conducted on December 10, 2014
AFRRI emergency supplies
Security guard radiation safety procedures
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the current Emergency Plan (EP). The inspector noted that the notification rosters in the control room and at the guards desk were up to date and reviewed periodically in accordance with procedures. The inspector verified that the four emergency supply boxes were inventoried and their radiation monitoring devices were within their calibration period.
The inspector reviewed the last annual drill, one of which was a large exercise with external participants, as required in the EP to be held biennially. The large
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exercise included participants from the Naval Support Activity Bethesda, police, and fire departments. The drill was successfully completed, followed by discussion and feedback. Action items were being tracked and closed out, as appropriate.
The inspector verified that key emergency response personnel and individuals authorized access (e.g., guards) completed initial and periodic retraining of the emergency preparedness program as required by the EP.
c.
Conclusion
The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan.
6.
Maintenance Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To determine that maintenance was being completed as required by the TS and applicable procedures, the inspector reviewed:
- AFRRI Malfunction Log from 2013 to present
Reactor Logbook Number 137, January 9, 2014 to present
Daily Operational Startup Checklist, various
Maintenance procedures for the AFRRI reactor facility
TRIGA Tracker Report
Annual Maintenance Report for 2014, dated January 9, 2015
Annual Shutdown Maintenance Checklist
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector verified through records that annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly maintenance requirements were performed on their respective frequency. Routine and preventive maintenance were well controlled and documented in the TRIGA tracking system. Use of maintenance and malfunction logs satisfied procedural requirements.
c.
Conclusion
Maintenance activities ensured that equipment remained consistent with the Safety Analysis Report and TS requirements.
7.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the procedural
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requirements in TS 6.3.f, Reactor core loading and unloading:
- AFRRI current stainless steel clad fuel element records
Control room reactor fuel inventory map
Reactor Logbook Number 137, January 9, 2014 to present
b.
Observations and Findings
The AFRRI maintains a fuel element record of all their elements. Information such as serial number, core position, and power history are maintained and tracked. The inspector reviewed selected records for fuel movements and inspection of the reactor fuel. The inspector verified that fuel moves and measurements were accurately recorded in each of the various records. A written and properly approved procedure was used in the conduct of the fuel moves.
c.
Conclusion
Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by TS and facility procedures.
8.
Exit Interview
The inspector presented the inspection results to licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on March 5, 2015. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection observations. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed by the inspector during the inspection.
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee
L. Andrew Huff, Colonel Director, AFRRI S. Miller
Reactor Facility Director I. Gifford
Reactor Operations Supervisor
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
Class II Research and Test Reactors
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None.
Closed
None.
Discussed
None.
PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
10 CFR
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations ADAMS
Agencywide Document Access and Management System AFRRI
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute ERC
Emergency Response Center IFI
Inspector Follow-up Item IP
Inspection Procedure LCO
Limiting Condition for Operation NRC
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission SRO
Senior Reactor Operator TS
Technical Specifications TRIGA
Training Research Isotope Production General Atomics