IR 05000170/2015201

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IR 05000170/2015201; 03/03-05/2015; Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Research Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report
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)
v • d • e


Text

ril 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: Johnny Eads 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

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

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

-4-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. Emergency Preparedness a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the implementation of selected portions of the emergency preparedness program, including:

  • 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

-5-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
  • 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

-6-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 IP 69001 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

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