Text

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Route Inspection Report No. 5000020/2018-201
	ML18116A521
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	05/02/2018
From:	Anthony Mendiola; Research and Test Reactors Oversight Projects Branch
To:	Queirolo A; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
	Eads J
References
	IR 218201
	Download: ML18116A521 (17)
	v • d • e

May 2, 2018

Mr. Alberto Queirolo, Director

of Reactor Operations

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

138 Albany Street, MS NW12-116A

Cambridge, MA 02139

SUBJECT: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - U.S. NUCLEAR

REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT

NO. 50-020/2018-201

Dear Mr. Queirolo:

From March 5-8, 2018, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an

inspection at your Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor. The enclosed

report presents the results of that inspection, which were discussed on March 8, 2018, with

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 selective 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 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).

A. Queirolo -2-

Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Mr. Johnny Eads at

(301) 415-0136 or by electronic mail at Johnny.Eads@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Licensing Projects

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Docket No.50-020

License No. R-37

Enclosure:

As stated

cc: See next page

ML18116A521 *concurred via e-mail NRC-002

OFFICE NRR/DLP/PROB* NRR/DLP/PROB/LA* NRR/DLP/PROB/BC

NAME JEads NParker AMendiola

DATE 4/28/2018 4/27/2018 5/2/2018

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Docket No.50-020

cc:

City Manager

City Hall

Cambridge, MA 02139

Department of Environmental Protection

One Winter Street

Boston, MA 02108

Mr. Jack Priest, Director

Radiation Control Program

Department of Public Health

529 Main Street

Schrafft Center, Suite 1M2A

Charlestown, MA 02129

Mr. John Giarrusso, Chief

Planning and Preparedness Division

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

400 Worcester Road

Framingham, MA 01702-5399

Test, Research and Training

Reactor Newsletter

P.O. Box 118300

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611-8300

Ms. Sarah M. Don, Reactor Superintendent

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Research Reactor

138 Albany Street, MS NW12-116B

Cambridge, MA 02139

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

Docket No.50-020

License No. R-37

Report No. 50-020/2018-201

Licensee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Facility: Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dates: March 5-8, 2018

Inspector: Johnny Eads

Approved by: Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Licensing Projects

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosure

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

NRC Inspection Report No. 50-020/2018-201

The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected

aspects of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT or the licensees) Class I 6-megawatt

research reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing, (2) reactor operations,

(3) operator requalification, (4) maintenance and surveillance, (5) fuel handling, (6) experiments,

(7) procedures, and (8) emergency preparedness since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas. The licensees program was acceptably directed

toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with NRC requirements.

Organization and staffing

Organizational structure and staffing were consistent with technical specification (TS)

requirements.

Reactor Operations

Reactor operations were conducted in accordance with procedure and the appropriate logs

were being maintained.

Operator Requalification

Operator requalification was conducted as required by the requalification program and the

program was being maintained up-to-date.

Operators were receiving biennial medical examinations as required.

Maintenance and Surveillance

The system for tracking and completing maintenance items and surveillance checks and

calibrations was adequate and was being maintained as required.

Maintenance and surveillance records, performance, and reviews satisfied TS and

procedure requirements.

Fuel Handling

Fuel was being controlled as required and fuel movements were conducted in accordance

with TS and procedural requirements.

Experiments

The program for reviewing and conducting experiments satisfied procedural and TS

requirements.

-2-

Procedures

The procedure review, revision, control, and implementation program satisfied TS

requirements.

Emergency Preparedness

The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency

Plan (E-Plan).

Emergency response equipment was being maintained and inventoried as required.

Emergency drills were being conducted annually as required by the E-Plan.

Emergency preparedness training for licensed operators and personnel from various

support organizations was being completed as required.

-3-

REPORT DETAILS

Summary of Facility Status

The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (NRL) 6-megawatt research and test reactor continued to

be operated 24 hours2.777778e-4 days 0.00667 hours 3.968254e-5 weeks 9.132e-6 months a day, 7 days a week in support of educational experiments, research and

service irradiations, and reactor operator training. During the inspection, the reactor was

shutdown for maintenance.

1. Organization and Staffing

a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69006)

The inspector reviewed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor

(designated as MITR-II) organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements

of TS Section 7.1, implemented through Renewed Facility Operating License

No. R-37, Amendment 40 issued August 13, 2015, were being met regarding the

following:

Management responsibilities

Qualifications of facility operations personnel

MIT NRL Organization Chart, dated March 5, 2018

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

Staffing requirements for reactor operation stated in TS Section 7.1.3

MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute

of Technology Annual Report to [the] U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

for the Period January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, submitted March 30,

2018

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector noted that the Director of Reactor Operations continued to report

to the Director of the MIT NRL, who in turn reported to the President of the

university through the Vice President for Research. This organization was

consistent with that specified in the TS. The organizational structure and the

responsibilities of the reactor staff had not changed since the last inspection.

Staffing levels remained consistent with those noted during the last inspection of

the facility. The current reactor operations organization consisted of the Director

of Reactor Operations, the Deputy Director of Reactor Operations, the Assistant

Director of Operations, the Superintendent of Operations, the Training

Coordinator, a Quality Assurance Supervisor, and various reactor supervisors,

and reactor operators (ROs). The Deputy Director of Reactor Operations, the

Assistant Director of Reactor Operations, the Superintendent of Operations, the

Quality Assurance Supervisor, the Training Coordinator, and the majority of the

reactor supervisors were licensed senior reactor operators (SROs). In addition to

the operations staff, there were various support groups, including a research

staff, a research development group, a reactor engineering staff, maintenance

personnel, and a reactor radiation protection group. Through a review of reactor

operations logs for the period from March 2017 through the present, and through

-4-

interviews with operations personnel, the inspector determined that the licensee

normally operated 24 hours2.777778e-4 days 0.00667 hours 3.968254e-5 weeks 9.132e-6 months a day with three crews and no shift rotation. Each

operating crew was staffed with various personnel (with at least two licensed

operators on duty at the MITR-II per shift). Operation shifts were scheduled for a

period of 8 hours9.259259e-5 days 0.00222 hours 1.322751e-5 weeks 3.044e-6 months . The review of the reactor (console) logbooks and associated

records confirmed that shift staffing during reactor operations met the minimum

requirements for duty and on-call personnel specified in TS Section 7.1.3.

c. Conclusion

The licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the

requirements specified in TS Section 7.1.

2. Reactor Operations

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69006)

To verify that the licensee was conducting reactor operations in accordance with

TS Section 2 and TS Section 3 and procedural requirements, the inspector

reviewed selected portions of the following:

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute

of Technology Annual Report to [the] U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

for the Period January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, submitted

March 30, 2018

b. Observations and Findings

(1) Reactor Operation

The inspector observed facility activities on various occasions during the

week including routine reactor operations and updating the console logs

while the reactor was shutdown for maintenance. Written procedures and

checklists were used for each activity as required. It was noted that the

reactor operators followed the appropriate procedures, were

knowledgeable of the required actions, and professional in the conduct of

their duties.

(2) Staff Communication

During the inspection, the inspector observed reactor operator turnover

activities during the shift. The status of the reactor and the facility was

discussed on each occasion as required. The oncoming personnel were

briefed on the upcoming activities and scheduled events before assuming

the operations duty. Through direct observation and records review, the

inspector verified that the content of turnover briefings was appropriate

and that shift activities and plant conditions were discussed in sufficient

detail.

-5-

c. Conclusion

MITR-II reactor operations, as well as turnovers and operator cognizance of

facility conditions during routine operations, were acceptable.

3. Operator Requalification

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69003)

To verify that the licensee was complying with the requirements of Title 10 of the

Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 55 and TS Section 7.2.3.3 (b) and

conforming to Chapter 12, Sections 12.1 and 12.10 of the facility safety analysis

report, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:

Current status of operator licenses

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

Results of the annual written examinations completed in 2017

Medical examination records for selected operators for the past 2 years

Procedure Manual (PM) 1.16, Requalification and Qualification, latest

revision dated February 20, 2013.

b. Observations and Findings

There were 22 individuals licensed to operate the reactor at MIT. Of those

personnel, 14 were qualified SROs and 8 were ROs. A review of various

Requalification Program records indicated that the program was maintained

up-to-date and that SRO and RO licenses were current. MITR-II operator files

and reactor logs also showed that all operators maintained active duty status with

the exception of one SRO who was designated as inactive by the facility. A

review of the MITR Safety Committee (MITRSC) meeting minutes and

independent audit results indicated that the program was being audited annually

as required by TS Section 7.2.3.3.(b).

A review of the pertinent logs and records also showed that training was being

conducted in accordance with the licensees requalification and training program.

A series of lectures were given to operators during the 2 year training and

requalification cycle. Information regarding facility changes, procedure changes,

and other relevant information was routinely routed to all licensed operators for

their review. The inspector verified that the required reactor operations, reactivity

manipulations, other operations activities, and reactor supervisor activities were

being completed and the appropriate records were being maintained. The

inspector also noted that all operators were receiving biennial medical

examinations within the time frame allowed as required by the program.

c. Conclusion

Operator requalification was up-to-date and being completed as required by the

MITR-II Operator Requalification Program. Operators were receiving biennial

medical examinations as required.

-6-

4. Maintenance and Surveillance

a. Inspection Scope (IPs 69006 and 69010)

To verify that the licensee was meeting the surveillance requirements specified in

TS Section 4 and that maintenance was being conducted, the inspector reviewed

selected aspects of the following:

MITR-II Job Workbook

MITR-II Daily Operations Schedule

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute

of Technology Annual Report to [the] U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

for the Period January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, submitted

March 30, 2018

b. Observations and Findings

(1) Maintenance

The inspector reviewed the system that the licensee had developed to

track and complete maintenance activities. The system was designed to

ensure that all maintenance activities were planned and completed as

scheduled, that post maintenance testing was conducted, and that the

entire process was documented appropriately. The licensee used a

locally developed system called the Test and Calibration Tracker which

listed nearly all the tests, checks, and calibrations that were due on a

monthly basis, as well as MITR-II Systems, Tests, and Calibrations

notebooks to document completion of the various periodic maintenance

and surveillance activities. The inspector noted that all such tasks were

tracked through this system. The program appeared to be effective.

(2) Surveillance

Various periodic surveillance verifications and calibration records of

equipment, including the testing of various reactor systems,

instrumentation, and auxiliary systems were reviewed by the inspector.

TS surveillance items were completed on schedule as required by TS and

in accordance with licensee procedures. The results of selected tests,

checks, and calibrations reviewed by the inspector were noted to be

within the TS and procedurally prescribed parameters.

c. Conclusion

The system for tracking and completing maintenance items and surveillance

checks and calibrations was adequate and was being maintained as required.

Maintenance and surveillance records, performance, and reviews satisfied TS

and procedure requirements.

-7-

5. Fuel Handling

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69009)

To ensure that the licensee was following the requirements of TS Section 3.1.4,

TS Section 3.1.6, TS Section 4.1.5, and TS Section 5.4, the inspector reviewed

selected aspects of the following:

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

Approved packets for core configurations completed in 2017 and 2018 to

date, including, Fuel Loading Permission (form revision dated

February 20, 2013), completed for fuel element transfers in 2017 and 2018 to

date

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the fuel movement process and verified that fuel moves

were conducted according to established procedure and documented on specific

fuel movement sheets developed by the Reactor Engineer. The inspector

reviewed selected fuel movement sheets for 2017 and to date in 2018. They had

been developed and used for each specific core refueling as required.

c. Conclusion

Fuel was being controlled as required and fuel movements were performed in

accordance with approved procedures and TS requirements.

6. Experiments

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69005)

To verify compliance with the licensees procedures, TS Section 6,

TS Section 7.5 and 10 CFR 50.59 the inspector reviewed the following:

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

Experiment Review Process documented in PM 1.10, Experiment Review

and Approval, latest revision dated February 20, 2013.

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the experimental review and approval process described

in PM 1.10. The inspector reviewed selected safety review forms and irradiation

request forms for experiments that were currently active. The experimental

facilities and/or equipment had been evaluated in accordance with

TS requirements and the associated data sheets indicated that the experiments

would be within the specified limits. The analysis for each had been performed

and the reviews and approvals completed. The appropriate reviews and

approvals had also been completed for the samples and/or materials to be

-8-

irradiated and the experiments were conducted under the cognizance of the

reactor supervisor and in accordance with the specified requirements.

c. Conclusion

Conduct and control of experiments met the requirements of the TS and the

applicable facility procedures.

7. Procedures

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69008)

To verify that the licensee was meeting the requirements of TS Section 7.4, the

inspectors reviewed selected aspects of the following:

PM 1.4, Review and Approval of Plans, Procedures and Facility Equipment

and Changes Thereto, which included:

- PM 1.4.1, Plan, Procedure, and Equipment Change

Classification, latest revision dated February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.2, Class C Review and Approval, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.3, Class B Review and Approval, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.4, Class A Review and Approval, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.5, Safety Review Form, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.6, Procedure Manuals, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

PM 1.5, Procedure Adherence and Temporary Change Method, latest

revision dated February 20, 2013

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector noted that procedures had been developed for reactor operations

and safety as required by the TS Section 7.4. The licensees procedures were

found to be acceptable for the current facility status and staffing level. The

inspector noted that the administrative procedure specified the responsibilities of

the various positions and for the MITRSC.

Operation procedures were typically reviewed by operators and support

personnel prior to being used/implemented and were revised as needed. The

inspector noted that abnormal and emergency procedures were reviewed

annually by all licensed operators as required and revised when needed. Major

procedure revisions were reviewed and approved by the Director of Reactor

Operations and submitted to the MITRSC for review. All procedure changes

were routinely routed to all operators for review as well.

-9-

It was also noted that management and supervisory oversight was focused on

proper implementation and adherence to procedures. Through observation of

various activities in progress during the inspection, the inspector noted that

adherence to procedures was adequate.

c. Conclusion

Procedures were properly prepared and implemented in compliance with license

requirements.

8. Emergency Preparedness

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69011)

The inspector reviewed selected aspects to verify compliance with TS Section 7.2.3.d and the licensees E-Plan and associated procedures of the

following:

Training records for MITR Support Personnel

Review and Critique of the Combined Radiation Emergency Exercise and

Medical Emergency Drill conducted on December 8, 2016

Review and Critique of the 2017 actual events which occurred on

May 9, 2017, September 21, 2017, and January 31, 2018

PM 4.0, MITR-II Emergency Plan and Procedures, revision dated

June 20, 2013

PM 4.4.4, Emergency Operating Procedures

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the E-Plan and implementing procedures in use at the

reactor and verified that the procedures were reviewed annually by all licensed

operators in accordance with the Operator Requalification Program.

Through records reviews and interviews with facility emergency personnel (i.e.,

licensed operators or emergency responders), the inspector determined that they

were knowledgeable of the proper actions to take in case of an emergency.

Training for staff members had been conducted annually as required and

documented acceptably.

Emergency training for MIT Police Department personnel was required to be

conducted annually by EP Section 4.10.1.1. The inspector reviewed the training

records and noted that the most recent training had been completed as required.

The inspector verified that letters of agreement with various emergency support

organizations were on file and being maintained.

Communications capabilities with support groups were acceptable and were

verified annually through a communications check with the various organizations.

Emergency call lists had been revised and updated as needed and were

available in various areas of the facility, including in controlled copies of the

- 10 -

Emergency Procedures Manuals. The inspector also verified that emergency

equipment was being inventoried quarterly as required.

The inspector verified compliance with the E-Plan requirement for annual

emergency plan drills. The licensee met this requirement by conducting

radiological emergency and medical emergency drills each year or by taking

credit for an actual emergency. Following each drill, a critique was conducted to

identify areas of strength and weakness. Drills and critiques were documented in

writing as referenced above. The drills appeared to be challenging and provided

a good indication of each organizations responsiveness and capabilities.

c. Conclusion

The licensee was maintaining acceptable emergency preparedness in

accordance with TS and-Plan requirements.

9. Exit Interview

The inspection scope and results were summarized on March 8, 2018, with members of

licensee management. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the

preliminary inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection

and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed during the

inspection.

- 11 -

PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED

Licensee Personnel:

J. Bernard Senior Advisor, Research Staff

S. Don Superintendent Operations

J. Foster Deputy Director of Reactor Operations

E. Lau Assistant Director of Reactor Operations

W. McCarthy Reactor Radiation Protection Officer and Deputy Director, MIT

Environment, Health, and Safety Office

A. Queirolo Director of Reactor Operations

S. Tucker Quality Assurance Supervisor

INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED

IP 69003 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Operator Licenses, Requalification, and

Medical Examinations

IP 69005 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Experiments

IP 69006 Class 1 Research and Test Reactors Organization and Operations and

Maintenance Activities

IP 69008 Class 1 Procedures

IP 69009 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Fuel Movement

IP 69010 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Surveillance

IP 69011 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Emergency Preparedness

ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED

Opened:

None

Closed:

None

Attachment

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED

10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations

E-Plan Emergency Plan

IP Inspection Procedure

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MITR Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor

MITRSC Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Safety Committee

NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NRL Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

PM Procedure Manual

RO Reactor Operator

SRO Senior Reactor Operator

TS Technical Specification

-2-

May 2, 2018

Mr. Alberto Queirolo, Director

of Reactor Operations

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

138 Albany Street, MS NW12-116A

Cambridge, MA 02139

SUBJECT: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - U.S. NUCLEAR

REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT

NO. 50-020/2018-201

Dear Mr. Queirolo:

From March 5-8, 2018, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an

inspection at your Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor. The enclosed

report presents the results of that inspection, which were discussed on March 8, 2018, with

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 selective 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 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).

A. Queirolo -2-

Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Mr. Johnny Eads at

(301) 415-0136 or by electronic mail at Johnny.Eads@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Licensing Projects

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Docket No.50-020

License No. R-37

Enclosure:

As stated

cc: See next page

ML18116A521 *concurred via e-mail NRC-002

OFFICE NRR/DLP/PROB* NRR/DLP/PROB/LA* NRR/DLP/PROB/BC

NAME JEads NParker AMendiola

DATE 4/28/2018 4/27/2018 5/2/2018

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Docket No.50-020

cc:

City Manager

City Hall

Cambridge, MA 02139

Department of Environmental Protection

One Winter Street

Boston, MA 02108

Mr. Jack Priest, Director

Radiation Control Program

Department of Public Health

529 Main Street

Schrafft Center, Suite 1M2A

Charlestown, MA 02129

Mr. John Giarrusso, Chief

Planning and Preparedness Division

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

400 Worcester Road

Framingham, MA 01702-5399

Test, Research and Training

Reactor Newsletter

P.O. Box 118300

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611-8300

Ms. Sarah M. Don, Reactor Superintendent

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Research Reactor

138 Albany Street, MS NW12-116B

Cambridge, MA 02139

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

Docket No.50-020

License No. R-37

Report No. 50-020/2018-201

Licensee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Facility: Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dates: March 5-8, 2018

Inspector: Johnny Eads

Approved by: Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Licensing Projects

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosure

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

NRC Inspection Report No. 50-020/2018-201

The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected

aspects of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT or the licensees) Class I 6-megawatt

research reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing, (2) reactor operations,

(3) operator requalification, (4) maintenance and surveillance, (5) fuel handling, (6) experiments,

(7) procedures, and (8) emergency preparedness since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas. The licensees program was acceptably directed

toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with NRC requirements.

Organization and staffing

Organizational structure and staffing were consistent with technical specification (TS)

requirements.

Reactor Operations

Reactor operations were conducted in accordance with procedure and the appropriate logs

were being maintained.

Operator Requalification

Operator requalification was conducted as required by the requalification program and the

program was being maintained up-to-date.

Operators were receiving biennial medical examinations as required.

Maintenance and Surveillance

The system for tracking and completing maintenance items and surveillance checks and

calibrations was adequate and was being maintained as required.

Maintenance and surveillance records, performance, and reviews satisfied TS and

procedure requirements.

Fuel Handling

Fuel was being controlled as required and fuel movements were conducted in accordance

with TS and procedural requirements.

Experiments

The program for reviewing and conducting experiments satisfied procedural and TS

requirements.

-2-

Procedures

The procedure review, revision, control, and implementation program satisfied TS

requirements.

Emergency Preparedness

The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency

Plan (E-Plan).

Emergency response equipment was being maintained and inventoried as required.

Emergency drills were being conducted annually as required by the E-Plan.

Emergency preparedness training for licensed operators and personnel from various

support organizations was being completed as required.

-3-

REPORT DETAILS

Summary of Facility Status

The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (NRL) 6-megawatt research and test reactor continued to

be operated 24 hours2.777778e-4 days 0.00667 hours 3.968254e-5 weeks 9.132e-6 months a day, 7 days a week in support of educational experiments, research and

service irradiations, and reactor operator training. During the inspection, the reactor was

shutdown for maintenance.

1. Organization and Staffing

a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69006)

The inspector reviewed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor

(designated as MITR-II) organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements

of TS Section 7.1, implemented through Renewed Facility Operating License

No. R-37, Amendment 40 issued August 13, 2015, were being met regarding the

following:

Management responsibilities

Qualifications of facility operations personnel

MIT NRL Organization Chart, dated March 5, 2018

Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2017 to present

Staffing requirements for reactor operation stated in TS Section 7.1.3

MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute