ML19290A636
| ML19290A636 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/01/1979 |
| From: | James Keppler NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| To: | Christian J PURDUE UNIV., WEST LAFAYETTE, IN |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19290A632 | List: |
| References | |
| 791004-01, 791004-1, NUDOCS 7911210516 | |
| Download: ML19290A636 (2) | |
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39 Purdue University License No. 13-02812-04 ATIN: John E. Christian, Ph.D.,
Chairman, Radiological Control Committee West Lafayette, IN 47909 Gentlemen:
This refers to the inspection conducted by Messrs. W. H. Schultz and D. G. Wiedeman of this office on September 11, 1979, of activities at Pt.rdue University authorized by NRC Byproduct Material License No.
13-02812-04 and to the discussion of our findings with you and Dr. Paul Ziemer at the conclusion of the inspection.
The inspection was an examination of activities conducted under your license as they relate to radiation safety and to compliance with the Commission's rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspection was limited to a review of the procedure for collecting, storing, processing and transferring low level radioactive waste n.aterial to a licensed waste disposal facility.
This inspection was made at the request of two individuals at Purdue University. One of these individuals is the Education Editor of the Purdue Exponent and the other is a Student Senator in the Purdue Student Association.
During the inspection independent measurements were made by the NRC representatives. These included direct reading radiation surveys with a GM survey instrument and wipe surveys to check for removable contamination.
All direct readings were well within NRC limits. The wipe surveys were analyzed by liquid scintillation counting and no detectable activity was found.
No items of noncompliance with NRC requirements were identified during the course of this inspection.
However, after reviewing our inspection findings it appears there is a potential fire hazard which could result in the destruction of the two low level radioactive waste storage buildings as well as the entire e,ontents of these buildings. This concern is based on the following:
It was noted during the inspection that at least six 5 gallon cans of toluene were badly corroded and wsre susceptible to rupture and leakage. Also, the lighting system in the storage building does not use explosion proof fixtures or switches.
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Purdue University bI ISIS It is the opinion of this office that although a hazardous condition does not exist at present, the potential for such a hazard should also be eliminated.
We request you submit to this office within twenty days of your receipt of this letter a written statement or explanation in reply, including:
(1) your position regarding this matter; (2) corrective action you will take to minimize the potential fire hazard; for example, modification or upgrading of the existing lighting system in the storage building.
In accordance with Section 2.790 of the NRC's " Rules of Practice," Part 2, Title 10, code of federal Regulations, a copy c f this letter and the enclosed inspection report will be placed in the NRC's Public Document Room.
We will gladly discuss any questions you have concerning this inspection.
Sincerely, James G. Keppler Director
Enclosure:
IE Inspection Report No. 13-02812-04/7? 03 cc w/enci:
Diana McClain, Purdue Exponent Stephen K. Kent, Office of Congression Affairs, NRC:HQ (2 cys)
Mr. Virgil Konopinski, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Radiological Health, Indiana State Board of Health Central Files Reproduction Unit NRC 20b PDR NSIC 2049 266 t
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