ML20064G005

Forwards Incident Rept on 780928 Involving Finger Dosimeter Ring Dropped Into Reactor Core.Present Status:Ban on Reactor Oper Pending Decision on Whether Removal of Objects Below the Core Should Be Attempted

ML20064G005
Person / Time
Site:	University of California - Irvine
Issue date:	10/23/1978
From:	Rowland F CALIFORNIA, UNIV. OF, IRVINE, CA
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION V)
References
NUDOCS 7812060145
Download: ML20064G005 (4)

Text

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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission $#

Director, Region V 'I'N Ui# /

Office of Inspection and Enforcement 1990 N. California Blvd., Suite 202 -

DM9 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Docket: 50-326/

Licenseh 116 Gentlemen:

Please find enclosed a copy of a report detailing an incident involving a finger dosimeter ring dropped into our reactor core.

In subsequent actions, the Reactor Operations Committee has approved procedures involving unloading of the core components, including fuel elements, in an attempt to remove both this object and a ball-point pen, the dropping of which was reported earlier (8-24-78).

Administrative controls have been applied requiring the use of protective clothing and-the checking of personnel working on the reactor bridge area for loose items that might fall. Initial discussions have also been held with regard to the partial enclosing of the reactor pool to restrict access by " dropped" items. No final decisions have been made on the latter matter.

The objects themselves clearly present no immediate hazard to reactor operations.

The decision to proceed with their removal was based on concerns that such items might just possibly be able to interfere with mechanical movement of a control rod, though it is considered highly improbable that such interference would be so serious as to prevent the shut-down function of any individual rod. Interference with more than one rod is considered impossible.

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. Page 2 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission October 23, 1978 Telephone discussions regarding this incident have been held on a number of occasions with Mr. Dodds and Mr. Cantor of NRC GValnut Creek) and Mr. Vissing of NRC GVashington).

Sincerely, F. S. Rowland Reactor Administrator FSR/mek Enclosure cc: Reactor Operations Committee members J. L. McGaugh, Executive Vice Chancellor

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