ML20137G996
| ML20137G996 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Westinghouse |
| Issue date: | 03/25/1997 |
| From: | Goodwin W WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY, DIV OF CBS CORP. |
| To: | NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM) |
| References | |
| NRC-97-012, NRC-97-12, NUDOCS 9704020026 | |
| Download: ML20137G996 (3) | |
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Westinghouse Commercial Nuclear Daws R Electric Corporation Fuel Division
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NRC 97-012 March 25,1997 S g w -Ito ?
kJ.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555 Gentlemen:
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Westinghouse Electric Corporation hereby provides a 30 day follow-up report in accordance with the reporting requirements of 10CFR70.50( c )(2). The initial report was made by telephone and FAX in j
accordance with the requirements of 10CFR70.50(b)(3).
i A description of the event, location, equipment involved, date, time and exposure information are conlahed in the attachment to this letter.
i The material involved was uranium dioxide powder enriched to less than 5 weight percent in the U-235 isotope.
i The event was caused by a failure of a Conversion Area operator to turn off the Fitzmill prior to performing the job, i.e., an unsafe act. Discipl: nary action was taken for the individual involved. In addition, Workplace Meetings were held with Chemical Area personnel, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Plant safety requirements.
Bioassay results have not yet been received from our vendor.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (803) 776-2610 Extension 3282, or write me at the above address.
Sincerely, WESTINGHOUSE Et,ECTRIC CORPORATION 9704020026 970325 PDR ADOCK 07001151 C
PDR W. L. Goodwin, ianager Regulatory Affairs cc:
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10CFR70.50 NOTIFIABLE EVENT WESTINGHOUSE COLUMBIA, SC PLANT (NRC LICENSE SNM-1107 MARCH 11,1997 Westinghouse is making this notification in accordance with 10CFR70.50 (b)(3),
" Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material".
On March 11,1997, at approximately 3:15 AM, a Conversion Area operator was injured when his hand was caught in a rotating pulley inside the Conversion Line 1 Fitzmill enclosure. The individual hadjust completed changing a light bulb inside the Fitzmill enclosure; as his hand was exiting the Fitzmill enclosure, his gloved hand was pulled into the pulley, causing the injury. The injuries included lacerations to his right hand and wrist.
The Fitzmill is designed to min uranium dioxide powder exiting from the calciner, and the uranium consists of non-transporatable materials.
He immediately exited the Fitzmill enclosure and proceeded to the Men's Change Room, where he showered and was taken to the Columbia Plant Medical Department for first aid. Following this treatment, he was taken to Richland Memorial Hospital for follow-up treatment, including stitches.
In addition to the injury to the operator's hand and wrist, the air samples in the immediate vicinity of the Fitzmill were elevated as a result of his quickly exiting the enclosure. The highest result was approximately 3,646% DAC. Air sample results returned to normal within a few minutes. There were no other consequences of this event.
The individual was wearing a full face respirator during the event, and thus did not receive a significant exposure. However, he will be placed on bioassay to evaluate any potential uranium uptake in the wounds.
The contamination was limited to the employee's hand; the highest removable contamination result was approximately 438 dpm/100cm2, and the highest total contamination was approximately 10,000 dpm/100cm2. There was no significant contamination measured at either the Columbia Plant Medical Department or Richland Memorial Hospital.
l The event was categorized as a Local Response Event in accordance with the Site Emergency Plan.
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' An inve'stigation is underway to determine the specific cause(s) and to define any corrective actions,ifnecessary.
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l J. W. Heath, Manager Regulatory Engineering & Operations r
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