ML20217A551

Special Rept:On 970822-24,fire Detection Zones 1(2)-30, 1(2)-31,1(2)-32,1(2)-33 & 1-28 Were Taken OOS to Prevent False Alarms During Hot Work Activities in Affected Areas. Fire Detection Zones Were Restored

ML20217A551
Person / Time
Site:	LaSalle
Issue date:	09/12/1997
From:	Dacimo F COMMONWEALTH EDISON CO.
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
NUDOCS 9709190228
Download: ML20217A551 (2)

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September 12,1997 United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attention: Document Controf Desk Washington, D.C. 20555

Subject:

Special Report on Fire Detection LaSalle County Station, Units 1 and 2 Faciliti; Operating License NPF 11 and NPF 18 NRC Docket Nos. 50 373 and 50 374 l This Special Report ir, submitted in accordance with LaSalle Unit 1 Operating License NPF 11 and LaSalle Unit 2 Operating License NPF 18, Appendix A, and Technical Specifications 3.3.7.9 and 6.6.C.

l Technical Specification 3.3.7.9 requires as a minimum, the fire detection instrumentation for each fire detection zone of Unit 1 and Unit 2 shown in Table 3.3.7.91 shall be OPERABLE whenever the equipment protected by the detection instrument is required to be OPERABLF. Techr.ical Specification Surveillance Requirement 4.3.7.9.1 requires that each of the fire detection instruments shown in Table 3.3.7.91 (which are accessible during plant or.eration) shall be demonstrated OPERABLE at least once per 6 months by performing a channel functional test.

On August 22 through 24,1997, Fire Detection Zones 1(2) 30,1(2) 31, 1(2) 32,1(2) 33, and 128 were taken out of service to prevent false alarms daring hot work activities (i.e., welding, cutting, and grinding) in the affected areas. Such alarms have the potential to distract and desensitize workers to valid fire alarms. Detection Zone 128 is located in the Unit 1 Diesel jg )

Generator Building basement. The other detection zones are located in the Reactor Building basements. Too hot work is being performed in support of critical path work for the Unit 1 Division 1 work window. Since the critical path work could not be completed svithin 14 days, the Fire Detection Zones f (,)I have been inoperable for a period greater than 14 days.

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On August 1,1997, the Alpha (A) Train Control Room Ventilation System

'a fVC) and Auxiliary Electric Equipment Room Ventilation System (VE) smoke detectors were rendered INOPERABLE because the channel functional test required to satisfy Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 4.3.7.9.1 could not be performed. The channel functional test could not be performed because the ventilation system must be operating in order to perform the test. A VC / VE has been inoperable for an extended period of time due to numerous system deficiencies. As a result, on August 15,1997, the smoke detectors have been inoperable for a period greater than 14 days.

In each case, a fire watch patrol was established in accordance with Action Statement a. of Technical Specification 3.3.7.9 to inspect the affected areas at least once por hour while the detectors are Inoperable. These fire watch patrols will remain in place until the associated detectors are returned to OPERABLE service. The fire watch patrols, along with the additional fire

protection measures provided when hot work activities are in progress, l

ensure detection capability is available while the detectors are inoperable.

Fire Detection Zones 1(2) 30,1(2) 31,1(2) 32,1(2) 33, and 128 were I

l restored to OPERABLE service on September 11,1997. The A VC/VE srr oke detectors will be tested prior to declaring the ventilation system OF FrtABLE.

If t1ere are any questions or comments concerning this letter, please refer th'am to me at (815) 357 6761, extension 2212.

l Respectfully,

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Fre/acimo' <

Plant General Manager LaSalle County Station cc: A. B. Beach, NRC Region lll Administrator M. P. Huber, NRC Senior Resident inspector - LaSalle D. M. Skay, Project Manager NRR LaSalle F. Niziotek, Office of Nuclear Facility Safety IDNS