ML20241A176

Ltr from Ajohnson, Maryland University Training Reactor (R-070): Request for Exemption from the Medical Examination Requirements of 10 CFR 55.21 and 10 CFR 55.53(i) for a Reactor Operator - Redacted

ML20241A176
Person / Time
Site:	University of Maryland
Issue date:	08/24/2020
From:	Andrea Johnson Univ of Maryland - College Park
To:	Cindy Montgomery NRC/NRR/DANU
Schuster W,NRR/DANU/UNPO,4151590
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ML20241A056	List: ML20241A176 ML20241A179
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Download: ML20241A176 (2)

Text

Amber S. Johnson Director, Radiation Facilities 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, Maryland 20742 301-405-7756 TEL ajohns37@umd.edu radiation umd edu August 24, 2020 Document Control Desk US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington D.C. 20555-0001 ATTN: Cindy Montgomery RE: Maryland University Training Reactor (R-070): Request for Exemption from the Medical Examination Requirements of 10 CFR 55.21 and 10 CFR 55.53(i) for a Reactor Operator

Reference:

NRC Letter from H. Nieh to NEI, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Planned Actions Related to the Requirements for Operator Licensing During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Emergency, dated April 14, 2020

Dear Ms. Montgomery,

On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nations healthcare community in responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a result, access to the Maryland University Training Reactor (MUTR) and many of the other offices at the University of Maryland have been severely restricted. We anticipate it may not be possible for operators to receive required biennial physicals or maintain quarterly operational hours. Therefore, we are requesting temporary exemptions from the requirements of 10 CFR 55.21, 10 CFR 55.53(i), and 10 CFR 55.53(e). By submitting this exemption request, the MUTR is proactively taking steps to implement interim actions during the exemption period that supports the health and safety of both worker and medical personnel to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This request is being made to support the MUTRs efforts to maintain Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations related to social distancing, worker screening, and limiting close-proximity work.

Operators licenses require a medical exam biennially. Because many physicians have cancelled routine examinations due to the PHE, an operator may not be able to receive the medical examination before it is due. Therefore, we are requesting that the MUTR be exempted from meeting the requirements of the following regulations:

1. 10 CFR 55.21 - An applicant for a license shall have a medical examination by a physician. A licensee shall have a medical examination by a physician every two years.

The physician shall determine that the applicant or licensee meets the requirements of § 55.33(a)(1).

2. 10 CFR 55.53(i) - The licensee shall have a biennial medical examination.

The names and docket numbers of the senior operators for whom the above exemptions are being requested are provided in the table below:

Name Docket Number 10 CFR 55.57(a)(6)

Applicable (Y/N)

John Lathrop N The interim compensatory measure that the MUTR proposes to address the delay in receipt of recommendations from a licensed physician concerning the Reactor Operators health is as follows:

An assessment of the operators responses on an ANSI-standard-based questionnaire about medical history, without an in-person examination, will performed by a medical professional.

After the PHE has concluded, the exempted operators will undergo the full biennial medical examination with a medical professional The University of Maryland understands that, if approved, this exemption will be in effect until 90 days after the PHE is ended, or December 31, 2020, whichever occurs first.

We request approval of this request by no later than September 1st, 2020.

Sincerely, Amber S. Johnson Director, Nuclear Reactor and Radiation Facilities