ML25267A134
| ML25267A134 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/24/2025 |
| From: | Virkar H NRC/OIG/AIGA |
| To: | Mark King NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| OIG-24-E-03 | |
| Download: ML25267A134 (1) | |
Text
NRC Headquarters l 11555 Rockville Pike l Rockville, Maryland 20852 l 301.415.5930 nrcoig.oversight.gov MEMORANDUM DATE:
September 24, 2025 TO:
Michael F. King Acting Executive Director for Operations FROM:
Hruta Virkar, CPA /RA/
Assistant Inspector General for Audits & Evaluations
SUBJECT:
STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS: EVALUATION OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF DISABLED PERSONNEL (OIG-24-E-03)
REFERENCE:
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR NUCLEAR MATERIALS, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND CORPORATE PROGRAMS, MEMORANDUM DATED JUNE 18, 2025 Attached is the Office of the Inspector Generals (OIG) analysis and status of recommendations as discussed in the agencys response dated June 18, 2025. Based on this response, recommendations 2 through 4 are now closed. Recommendation 1 was previously closed. All recommendations from this evaluation are now closed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 301.415.1982 or Mike Blair, Team Leader, at 301.415.8399.
Attachment:
As stated cc: J. Martin, ADO D. Lewis, DADO E. Deeds, OEDO OIG Liaison Resource EDO ACS Distribution
Evaluation Report EVALUATION OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF DISABLED PERSONNEL Status of Recommendations (OIG-24-E-03) 2 Recommendation 2:
Install area of refuge signage in accordance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Code 101 standards and remove any signage showing incorrect or outdated emergency information.
Agency Response Dated June 18, 2025:
Agree. The Office of Administration (ADM) acknowledged and agreed with the importance of consistent conspicuous signage. Compliant signage was installed in exit stairwells for each floor in each building (Appendix A). ADM complies with NFPA Code 101 section 7.10 for Markings of Means of Egress, section 7.9.3 requirements for monthly functional testing and section 7.10.9 for annual testing requirements.
Annual inspections will be continued, and incorrect or outdated information is checked for in those inspections.
Additional inspections and updates will be performed as needed due to construction or changes in workplace conditions.
Completion Date: December 2024 OIG Analysis:
The OIG confirmed that area refuge signage was posted, where applicable, and the outdated emergency information was removed. NRC personnel stated that subterranean garage levels of One White Flint North and Two White Flint North buildings previously identified as areas of refuge could not be brought to code; however, the agency believed an exception in the building code allowed for removal of the areas of refuge for those levels. The OIG reviewed International Building Code Section 1009.3.3 and National Fire Protection Association 13 to determine if an exception applied to the subterranean garage levels of One White Flint North and Two White Flint North buildings. The OIG noted that International Building Code Section 1009.3.3 exception 2 applied, eliminating subterranean areas of refuge. This recommendation is now closed.
Status:
Closed
Evaluation Report EVALUATION OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF DISABLED PERSONNEL Status of Recommendations (OIG-24-E-03) 3 Recommendation 3:
Assess the force required to open fire doors leading to areas of refuge under a range of conditions, and as practicable, adjust fire door opening force to the minimum allowable level.
Agency Response Dated June 18, 2025:
Agree. ADM acknowledged and agreed with the recommendation to assess the force required to open fire doors. ADM has assessed and adjusted the force required to open fire doors under normal and pressurization conditions per NFPA Building Fire Codes. Additionally, ADM complies with NFPA 101 section 7.2.1.4.5, Door Unlatching and Operating Forces on testing and assessing force requirements monthly during inspections of the building fire systems. This assessment will be performed on all newly installed doors.
Completion Date: Most recent inspection conducted on May 3, 2025 OIG Analysis:
The OIG reviewed the agencys assessment documentation for the fire doors and determined that it met the intent of the recommendation. This recommendation is now closed.
Status:
Closed
Evaluation Report EVALUATION OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF DISABLED PERSONNEL Status of Recommendations (OIG-24-E-03) 4 Recommendation 4:
Develop and implement more frequent limited-scope drills, emphasizing roles and responsibilities for personnel needing or rendering emergency evacuation assistance.
Agency Response Dated June 18, 2025:
Agree. ADM and the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) acknowledged and agreed with the importance of frequent drills and training opportunities.
The Occupancy Emergency Plan and responder team have conducted several tabletop (Appendix A) and in-person exercises with considerations specific to disabled individuals.
The scopes of these and future drills include employee responses to Mass Notification System messages, building specific evacuations, evacuation actions for those with specific needs, and responder actions for disabled personnel.
ADM will continue offering one-on-one exercises as an expansion to these resources for anyone, at their request.
Completion Date: Most recent exercises conducted on April 24, 2025. Additional exercises planned through the summer of 2025.
OIG Analysis:
The OIG reviewed the agencys documentation on the table-top fire drill exercises and determined that it met the intent of the recommendation. This recommendation is now closed.
Status:
Closed