View source for PLA-6568, Submittal of 10CFR26.719(c)(1) Report for Drug and Alcohol Testing Errors PLA-6568

{{Adams
| number = ML092920066
| issue date = 10/05/2009
| title = Submittal of 10CFR26.719(c)(1) Report for Drug and Alcohol Testing Errors PLA-6568
| author name = Rausch T
| author affiliation = PPL Susquehanna, LLC
| addressee name = 
| addressee affiliation = NRC/Document Control Desk, NRC/NRR
| docket = 05000387, 05000388
| license number = NPF-014, NPF-022
| contact person = 
| case reference number = PLA-6568
| document type = Letter type:PLA, Report, Miscellaneous
| page count = 2
}}

=Text=
{{#Wiki_filter:I n Timothy S. Rausch                PPL Susquehanna, LLC                <,
Sr. Vice President &Chief Nuclear Officer                769 Salem Boulevard                    %0 Berwick, PA 18603                     E0 Tel. 570.542.3445 Fax 570.542.1504 OCT 0 5 2009     OCT 02009tsrausch@pplweb.com                                                          TM U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attn: Document Control Desk Mail Stop OP 1-17 Washington, DC 20555 SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION SUBMITTAL OF 10CFR26.719(c)(1) REPORT FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING ERRORS                                                   Docket Nos. 50-387 PLA-6568                                                                                     and 50-388 In accordance with 10CFR26.719(c)(1), PPL Susquehanna, LLC (PPL) submits the following report regarding a drug and alcohol testing error.
Description of the Error 10CFR26.131 requires that the licensee testing facility (LTF) forward any urine specimen to the HHS-certified laboratory for additional testing if tests or observations indicate that the pH of the specimen is either less than 4.5 or equal to or greater than 9 based on either a validity screening test or an initial validity test. On September 4, 2009, PPL identified that the PPL testing facility had not forwarded some specimens that were outside of this range to the HHS-certified laboratory for additional testing. Details concerning the incident are described below.
Details of the Incident The PPL LTF does Initial Validity Testing. When new requirements for the acceptable pH range became effective on March 31, 2009, PPL failed to recognize the need to adjust equipment to correspond to the new range. Between March 31, 2009 and September 4, 2009, the pH range used for initial validity testing by the LTF was 3.1 to 10.9 instead of 4.5 to less than 9 as required by the new regulation. As a result, seventy-nine (79) specimens that had a pH reading of 9 or greater and one (1) with a reading less than 4.5 were declared as "normal" at the LTF and were not forwarded to the HHS-certified lab for testing as required by regulation. Eleven (11) additional specimens were outside of the pH range (4.5 to less than 9) but were forwarded to the HHS certified laboratory for other reasons. All eleven (11) were returned as valid and negative by the HHS certified Laboratory.

Document Control Desk PLA-6568 The pH level is tested to determine the validity or suitability of a donor specimen prior to testing for the presence of drugs. The eighty (80) specimens that were not forwarded to the HHS-confirmatory laboratory had pH levels ranging between 3 and 11. The reagents used in testing at the PPL LTF are specifically designed to be able to properly identify any drugs at pH ranges between 3 and 11. The eighty (80) specimens were negative for the presence of drugs and drug metabolites.
Corrective Action PPL changed the cut off levels on the testing machines to 4.5 to 8.9 so that values outside of the range would register as "abnormal" and be sent to the HHS certified Laboratory.
A total review of 10CFR26 Subpart F, "Licensee Testing Facilities", requirements and PPL practices by PPL Quality Assurance and the Fitness for Duty Administrator found no other discrepancies.
Please contact Mr. Michael R. Sleigh, Manager - Nuclear Security at (570) 542-3200 if there are any questions concerning this letter.
Sincerely, a.Rascrh Copy:    Mr. S. J. Collins, NRC Regional Administrator Mr. F. W. Jaxheimer, NRC Sr. Resident Inspector Mr. B. K. Vaidya, NRC Project Manager Mr. R. R. Janati, DEP/BRP}}