ML090700132

Us Dept. of Commerce, NIST, Response to Request for Additional Information on Operator Requalification Program

ML090700132
Person / Time
Site:	National Bureau of Standards Reactor
Issue date:	03/03/2009
From:	Richards W US Dept of Commerce, National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
TAC MD3410
Download: ML090700132 (11)

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• UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

'National Institute of Standards and Technology

,E 01 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-March 3, 2009 Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555-0001

Subject:

Request for Additional Information,

Reference:

Operator Requalification Program (TAC NO. MD3410)

Docket No. 50-184 Gentlemen, In Accordance with your Request for Additional Information,

Reference:

Operator Requalification Program (TAC NO. MD3410), it is not our intent to request a waiver of the requirements of 10CFR 55.59(a) (1). Therefore, the NBSR Requalification Program document paragraph 3.1 will be modified to read Adminisftri.

Responsibility for the administration of the requalification program rests with the Chief, Reactor Operations. The program shall be administered over a period not to exceed 24 months, followed by successive 24 month periods.

Questions concerning this issue should be directed to Dr. Wade J. Richards, Chief Reactor Operations and Reactor Engineering at (301) 975-6260 or Sincerely, Wade J. Richards, Ph.D.

Chief Reactor Operations and Reactor Engineering NIST Center for Neutron Research I certify under penalty of perjury that the following is true and correct.

Executed on: .2-c, --q/',,..,.. 1* by: W -

Attachment cc: William B. Kennedy U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission MS 012-G15S WashingtonD.C. 2055-0001 0Ol3 NIsr

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REQUALIFICATION PROGRAM FOR/THE NBSR LICENSE'TR-5-. ,"

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 IN T R O D U C T IO N .......................................................................... ........................ 1 2.0 DEFINITIONS................................................ 1 3.0 GENERAL ............................. ........... .......... 2 3.1 Administration*

3 . d m n s ra i n .. ...................................................... ..

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.. ... ......................... 2 3.2 D escriptio n ............................................................ A ............. 2 3 .2 .1 Refresher T rain in g ............................................ ... .................................. 2 3.2.2 Written Exam ination ..................................... ........................... 2 3.2.2.1 Examination Administration and Evaluation. .............. ...................... 3 3.2.2.2 E.l..to Evaluation an and Ren..................

Retraining.2.2...... .............................. 3 3.2.3 M edical Exam ination ....................... .. ............ : ....................... ,......:. ........... 3 3.2.3.1 General Requirements "........

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3.2.3.2 D isqualifying C onditions ...................... ...... .............................................. 4 3.2.3.3 Specific Minimum Capacities Required for Medical Qualification ........... 5

.3.2.3.4 Additional Examination.:. ........ .......... 6 3.2.4 Reactivity Control M anipulations:,....-, ................... .................................. 66.I-.....

3.2.5 O perating Test or Evaluation..' . . . .................. . ....................................... 6 3.2.5.1 Examples of tasks to be performedunder norimal and abnormal circum stances ............ .................... .... ..............................................

..... . 7 3.2.6 D ocum ent Re ew .................................... " .................................... 7 3.2.7 Relicensing...........

Reec s ng . , . . . . . .... ............ ......... ................................................................7 3.2.8 Absence'from Licensed;Functions .... ......................................................... 7 3.2.9 Exem ptions ..... ........................... 7 4.0 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS ............................................................... 8 4.1< Documentation .... ',... ................. 8 4.2 Recordsý.,.................... . .. ............... ..... 8

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The NBSR operator requalification program is designed to provide refresher training to the licensed operator in areas of infrequent operation, to review facility and procedural changes, to address subject manner not reinforced by direct use, and to improve in areas of performance weakness. The program is designed to evaluate an operator's knowledge and proficiency to perform their duties and to retrain where necessary. Emphasis is placed on those subjects necessary for the continued proficiency. Successful completion of the program is required for the operator to continue licensed activities. The program conforms to the applicable content of ANSI/ANS-15.4-2007,. "ý:Selection and Training of Personnel for Research Reactors."

2.0 DEFINITIONS controls. When used with respect to a nuclear re"acto,*"ineans apparatus and mechanisms the manipulation of which directly affects the reactivity or power level of the reactor.

designated medical examiner. A licensedimedical,.practitioner familiar with the medical provisions of this standard. "7 disquafyin or disquaifyng conditions. Somethingwhich precludes unconditional medical approval for research reactor operator licensing,,

license. The written authorization, by the U S.-Nuclear Regul'aiory Commission (NRC),

for an individual to carry out the duties. and respo'nsibilities associated with a position requiring licensing. - ,

licensed. See lcensee.

licensee. An'indiv'idual or'organization holding~a license.

licensing. The confirmationby the-NRC ofthe experience, education, medical condition, training; and testing pertinent to a specific Job assignment.

on-the-job training. A systematic, structured method using a qualified person to provide the required job-related knowldge'and skills to a trainee, usually in the actual work place;,with proficiency 'documented.

reactor operator. An individual who is licensed to manipulate the controls of a reactor.

reactor supervisor. Ani individual as described in the NBSR Technical Specifications and responsible for anoperating crew or shift.

research reactor., 'A research reactor is defined as a device designed to support a self-sustaining neutron chain reaction for research, developmental, educational, training or experimental purposes, and which may have provisions for the production of radioisotopes.

research reactor facility. Those facility-designated areas within which the owner or operator directs authorized activities associated with the reactor.

senior reactor operator. An individual who is licensed to direct the activities of reactor operators. Such an individual is also a reactor operator.

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shall, should, and may. The word "shall" is used to denote a requirement; the word "should" to denote a recommendation; and the word "may" to denote permission, neither a requirement nor a recommendation.

significant power change. A tenfold increase in flux indication above critical or a change in thermal power of at least 1 MW.

solo operation. Operation of the controls, including monitoring of instrumentation, during reactor operation with no other person in the vicinity of the controls.

3.0 GENERAL 3.1 Administration. Responsibility for the administration of therequalification program rests with the Chief, Reactor Operations. The program shall be administered over a period not to exceed 24 months, followed by successive 24 month periods. '.

3.2 Description. During the requalification period/,the following shall be provided or accomplished:

(a) Refresher training (b) Written examination (c) Medical evaluation .

(d) Reactivity manipulations (e) Operating test or evaluation .

(f) Document Review

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3.2.1 Refresher Training. This training shall beýprovided in critical areas not routinely used by the operator such as emergency planning, response to abnormal conditions, selected topics in radiationprotection and reactor operation principles, and changes to facility design and procedures..

3.2.2 Written Examination. Written examinations shall be operationally oriented, practical, "and objective. The interval between> any two successive exams shall not exceed 30

'moniths. The numb&and form ~ofquestions shall be selected to best evaluate a particular examinee, but the number of 4uestions successfully answered shall not preclude attainmenit- of the minimum acceptance score specified in section 3.2.2. 1. The exam should be,of a multiple choice type, composed of multiple categories, with 20 questions per categoryz'andwith four answers per question. The following categories should comprise the exam':

(a) Theory. Topics include nuclear theory, principles of reactor operations, general and specific facility operating characteristics, and applicable -thermodynamics.

(b) Procedures and Radiological Controls. Topics include normal procedures, abnormal procedures, emergency procedures, radiation protection principles and procedures, administrative rules, and technical specifications.

(c) Systems. Topics include plant systems, radiation protection systems, instrumentation and controls, and facility protection and engineered safety features.

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3.2.2.1 Examination Administration and Evaluation. The minimum acceptance score shall be 70% for each category of the written examination. Individuals who did not achieve passing scores in one or more of the categories listed in section 3.2.2 may be re-examined following retraining in the deficient areas. The Chief, Reactor Operations may waive re-examination in categories with passing scores providing the candidate has demonstrated proficiency in those portions of an examination.

3.2.2.2 Evaluation and Retraining. Additional requalification training in the form of formal lectures, tutoring, self-study or on-the-job training shall be based on the results of the requalification examination. The foll0oing considerations should be used:

(a) A score on the written examination equalt60or greater than the acceptance criterion may require no additional training.'

(b) A score on the written examination belw bthe acceptanrcecriteria in section 3.2.2.1 shall require additional training in hose topics where weakness or deficiencies are indicated. This'retraining and retesting shall be completed prior to the candidate being relicerised.

(c) An overall score on the written examinatioh, of less than 60%?shall require that an evaluation by Chief, Reactor Operations or designated representative be performed. Thelevaluation shall determine if the deficiencies require that the individual's license be withdrawn pending:'completion of an accelerated retraining effort. The evaluation, shall take intoaccount the individual's past performance record, supervisor' s evaluation and/ past test scores, as well as current deficiencies. Additionaloral or operational examinations may also be givenito'oidin the evaluati6n. In any case, the individual shall be removed from licensed activities within four months if the candidate cannot

,achieve passing scores after re-examination.

(d) Regcadless ofthe, score, if the evaluation indicates a deficiency in a critical area that affects sa*ety, training shall be administered to promptly correct the- criticl, 6dficiency. .'

3.2.3 /Medical Examination.,, Eacli~lic`nsed individual shall undergo medical examination and evaluation se t 63-. as 3.1. part Th, o fthe requalification V

2 .. program and shall meet the requirements r of sectiqn 3.2.3.1. The primary responsibility for assuring that qualified personnel are on-duty rests with the Chief, Reactor Operations. The health requirements set forth herein shall be considered to determine the physical condition and general health of the individual in 6rder-to perform certain assigned duties as determined by the Chief, Reactor Operations. Each requirement should be considered in the context of the certain assigned duties of the individual as related to the consequences of health-induced operational errors endangering public health and safety. The designated medical examiner shall be conversant with the requirements.

The interval between any two successive medical evaluations shall not exceed 30 months.

More frequent examinations may be required if conditions warrant as determined by the Chief, Reactor Operations or upon the recommendation of the designated medical examiner. The physical condition and the general health of an operator shall be such that 3

they are capable of properly carrying out licensed activities under normal, abnormal and emergency conditions and able to perform the associated tasks. Conditions that can cause sudden incapacitation such as coronary heart disease, stroke, epilepsy, mental disorder, diabetes, fainting spells, impaired hearing or vision, and effects of medication, shall be considered. Many of the conditions indicated above may be accommodated by restricting the activities of the individual, requiring close surveillance of the condition, imposing a medical regime, or requiring a second individual to be present when the individual' in question is performing certain assigned duties. As a minimum, the second individual shall be able to shut down the reactor and summon competent help.

3.2.3.1 General Requirements (a) Capacity. The examinee shall demonstrate stability, and capacity for all of the following: ,

(1) Mental alertness and emotional staibility. "

(2) Acuity of senses and ability of 'expression to allow accurate communications by spoken; written, or other audible, visible, or tactile signals; (3) Stamina, motor power, range of motion,,and dexterity as needed to allow ready access to and safe execution of certain assigned duties.

(b) Freedom from incapacity. The examinee shall be free of any of the following conditionsthath are considered by'jhe.designated medical examiner and the Chief, Reactor, Operations as predisposing to incapacity for duty:

(1) Mental or physical impairments.

(2) Any medical, surgical;: or other profe'sisinal treatment; (3) Any' condition, habit, or practice which'might result in sudden or Uinexpe'cted incapacitation.

3.2.3.2 Disqualifying Conditions. The presence of any of the following conditions, that have a high probability of sudden or unexpected incapacitation, unless

-adequately,compensated shalldisqualify the individual for unsupervised operation except as noted:`ILaboratory tests such as ECG, blood and urinalysis, x-rays ia'id othei*'te.ts~should be used to rule out disqualifying conditions identified in this sectionn.,..

(a) Respiratory Condition (1) Frequent severe uncontrolled attacks of asthma within the previous two

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(2) Tracheostomy or laryngectomy if they severely impair speech or cause shortness of breath.

(3),Severe chronic pulmonary disease.

(b) Cardiovascular Condition (1) Ischemic heart disease, myocardial. infraction, coronary insufficiency or angina pectoris unless thorough history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other test procedures indicate satisfactory cardiac function and reserve.

(2) Heart failures.

(3) Arrhythmia other than benign extra systoles.

(4) Valve replacement.

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(5) Pacemaker.

(6) Implantable defibrillator.

(7) Peripheral vascular insufficiency.

(8) Arterial aneurysm.

(c) Endocrine, Nutritional, Metabolic Conditions (1) Diabetes mellitus. Uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis, diabetic coma, or insulin shock within the previous two years.

(i) Stable diabetics adequately controlled by diet or oral medication may be qualified for solo operation. -

(ii) Insulin dependent stable diabetics may also be :qualified for solo operation providing adequate provisions4re made to guard against insulin shock as certified by the designateodmedical examiner.

(d) Neurological Condition (1) History of epilepsy, unless the examinee, has remained seizure-free for at least the previous five years with medication or has remained seizure-free during the previous two y'ears without medication'-,

(e) Mental Condition. An established history oi clinical diagnosis of any of the following: ".

(1) Any psychological or mental cofidition that could cause impaired alertness, judgment or motor ability:\.Clinically significant emotional or behavioral problemns'shall require thorough clinical evaluation that may include psychological testing and psychiatnicevaluation.

(2) A personality disorder that'is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt bizarreidisruptive or similar acts, unless the conditiOhhas been relieved and certified. Otherwise the disorder shall be disqualifying for all operations.

<(3) History of threat of suicide attempt shall be disqualifying for all o"perations.

(4) Histoy of a -psychoticdis6rder shall be disqualifying for all operations:

-(5)Alcohol abuse or dependence, unless treated and corrected, shall be

".disqualifýyirngfor all operations.

(6) Abuse of drugs other than alcohol, tobacco, or ordinary caffeine containing beverages, as evidenced by non-prescribed habitual use of the drug, unless the condition is treated and corrected. Otherwise, abuse shall be disqualifying for all operations.

(f) *Medicatioh. Any medication taken in such a dosage that the taking or týrnporary delay of taking might be expected to result in high probability of sudden incapacitation.

3.2.3.3 Specific Minimum Capacities Required for Medical Qualification (1) Ears. Puretone audiometric threshold average better than 30 dB, for speech frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 Hz in better ear with or without the use of a hearing aid. If audiometric scores are unacceptable, qualification may be based upon onsite demonstration to the satisfaction of the facility operator of the examinee's ability to safely detect, interpret, and respond to speech and other auditory signals.

(2) Eyes 5

(a) Near and distant visual acuity 20/40 in better eye, corrected or uncorrected. Corrective lenses may be used only as needed to correct a specific vision deficiency.

(b) Peripheral vision fields by confrontation to 120 degrees or greater.

(c) Color vision adequate to distinguish among red, green, and orange-yellow signal lamps, and any other unique coding if required for safe operation of the particular facility as defined by the facility operator.

(d) Adequate depth perception, either by steropsis or secondary clues as demonstrated by practical test.

(3) Respiratory. Free of disqualifying conditions enumerated in 3.2.3.2(a).

(4) Cardiovascular. Normal configuration and function including normal blood pressure with tolerance to postural changes /aidcapacity for exertion during emergencies. The examining physician shall report-whether asymmetrical neck and peripheral pulses or resting pulse'rates less than 50 or more than 100 beats per minute are normal forthe indiidual and of no, significance. If the examination reveals significant cardiac arrhythmia, murmur, untreated hypertension (over 160/100 mmHg) intolerance to postural changes, cardiac enlargement or other evidence to c'Adiovascular., abnormality,, a report of an evaluation shall accompany the medical examination report. This evaluation shall include, but is not limited to, an interpretation of an ECG and chest x-ray to indicate whether condition will cause sudden incapacitation.

(5) Musculo-skeletal. Normal symmetrical structure, range of motion and power. If any impairmenti'exists,; theapplicant shall demonstrate ability to effectively perform certainýiassigned duties/

(6) Heffiatopoietic. "Normal function.

(7):Lymphatic. Normnal function.'\",.

(8) Neurilogical.!,Normnal central and peripheral nervous system function.

.,Tactile discrimination (Stereognosis) sufficient to distinguish among various shapes of control knobs and handles by touch. 4 312.3.4 AdditionalExamimiation If the results of the examination including medical

// , history are inconclusive, more comprehensive examination and testing as indicated by the designated medical examiner should be performed in order to determine whether or not the individual meets the requirements of section 3.2.3

and is free of disqualifying conditions.

3.2.4 Reactivity Control.Manipulations. The licensed individual shall perform a number of reactivity manipulations in any combination of reactor startups, shut-downs, and significant powerchanges. The recommended number is 10 with the individual having primary responsibility for at least 5 of those reactivity manipulations. For senior reactor operators, direct supervision of these operations may be considered equivalent to actual performance.

3.2.5 Operating Test or Evaluation. For the first and second 12 month intervals of the requalification period the licensed individual shall complete an operating test or evaluation. The interval between any two successive operating test or evaluations shall 6

not exceed 15 months. At least five tasks selected from Section 3.2.5.1, including a reactor startup and shutdown, shall be performed and evaluated. The performance of the task may be actual or simulated.

3.2.5.1 Examples of tasks to be performed under normal and abnormal circumstances:

(a) Normal Circumstances (1) Operations and procedures tasks including pre-startup, restart, and shutdown checklists, reactor startup, shutdown, reactivity manipulations to change power, and application of administrative rules such as tagging of equipment and radiation work permits. ,.

(2) Other reactivity tasks including fuel movements, insertion and removal of experiments, and rod exchange or movements without power change.

(3) Maintenance and monitoring tasks including verifying operability of equipment for the purpose of techiicall'specification'compliance, routine inspection of the facility, surveillance'tests, water chemistry analysis, and demonstrating knowledge of reactor system and auxiliary systems' controls and indications,"--\

(b) Abnormal Circumstances (1) Response to alarms and trips such as scrams, rundowns, high radiation, low water level,.loss of coolant, loss-of flow, and loss of electrical power.

(2) Emergency action>, such"asimitiation of emergency response to radioactive releases;, contaminated personnel, failed fuel, loss of confinement, fire, security violations, .ad natural disasters.

3.2.6 Document Review. For thefirst and seconid 12 month intervals of the requalification period the licensd individual shall review the contents of abnormal and emergency procedures. All licenised individuals shall be cognizant of facility technical specifications, design, "and'procedurechanges in a timely manner.

3.2.7 Relicensing. licenses may bij, renewed prior to their expiration upon application and Z successful completion of th*e-re(ualification program and medical certification.

3.2.8 Abs'ence from Licensed functions. Licensed individuals who have not actively performedthe functions of an operator or senior operator for a minimum of four hours per calendar quarter shall perform a minimum of six hours of licensed functions under the direction of a qualified individual holding the same or higher level license prior to being reinstated.

3.2.9 Exemptions. At the discretion of the NRC, any portion of the requalification examination and operating evaluation may be waived for the Chief, Reactor Operations or for individuals preparing the requalification examination.

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4.0 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS 4.1 Documentation. The qualifications of licensed personnel shall be appropriately documented. The documentation should include the following:

(a) Medical/physical evaluation; (b) Copy of the currently valid license; (c) Records of requalification program including examinations.

4.2 Records. Records of the qualification, training, retraining, examinations, and evaluations of each licensed individual in the organization shall be retained for the duration of the currently valid license.

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