ML20082A391

Ro:On 910625,reactor Operator Logged That Reactor Key Turned Off & Removed from Reactor Control Console While Key Still Turned On.Operator Suspended for 24 H & Operating Procedures Will Be Changed Re Custody of Reactor Key

ML20082A391
Person / Time
Site:	North Carolina State University
Issue date:	06/27/1991
From:	Bilyj S North Carolina State University, RALEIGH, NC
To:	Mcalpine E NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II)
References
NUDOCS 9107100309
Download: ML20082A391 (2)

Text

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FAM919) 7374H5 June 27,1991 E. J. McAlpine, Chief Division of Radiation Safety and Safeguards U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region Il 101 hiarietta Street, N.W., Suite 3100 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Re: Docket No. 50-297 Facility License R-120

Dear Sir:

Following the telephone conversation on June 26,1991 with Mr. David hicGuire and hir. Bruce Mallett of your office, this transmittal fulfills the notification required by the North Carolina State University PULSTAR Technical Specification 6.7.2.c.,

describing a Reportable Event defined in T.S.1.17.f.

During a routine shutdown at 1633 hours0.0189 days <br />0.454 hours <br />0.0027 weeks <br />6.213565e-4 months <br /> on June 25,1991, the Reactor Operator logged that the reactor key was turned off and removed from the reactor control console.

The RO and a trainee then left the control room and entered the adjacent bay area to complete the required facility shutdown checklist. The RO and trainee returned to the control room approximately seven minutes later. The RO recogmzeu that the icy had not been removed from the console. He then immediately turned off and removed the reactor key. At 1650 hours0.0191 days <br />0.458 hours <br />0.00273 weeks <br />6.27825e-4 months <br /> the RO notified the Reactor Operations Manager (ROM) and the Chief Reactor Operator (CRO) of the event. The ROM verified that the reactor was secured at 1655 hours0.0192 days <br />0.46 hours <br />0.00274 weeks <br />6.297275e-4 months <br />. The ROM then requested and received a written statement from the RO concerning the events described above. The facility was locked for the night at app oximately 1755 hours0.0203 days <br />0.488 hours <br />0.0029 weeks <br />6.677775e-4 months <br /> by the ROM.

During the RO's absence from the control room, the Chief of Reactor Maintenance (CRM), who is studying for a Senior Operator's license, was working on the Radiation Monitoring Rack immediately adjacent to the reactor control console. We are of the opinion that the presence of the CRM in the control room during this time as.;ures that there was no operation of the console controls.

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After a meeting of the Director, ROM, and the CRO at 0750 on June 26, 1991:

1. The subject Reactor Operator (RO) was suspended from licensed duties for 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.

2. For a period of two weeks beginning June 27,1991, the subject RO will be under direct supervision by either the CRO or the ROM while performing Startup, Shutdown, and Key-Off checklists.

3. Operating procedures (PULSTAR Operations Manual) will be changed so the Designated Senior Reactor Operator (DSRO) will be notified by the RO before performing a Key-Off checklist. The DSRO also will take custody of the reado: key then. This will apply to each Reactor Operator licen3cJ oa the PULSTAR.

4. The subject RO will present a requalification lecture on the subject of Administrative Controls and attention to duties to the rest of the operating staff within the next 30 days.

The RO has been an excellent operator during the preceding eighteen months.

We feel that concentrating on questions asked by the trainee momentarily distracted the RO and therefore er.used him to fail to turn off the reactor key. Further, we believe this to be an isolated event and that the numbered items above will significantly lessen the chance of repeating this in the future.

Please contact me a. (919) 737-2321 should you desire additional information concerning this report.

Siner rely, st,I 2: -

Stephen J. Bilyj Reactor Operations Manaber SJB:vsg copics to:

Director, NRR, USNRC Director, NRP Chairman, RPC, NCSU 2

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