ML20215M887

Rev 2 to Training Lesson Plan GE-LP-006.C, Radiation Protection - Contamination Control

ML20215M887
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	05/13/1986
From:	Green L GEORGIA POWER CO.
To:
Shared Package
ML20215M870	List: ML20215M869 ML20215M874 ML20215M877 ML20215M881 ML20215M887 ML20215M890 ML20215M892
References
GE-LP-006.C, GE-LP-6.C, NUDOCS 8611030411
Download: ML20215M887 (14)

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Georgia Power

, , POWE 2 GENERAisON DEPARTMdNT

' .- VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT g TRAINING LESSON PLAN TITLE: RADIATION PROTECTION-CONTAMINATION CONTROL NUMBER: GE-LP-006.C PROGRAM: GENERAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING 2 REVISION:

AUTHOR: LEATRICE G. GREEN DATE: 5/13/86 APPROVED:

MM kb DATE: g/6/g(,

INSTRUCTOR GUIDELINES: U U I. LESSON PRESENTATION - 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTE LECTURE INCLUDING REVIEW; 10 MINUTE FORMATIVE TEST II. MATERIALS REQUIRED: SLIDES, TRANSPARENCIES, SLIDE PROJECTOR, OVERHEAD PROJECTOR, FRISKER, CLOTH FOR " SMEAR", GLOVE B0X (OPTIONAL) 8611030411 861027 PDR E ADOCK 05000424 PDR g

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'- l. PURPOSE STATEMENT:

TO FAMILIARIZE THE TRAINEE WITH METHODS AND PROCEDURES USED TO CONTROL RADI0 ACTIVE CONTAMINATION.

II. LIST OF OBJECTIVES:

This lesson is designed to enable the trainee to:

1. Identify statements which correctly characterize radioactive contamination.

2. Identify indicators of the potential presence of contamination.

3. Identify the units used to measure loose surface contamination.

4. Identify activities which, if performed in a contaminated area, could increase airborne contamination.

5. Identify devices and procedures used to control contamination and limit radioactive waste.

6. Distinguish between methods used to control the spread of contamination and those used to limit exposure to radiation.

7. Identify the method normally used to remove external contamination from personnel and equipment.

8. Identify mechanisms by which an individual might become internally contaminated.

9. Identify methods used to detect internal contamination.

10. Identify the consequences of internal contamination as well as ways to reduce the possibility of getting radioactive materials inside the body.

11. Identify the action to be taken if internal contamination is suspected.

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REFERENCNS:

1. 10CFR19 & 10CFR20

2. USNRC REG. GUIDES 8.13, 8.27, 8.29

3. VEGP 40000 SERIES PROCEDURES

4. " HEALTH PHYSICS FUNDAMENTALS" - GENERAL PHYSICS CORPORATION

5. " RADIATION PROTECTION" - GENERAL PHYSICS CORPORATION

6. " FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE" - GENERAL PHYSICS CORPORATION

7. " INTRODUCTION HEALTH PHYSICS COURSE" - GENERAL PHYSICS CORPORATION

8. " RADIATION RISKS FOR NUCLEAR WORKERS" - ATOMIC INDUSTPIAL FORUM

9. " BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION SLIDE SERIES" - NUCLEAR SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.

10. " RADIATION SAFETY TECHNICIAN TRAINING COURSE" - H. J. MOE

11. SER 82-13,82-012 3

GE-LP-006.C Ill. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES I

1. INTRODUCTION 1

Radioactive contamination is not the same thing as radiation.

Contamination and radioactive waste are potentially signifi-cant problems that must be dealt with in the nuclear industry.

The following information specifies methods of dealing with these problems. .

A. Definition and Characteristics Contamination is radioactive material 1 Radioactive contamination is radioactive material any any place where it is place where it is not wanted. Contamination of inanimate not wanted and where objects may be loose or fixed. it can get into or onto your body.

AIRBORNE CONTAMINATION WILL BE DISCUSSED LATER.

1. Loose contamination (also called "SMEARABLE" conta- Surface Contamination mination) is radioactive material that loosely adheres is radioactive to the objects it settles on. Because it is not bound material on the tightly to objects, it can be easily removed or spread surface of some items to other objects or to people. Loose contamination such as floors, may occur as a result of leaks (liquid) from valves walls, equipment, (note that liquid may s'ubsequently evaporate, leaving tools, components, ,.

a nearly invisible residue of contamination) or from articles of clothing cutting or grinding on contamination materials. and the human body.

1. Smearable/ Loose

- Dust like in nature

- Can be tracked, smeared, and spread from person to person, or objects.

2. Fixed contamination is radioactive material that has 2. Fixed become firmly imbedded in an object. It is difficult -

Can be detected by to remove and it cannot be spread easily. Fixed portable survey contamination might result if loose contamination detector sensitive were painted over or if loose contamination were to type of radia-worked into the porous wooden handle of a tool, tion emitted from the contamination.

a. It cannot be transferred by normal mechanical pressure such as wiping and/or rubbing. It can be made transferable by mechanical or chemical operations such as grinding, chipping, blasting, welding, and/or chemical decontamina-tion.

Where does contamination come from? Remember the dis-cussion in the fundamentals module - primary source of contamination is activation products circulating in the reactor coolant.

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GE-LP-006.C lli. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES B. Indicators of Contamination Remember, contamination is radioactive material in unwanted places. The material may be visible, but Contamination not always. The radioactive property of the material Sources:

is never visible or otherwise detectable by the human - Leaking valves senses. Therefore,' radioactive contamination cannot -

Tank overflow be seen. It must be detected by a special instrument. -

Venting, draining There are, however. certain indicators that a system radioactive contamination might be present. Examples -

Sampling are: - Evaporation of a radioactive liquid

1. Known airborne radioactivity.

2. Steam or liquid leaks in radiologically controlled areas.

3. Work being performed on contaminated equipment.

Sources of surface contamination: venting, leaks, draining, sampling, and maintenance of primary and aux. systems.

C. Units The units used to measure f'ixed and loose surface conta-mination are " disintegrations per minute per 100 square centimeters" (dpm/100cm2 ),

Beta-Gamma greater than or equel 1000 dpm/100 cm 2 Alpha greater than or equal to 50 dpm/100 cm 2 The units used to measure fixed contamination are "dpm/per probe area" Greater than or equal to 1000 dpm/ probe. area (Beta-Gamma)

Greater than or equal- to 50 dpm/ probe area (Alpha)

DEMONSTRATION: PERFORM PHYSICAL DEMONSTRATION OF SMEAR TECHNIQUE. (OPTIONAL)

D. Airborne Radioactive Contamination Airborne Airborna radioactive contamination consists of radioactive contamination is l materials in the form of gases or particulates that are measured in (uCi/cc) dissolved or suspended in the surrounding air. Some microcurie per cubic common causes of airborne contamination are: centimeters of air /

water.

1. Welding, cutting or grinding on contaminated equip-ment.

2. Sweeping in a contaminated area. (Surface conta-mination agitated by air currents and personnel movement.)

3. Steam leaks.

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LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES

> In an area centaining airborne radioactivity, the most serious hazard involves the irhalation of radioactive material into the lungs. This material may then be assimilated by the body and retained in some organs of the body. This results in radiation exposure to the lungs and any other organs involved.

E. Contamination Control A number of devices and procedures have been developed to control the spread of radioactive contamination.

1. Devices

a. Anti-C or Protective clothing - worn by personnel when working inside contaminted areas and when handling contaminated equipment tools and materials.

Although protective clothing is designed primarily to prevent contamination of the skin and to prevent the spread of contamination, they will provide some protection against beta radiation. Before donaing PCs, check each item to ensure it is not

b. Step-off pads - used to control the spread of damaged.

contamination from contaminated areas.

• Removing PCs: Follow undress procedure -

Proper use of protective clothing and step-off pads is be careful not to discuseed in a later module. spread contamination from the clothing into or onto the

c. Plastic bags - yellow plastic bags are used body.

to contain tools and equipment that are contaminated and must be removed from a contaminated area.

d. Glove boxes - used to contain contamination in the immediate work area.

e. Tents - containment devices used for Tents - Tradename performing work which could create an airborne " Kelly Buildings" radioactivity problem. An important functional component of this structure is a ventilation system which exhausts potentially contaminated air through a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter,

f. Drip trays - used to contain contaminated liquids that may be released from system leaks.

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GE-LP-006.C

't-lil. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES

g. Floor drains - allow contaminated liquids to drain into radioactive waste sump for proper disposal.

Do not dump solvents and oile down floor drains. These agents will shorten the life of radioactive waste treatment equipment, can be harmful to plant operation, and will result in larger amounts of processed waste.

Absolutely nothing should be poured into floor drains.

Reason: A wide range of substances will pass thru the demineralizer resins without being removed. These substances could eventually alter the reactor coolant chemistry, causing the reactor to shut down. (Should such a problem occur at Plant Vogtle the cost to correct it could run into several million dollars.)

Those having liquids that must be discarded should contact H.P. for guidance. Use of chemical or fluids in the protected area is controlled by procedure VEGP 00262.

h. Respiratory protection equipment devices used by workers in Airborne Radioactivity Areas to control the hazard of inhalation of airborne contamination.

2. Procedures

a. Do not smoke, eat, drink or chew in radio-logically controlled areas.

Use wall-mounted map to point out radiologically controlled areas at Plant Vogtle. (upon availability)

b. Properly wear protective clothing and respira-tory protection wherever reouired by signs or H.P.

c. Remove protective clothing and respiratory protection properly to minimize the spread of contamination.

d. Do not unnecessarily touch a contaminated surface or allow clothing, tools, or other equipment to do so.

e. Assume that you are contaminated and properly perform a whole body frisk when leaving a contaminated area in which protective clothing was worn.

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GE-LP-006.C 111. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES

f. All materials must be surveyed as they leave a Contaminated items radiologically controlled area. Contaminated will be placed in items must be bagged, labeled and stored yellow plastic bags.

properly (H.P. will assist). The bags will be

g. Minimize the spread of a known or suspected folded over and radioactive spill. Notify H.P. immediately. taped to close.

h. Do not step in puddles inside the RCA: Always Notify H.P. if you assume the water is contaminated. observe leaking or

i. Always try to control contamination at its standing (puddles) source, water when you are

j. Prevent mise 111aneous objects (wire, tools, inside the RCA.

welding rods, etc.) from being lef t in closed vessels to include steam generators. SOER 82-13 82.012 These objects usually end up as radwaste. It is each worker's responsibility to remove tools, equipment, and trash upon completion of the job.

Examples of specific work practices designed to con- NOTES: 1. Material trol contamination are listed below. Each should be left in SG could illustrated using color slfles or, where feasible, cause tube damage demonstrated by the instructor in class. (Optional) which could spread contamination into

1. Proper bagging techniques: the clean side of

. S.G. 2. Material

a. Use tape over sharp objects. left inside RCS

b. Use absorbant material where liquids are could become present. activated.

c. Twist and fold top of bag before taping.

2. Siceve hoses going into contaminated areas.

3. Secure hoses crossing contaminated area boundar-ies.

4. Tape handles and wheels of tools and equipment to prevent (not to cover up!) contamination.

5. Use disposable materials (such as plastic sheets) over exposed surfaces of tools and equipment.

6. Use caution not to cross into a clean area when working in contaminated overhead area.

F. Tools for Use in Contaminated Areas (To be verified upon completion of procedures)

1. Obtain tools from the contaminated tool room. If required tools are unavailable there, they will be issued from the " clean" tool room. (Location of contaminated tool room and clean tool room must be determined.)

2. Perform work using sound contamination control techniques.

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GE-LP-006.C fil. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES

3. Properly bag tools when exiting the contaminated area and have them surveyed at the nearest control point.

4. Return all cont'aminated tools, rega'rdless of the point of issue, to the decontamination facility.

Tools issued from the clean tool room are to be returned to the point of issue if they are not contaminated.

5. If you want tools returned to you after they are decontaminated, be sure to advise the decon personnel and ask them when the tools will be available. Label the bag containing tools with your name and your company's name if decon personnel are unavailable when you return tools.

If you are leaving tools issued from the clean tool room at the decontamination facility, a clearance form must be obtained and returned to the clean tool room. Otherwise you will be held responsible for the tools issued.

G. Waste Control Procedures and work practices designed to reduce the amount of radioactive waste generated.

Radioactive vaste - Contaminated trash, contaminated tools, equipment, and materials that can no longer be used.

The amount of material that must be decontaminated or disposed of as radioactive waste can be minimized by observing the following:

1. Do not take tools, equipment or other materials Problems associated into a radiologically controlled area unnecessarily. with radwaste genera-Where practical, use plastic bags for other types tion:

of containers. 1) Increased shipping and burial costs

2. Limit the use of water on contaminated surfaces. 2) Stringent regula-tory requirements

3. Use tool, equipment, and staging that are already and public concern contaminated. 3) Increased radwaste generation and

4. Keep contaminated trash separate from non-conta- limited avail-minated trash, ability of dis-posal sites.

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GE-LP-006.C fil. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES (Chem-Nuclear, Color coding of drums used for disposal of trash, Barnwell, S.C. -

clothing and equipment is as follows: possible closing 1992.)

Non-contaminated trash -

White 4) Increased Contaminated trash -

Yellow radiation exposure Contaminated laundty - Blue (Dark) (Rubber, Cloth from processing Contaminated respirators - Gray items) unnecessary rad-Contaminated hardhats - Purple waste.

5. Planning and coordination.

6. Decentamination - aggressive decon program.

7. Use common sense - perform all jobs in a manner that generates as little radwaste as possible.

H. Radioactive Spills A radioactive spill is any release of radioactive liquid that is not planned. In th,e event of a radioactive spill, the following steps should be taken:

1. Stop the spill or contain/ isolate it if possible. HP Duties:

Survey & monitor

2. Protect others by warning them of the situation and all personnel notify H.P. and the control room immediataly. -

Aid in deconning personnel and the

3. Protect yourself by remaining at the edge of the area affected area. - Recommend necessary steps to

4. Follow instructions given by H.P., your supervisor, return area to or over the P. A. system. normal condition.

I. Contamination Control vs. Exposure Control The methods discussed in this lesson are used to control Radioactive material the spread of radioactive contamination - not radiation is suspended in the exposure. For example, protective clothing will keep water within the personnel from becoming contaminated but it will do primary, auxiliary nothing.to protect against gamma radiation. and rad waste It is important to recognize the purpose of a particular systems, protective measure. Remember, time, distance, and - It deposits in many shielding are the factors used to control radiation places within these exposure, systems, such as valves, bottom of tanks, areas of low Formative test will provide an opportunity to make flow, tortuous areas this distinction. of flow, process flow filters, demineralizers, reactor coolant pumps, SG tubes, and primary flow inlets and outlets, etc.

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GE-LP-006.C lli. LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES J. Decontamination When a system or component is breached Decontamination is a procedure used to remove contamina- (opened) any tion (radioactive material - not radiation) from personnel radioactive material or equipment. Although several methods are available, the that escapes to the preferred one is to wash the contaminated areas with soap work environment is and warm water. called contamination.

A decontamination facility for personnel is located in the Control Bldg. (HP Station). Personnel who require decontamination vill be escorted by a Health Physics technician.

K. Internal Contamination

1. Mechanisms of Contamination

a. Inhaling airborne radioactive contamination.

b. Ingesting (eating) radioactive material.

c. Through cuts and abrasions in the skin.

d. Absorption through skin.

2. Detection Methods ,

a. Whole-body counts At Plant Vogtle whole body counts are normally -

performed when employment begins, annually while employed and upon termination of employment. More frequent counts are made if internal contamination is suspected.

b. Urinalysis

c. Nasal / Throat Smears

d. Fecal Samples

3. Consequences of Internal Contamination

a. Radiation source close to and surrounded by vulnerable tissue.

b. Certain radionuclides accumulate in specific tissues.

Airborne gaseous activity is generally not as danger-ous as airborne particulate activity because most of the inhaled gas is expelled from the lungs during exhalation. (Iodine is the most abundant radioactive gas found in nuclear power plants that is soluble in body fluids. Most others are insoluble noble gases.)

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GE-LP-006.C

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11 1 . LESSON OUTLINE: NOTES Thus, exposure to gaseous radioactivity is similar to exposure to an external radioactive source - when one leaves the airborne area the radioactive source is left behind.

4. Prevention ,

a. Keep hands and other potentially contaminated objects away from face,

b. Report the presence of open wounds or sores to H.P. prior to entering contaminated areas.

Notify H.P. immediately if a wound occurs in a contaminated area.

c. Do not smoke, eat, drink, or chew in radio-logically controlled areas.

Point out the importance of washing and monitoring prior to eating, etc., following work in a contaminat-ed area.

5. If internal contamination is suspected, notify Health Physics immediately. -

Facial contamination is an indicator of possible internal contamination. A nasal smear showing activity is an even stronger indicator. In both cases, a whole-body count should be performed.

Through proper medical intervention, the dose due to an uptake of radionuclides can often be greatly reduced. Isotopic dilution, metabolism stimulation, and chelation therapy are three basic techniques that have proven effective. However, in treating cases of internal contamination, time is of the essence.

Generally speaking, most of the activity for materials such as iodine that will be retained by the body is fixed in place within one or two hours following the intake.

SUMMARY

Review objectives using examples to illustrate how each might be tested.

Administer formative test following objectives review, allowing a maximum of 10 minutes for completion.

Review test, giving particular attention to any problem areas identified. Allow trainees to keep test papers as study aids but try to be aware of who is having difficulty.

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GE-LP-006.C l*

TEST 6 - CONTAMINATION CONTROL NAME TIME ALLOFED - 15 MINUTES SSN

1. Below are several statements about radioactive contamination. Circle the letter preceding each one that is true.

a. It is a source of radiation

b. It can be fixed or loose

c. It is easily seen

d. It is radioactive raterial where it is not wanted

e. It is a type of radiation

2. List two possible causes of radioactive contamination.

a.

b.

3. Each of the following devices or procedures is designed to control either radioactive contamination or radiation exposure. Write the word " contamination" or " exposure" in the blank preceding each item to indicate what it is designed to control.

a. shielding

b. protective clothing

c. respirators

d. friskers

e. step-off pads ,

f. drip trays Write the word "True" or " False" in the blank preceding each of the following statements.

4. Fixed contamination is nothing to worry about since it is not easily spread.

5. Loose surface contamination may cause airborne contamination.

6. Airborne contamination is rather mysterious because no one is sure what causes it.

7. Any trash generated at Plant Vogtle must be placed in yellow plastic bags.

8. When you leave a radiologically controlled area where protective clothing was worn, a whole body frisk must be performed.

9. If a liquid spill is observed, you should leave the area immediately because the liquid might be radioactive.

10. When you enter a contaminated area to perform a job, you should take all your tools with you to be sure you have what you need.

11. If your shoes become contaminated and they cannot be decontaminated, they will not be returned to you.

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r GE-LP-006.C Circle the letter preceding the correct answer.

12. The nethod normally used to remove external contamination from personnel is

a. Wash with a sodium hydroxide solution

b. Surgically remove contaminated tissue

c. Wash with soap and warm water

d. Soak for several hours in a mild solution of vinegar and water

13. The units used to measure loosa surface contamination are .

a. spd per square centimeter

b. dpe/100 cm2

c. Roentgens

d. Millirems per hour

14. Radioactive material can enter the body through the ,

a. Mouth

b. Nose

c. Skin

d. All of the above

15. If you think you might be internally contaminated you should .

.a. Try to induce vomiting immediately

b. Relax and enjoy yourself because there is nothing you can do about it

c. Tell no one until you are sure

d. Contact Health Physics immediately 14