On 2/10/05 at 13:35, the Shift Manager became aware of a condition that previously existed which met the
Emergency Plan criteria for declaration of an Unusual Event. On 1/23/05, a Radiation Protection Technician released
nitrogen into the
RAF Countroom as part of an experiment. During the experiment, the atmospheric monitors in the room detected life-threatening levels of
nitrogen (
oxygen deficient atmosphere). This has been determined to meet the criteria for an Unusual Event per Emergency Classification Level Chart P for a release of toxic or flammable gas on site and portable monitors indicate concentrations at life threatening levels.
Management became aware of the unauthorized experiment conducted by the Technician during a management review. There were no personnel injuries as a result of this incident.
The licensee will inform both state/local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector.
- * * UPDATE FROM LICENSEE (ROBB) TO NRC (HUFFMAN) AT 1907 EST ON 2/24/05 * * *
On 2/24/05 at approximately 1720 hours0.0199 days <br />0.478 hours <br />0.00284 weeks <br />6.5446e-4 months <br />, it was discovered that a second incident had occurred prior to the previously reported occurrence (EN#41398) that met the Emergency Plan criteria for an Unusual Event declaration. Based on the investigation of the 1/23/05 incident, the same Radiation Protection Technician had released liquid nitrogen in the Auxiliary Building elevator, as part of the same data collection activity. The release may have been at the levels of 'Immediate Danger to Life and Health' in this separate case. This previous incident occurred on 1/22/05 at approximately 1200 hours0.0139 days <br />0.333 hours <br />0.00198 weeks <br />4.566e-4 months <br />.
The licensee will inform both state/local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector.
R3DO(Lanksbury),
NRR EO (Carpenter), and
IRD (Kennedy) notified.
