IR 05000170/1998201
| ML20197A794 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute |
| Issue date: | 03/03/1998 |
| From: | NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20197A791 | List: |
| References | |
| 50-170-98-201, NUDOCS 9803090387 | |
| Download: ML20197A794 (6) | |
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- U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION i
Docket No: 50 170-License No: R 84 Report No: 98201
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Licensee: Defense Nuclear Agency Facility: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Location: Bethesda, Maryland Dates: Febru'ary 2-6, 1998 inspector: Thomr.- F. Dragoun, Project Scientist Approved by: Marvin M. Me - anca, Acting Director Non-Power Fe. tors and Decommissioning Project Directorate EXECi> nVE SUMMARY The licensee's programs were directed toward the protection of public health and safety and
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were found to be in compliance with NRC requirements. No safety concerns or violations l were identifie PDR ADOCK 05000170 G PDR
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Renort Details Summarv of Plant Status j The reactor was operated for training. Pulses of various reactivity values were initiated from subcritical and critical reactor condition Organization and Staffing Insnaction Scone (Insnaction Procedure 40750)
The laspector reviewed:
e organizational changes,
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e staff qualifications, and-e staf fing levels Observations and Findinos Since the last inspection in January 1996, incumbents in all supervisory positions described in the Technical Specifications were replaced in addition, all military
, reactor operators retired or rotated. The Acting Reactor Facility Director was appointed in a letter dated October 23,1996, from the licensee to the NRC. The current operations staff consisted of two full time and one half-time civilian
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reactor operators and five military trainees. Reactor supervisor positions were filled by promotions. The RPO and Assistant RPO positions were filled by personnel transferred from other organization Interviews by the inspector indicated that all personnel were experienced and qualified to perform the duties of their position. The Reactor Facility Director and
Reactor Operations Supervisor satisfied requirements specified in T.S. 6.1.3.
' Conclusions
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The organization satisfied T.S. 6.1 requirements. The number of civilian operators was near the minimum (two) required for reactor operation.
- 02 Operation Logs a.1d Records Insoection Scone (Insoection Procedure 40750)
- The inspector reviewed:
o reactor startup and shutdown .:hecklists,
'e console operations log, e maintenance report, and e records of 50.59 review .
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2 Observations and Findings Records and log. were clear, detailed, and readily retrievable. The filing system was changed to facilitate retrieval of records required by AFRRI administrative requirements as well as satisfying NRC requirement Proper use of procedures during training on pulsed operation was note Interaction between the trainee and irstructor was beneficia The inspector noted that names of the duty operator and SRO-on-call were entered in the console log for each reactor startup. However, the radiation control technician and emergency helper on call were not specifically identifie All four positions are required by T.S. 6.1.3.2 (a). The licensee stated that recordkeeping would be modified to identify the additional personnel. This matter will be reviewed in a future inspection (Inspector Follow-up item 50-170/98201-01), Conclusions Logs and records were maintained as require Facility Changes inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure 40750)
The inspector reviewed:
e potential computer millennium dating issues, e replacement of the exhaust stack monito * use of the area radiation monitors, and
- 50.59 review proces Observations and Findings The inspector discussed with the Reactor Facility Director the plans, for the digital console and other computers, to deal with the year 2000 date recognitio The inspector was informed that the facility plans to replace, modify, or upgrado their digital systems prior to the year 2000 to address potentialissues (Inspector Follow-up item 50-170/98201-03).
The licensee stated that the old exhaust stack monitoring system became unreliable and difficult to maintain. The inspector observed that the replacement system was properly installed, calibrated, and maintained. The licensee indicated that this system will be used to demonstrate compliance with constraints on air
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emissions specified in 10 CFR 20.1101(d) instead of the environmental TLDs. A J revision to the Safety Analysis Report Section 3.6.4 was submitted to incorporate this chang During reactor pulse operation, the inspector noted that alarm setpoints on the area radiation monitars were set up scale to prevent alarms during the pulse. The alarms were later re adjusted for routine operation. The inspector commented that this was not good practice. The licensee stated that the ARM system would be changed to eliminate the need to adjust alarm setpoints. This matter will be reviewed in a future inspcction Unspector Follow up Item FO 170/98201-02).
Records of 50.59 reviews included a description of facters unsidered for each step leading to the conclusion that the change did not constitute an unreviewed safety question. These reviews were thorough and well documented, Conclusions Changes to facilities and equipment were properly controlle R1 Radiation Protection Scoce Unsocction Procedure 40750)
The inspector reviewed:
e organization and staffing, e Radionuclide and X Ray Safety Committee meeting, e radiological signs and postings, e a routine radiation survey, and e personnel and environmental exposure records, Observe!cas and Findinas The RSO, mmtant RSO, and technician were new since the last inspectio Interviews indicated that these personnel were knowledgeable and motivated with the background and experience to perform their assigned duties. Staffing in the radiation safety branch appeared adequate for the current level of activit The RP technician was also a reactor operations trainee, representing the tear.:
building efforts between the reactor operations and the safety department The RXSC meeting demonstrated proactive management support for the radiation safety program. An investigation of a potential overexposure by the staff and reported to the committee was thoroug !
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~4 The inspector accompanied the technician on the weekly radiation survey. The survey included all areas specified in the procedure and the measurements ,
followed generally accepted techniques. Sign, barriers, and postings in the !
radiologically controlled areas were appropriat Dosimetry records indicated that personnel radiation exposure and exposure to the public was well below NRC limit ! Conclusions The radiation protection program has been maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and licensee commi'.ment X1 - Exit Meeting Summary (Inspection Procedure 30703)
The inspector presented the inspection results to members of licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on February 6,1998. The licensee acknowledged the findings presente !
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee
Lt. Col (P) R. Eng, Director R. George, Reactor Operations Supervisor Capt. J. Malinoski, Head, Radiation Sources Department D. McKown, ' Assistant Radiation Safety Officer S. Miller, Reactor Facility Director Capt. M. Ortelli, Reactor Operator trainee SSG S. Osborne, Reactor Operator trainee Col C. Pearson, Chairman, RRFSC
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Capt. S. Torrey, Head, Safety and Health Department
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Maj B. White, Radiation Safety Officer Maj K. Wrisley, Reactor Operator trainee NRC i M. Mendonca, Senior Program Manager
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INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 30703: ENTRANCE AiJD EXIT INTERVIEWS lo 40750: CLASS 11 NON-POWER REACTORS ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Ooened 50 170/98201 01 IFl Log the four duty personnel required for reactor operatio /98201 02- lFI Eliminate adjustment of ARM for reactor pulse operation.
50 170/98201-03 IFl Prepare computer to recognize year 2000,
Closed 50 170/98201-03 IFl Licensee will replace, modify, or upgrade digital systems.
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LIST OF ACRONYMS USED CFR Code of Federal Regulations NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission i RP Radiation Protection l RSO Radiation Safety Officer i RXSC Radionuclide and X-Ray Safety Committee )
TLD Thermoluminescent dosimeter j
, Technical Specifications '
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