IR 05000170/2022201
| ML22230D058 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute |
| Issue date: | 08/24/2022 |
| From: | Tate L NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Cook A US Dept of Defense, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute |
| Waugh A | |
| References | |
| IR 2022201 | |
| Download: ML22230D058 (13) | |
Text
August 24, 2022
SUBJECT:
ARMED FORCES RADIOBIOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000170/2022201
Dear Mr. Cook:
From July 25-28, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) reactor facility. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection, which were discussed on July 28, 2022, with you and AFRRI staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed various activities, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Andrew Waugh at (301) 415-0230, or by email at Andrew.Waugh@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Roche, Kevin signing on behalf of Tate, Travis on 08/24/22 Travis L. Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-170 License No. R-84 Enclosure:
As stated cc w/enclosure: See next page
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Docket No. 50-170 cc:
Director, Maryland Office of Planning 301 West Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Montgomery County Executive 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor Rockville, MD 20850 Environmental Program Manager III Radiological Health Program Air & Radiation Management Adm.
Maryland Dept of the Environment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 750 Baltimore, MD 21230-1724 Director Air & Radiation Management Adm.
Maryland Dept of the Environment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 710 Baltimore, MD 21230 Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter Attention: Ms. Amber Johnson Dept of Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20742-2115 Manager Nuclear Programs Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tawes B-3 Annapolis, MD 21401 Colonel Mohammad Naeem, Director Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Building 42 Bethesda, MD 20889-5648
ML22230D058 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME AWaugh NParker TTate (KRoche for)
DATE 8/19/2022 8/22/2022 8/24/2022
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.: 50-170 License No.: R-84 Report No: 05000170/2022201 Licensee: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Facility: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute TRIGA Reactor Location: Bethesda, MD Dates: July 25-28, 2022 Inspectors: Andrew Waugh Juan Arellano Approved by: Travis L. Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Enclosure
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Research Reactor Facility Inspection Report No. 05000170/2022201 The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI, the licensee) research reactor facility safety programs, including: (1) procedures; (2) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation (LCO); (3) experiments; (4) health physics (HP); (5) design changes; (6) committees, audits and review; (7) fuel handling logs and records; and (8) transportation of radioactive materials. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined that the licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Procedures The inspector determined that the licensees procedures were controlled, maintained current, implemented, and followed in compliance with technical specifications (TS)
requirements.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation The inspector determined that surveillances were conducted and LCO were maintained in accordance with TS requirements.
Experiments The inspector determined that experiments were reviewed, approved, and conducted in accordance TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Health Physics The inspector determined that the licensees HP program was conducted in accordance with TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Design Changes The inspector determined that design changes were conducted in accordance with TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Committees, Audits and Reviews The inspector determined that the licensees oversight programs were conducted in accordance with TS and procedural requirements.
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Fuel Handling Logs and Records The inspector determined that fuel movements and inspections were conducted in accordance with TS and procedural requirements.
Transportation Activities The inspector determined that the licensees radioactive material transportation program was in accordance with regulatory and procedural requirements.
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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The AFRRI 1.1 megawatt Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) Mark F research reactor, located on the campus of the National Naval Medical Center, normally operates in support of the licensees mission of research, experiments, education, reactor operator training, and periodic equipment surveillance. During this inspection, the AFRRI research reactor was started up and operated for the first time since March 2018.
1. Procedures a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001, Section 02.03)
The inspector reviewed various procedures and observed their implementation. The inspector also reviewed the following regarding the licensees procedures to ensure that the requirements of the licensees administrative procedures and TS 6.3 were met:
procedure 1, Reactor Startup Checklist, dated July 21, 2022 procedure 2, Reactor Operations, dated July 24, 2022 procedure 3, Reactor Shutdown Checklist, dated July 24, 2022 procedure 5, Reactor Logbook, dated June 30, 2022 procedure 7, Reactor Room Safety, dated June 30, 2022 procedure 200, Fuel Element Movement and Inspection, dated June 30, 2022 procedure 202, Control Rod Calibration/Drop Time, dated July 21, 2022 select reactor logbook entries, 2020-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector observed that the licensee maintained written procedures covering the areas specified in TS 6.3. The inspector found that the procedures in use by the licensee were current, reviewed and approved as required by TS 6.3, able to be implemented as intended, and adhered to by reactor personnel.
Inspection follow-up item (IFI)05000170/2020201-1 was opened during the previous inspection because a discrepancy in procedures made it unclear if the addition of make-up water would be logged as required by the NRC safety evaluation report. The inspector determined that the licensees procedures were updated to ensure that make-up water additions are logged as required by the NRC safety evaluation report; this item is closed with no further action required.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the licensees procedures were controlled, maintained current, implemented, and followed in compliance with TS requirements.
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2. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.05)
The inspector observed the performance of control rod calibrations and reviewed the following to ensure that the licensees LCO and surveillances were maintained as required by TS 3.0 and 4.0:
Restart Plan for the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute TRIGA Reactor, dated June 29, 2022 Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute TRIGA Reactor Instrumentation and Control Console Replacement Site Acceptance Test Procedure, Part 1, Revision A Site Acceptance Test Part 2: Replacement of the Instrumentation and Control Console for the AFFRI TRIGA Reactor, Revision A control rod drop time datasheet, dated July 23, 2022 low source interlock datasheet, dated July 15, 2022 primary water resistance temperature detector calibration datasheet, dated July 15, 2022 primary water conductivity test and calibration datasheet, dated July 21, 2022 pool water level calibration datasheet, dated July 15, 2022 facility interlock system checklist, dated July 22, 2022 alternating current power loss SCRAM datasheet, dated July 15, 2022 watchdog SCRAMs datasheet, dated July 15, 2022 quarterly continuous air monitor (CAM) and radiation area monitor (RAM) channel tests, 2021 - present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that surveillance tests were completed as required by the TS and LCO verifications were completed on schedule and in accordance with the licensees procedures.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that surveillances were conducted and LCO were maintained in accordance with TS requirements.
3. Experiments a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.06)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that experiments were reviewed and conducted as required by TS 3.6 and 6.4:
routine reactor authorizations procedure 10, "Conduct of Experiments," dated July 12, 2022 procedure 11, "Reactor Exposure Room Entry," dated July 12, 2022-5-
b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that experiments were reviewed and approved as required by TS 6.2 and Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments. The inspector also found that experiments were conducted in accordance with the licensees procedures and TS 3.6.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that experiments were reviewed, approved, and conducted in accordance TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
4. Health Physics a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.07)
The inspector toured the facility, observed radiation surveys, and observed radiological signs and postings. The inspector also reviewed the following to ensure the licensees HP program adheres to the requirements of 10 CFR Part 19, Notices, Instructions, and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, 10 CFR Part 20, Standards for Protection Against Radiation, and TS 3.5 and 4.5:
gaseous radio effluents, 2020-present 2020 and 2021 annual operating reports AFFRI Instruction 6055.8I, Radiation Protection Program HP procedure 3-2.c, Reactor Facility Health Physics, dated January 25, 2022 HP procedure 3-1.d, Reactor Irradiation Facilities, dated March 12, 2014 HP procedure 2-1.d, Environmental Dosimetry Program, dated March 22, 2022 HP procedure 2-2,e, Environmental Monitoring Program, dated March 22, 2022 select environmental dosimetry reports, 2021-present select personnel dosimetry reports, 2020-present select CAM and RAM calibration records, 2021-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that practices regarding the use of dosimetry, radiation monitoring equipment, placement of radiological postings, posting of notices, use of protective clothing, and the handling and storing of radioactive material or contaminated equipment was in accordance with regulations and the licensees radiation protection program. The inspector found that the licensee met the regulatory requirements concerning radiological effluent releases and radiation survey, sampling, and monitoring. The inspector also found that training was conducted for radiation workers and as low as reasonably achievable principles were implemented as required by licensee procedures.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees HP program was conducted in accordance with TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
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5. Design Changes a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that modifications to the facility were made in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59 and TS:
2020 and 2021 annual operating reports select reactor logbook entries, 2019-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that design changes were reviewed and approved as required by 10 CFR 50.59. The inspector also found that the performance of modified equipment and the procedures and drawings related to that equipment met regulatory, TS, and procedural requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that design changes were conducted in accordance with TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
6. Committees, Audits and Reviews a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.09)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that committees, audits, and reviews were conducted as required by the licensees procedures and TS 6.2:
Annual TS Audit AFFRI Reactor conducted January 5-6, 2022 Annual TS Audit AFFRI Reactor conducted March 15, 2021 reactor facility security plan audit conducted May 9-11, 2022 minutes of the reactor and radiation facilities safety committee meeting 2021-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the licensees Reactor and Radiation Facilities Safety Subcommittee met and provided reviews and that audits were performed as required by the licensees procedures and TS. The inspector also found that problems identified from the licensees required reviews were resolved in accordance with the licensees procedures and TS.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees oversight programs were conducted in accordance with TS and procedural requirements.
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7. Fuel Handling Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.12)
The inspector observed fuel handling operations and reviewed the following fuel handling logs and records to very compliance with TS requirements:
AFRRI fuel element records, 2020-present procedure 200, Fuel Element Movement and Inspection, dated June 30, 2022 control room reactor fuel inventory map select reactor logbook entries, 2020-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that fuel handling activities were conducted and documented in accordance with TS requirements and the licensees procedural requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that fuel movements and inspections were conducted in accordance with TS and procedural requirements.
8. Transportation Activities a. Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure the licensees program for transporting radioactive materials met NRC and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements:
2020 and 2021 annual operating reports b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the licensees procedures and records concerning the transportation of radioactive material were in accordance with NRC and DOT requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees radioactive material transportation program was in accordance with regulatory and procedural requirements.
9. Exit Interview The inspection scope and results were summarized on July 28, 2022, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Reactor Facility Director M. Brener Reactor Operations Supervisor T. Ayers Senior Reactor Operator A. Guynn Reactor Operator J. Sumlin Radiation Safety Officer J. Gunn HP Tech H. Spence Compliance Officer LTC O. Makinde Department Head, Radiation Sciences Department J. Gormley Contractor with General Atomics INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors IP 86740 Inspection of Transportation Activities ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened:
None Closed:
05000170/2020201-1 IFI The inspector determined that the licensees procedures were updated to ensure that make-up water additions are logged as required.
Discussed:
None Attachment