RADCON Response to a Fuel Handling Accident

1. RADCON Response to a Fuel Handling Accident HPT001.118

2. TERMINAL OBJECTIVE • Upon completion of the lesson, the trainee will demonstrate their knowledge for responding to a fuel handling accident by obtaining a score of 80% on a written examination.

3. ENABLING OBJECTIVES • State what indications may be present when a fuel handling accident occurs. • State the radiological concerns resulting from a fuel handling accident. • State the immediate actions required of RADCON personnel responding to a fuel handling accident.

4. ENABLING OBJECTIVES • State the appropriate recovery actions for resumption of fuel transfer operations. • State the individual’s approval required prior to resuming any fuel transfer operations following a fuel handling accident.

5. Introduction • During fuel handling, the potential exists for significant accidents to occur. Equipment and human error can lead to accidents which may produce serious consequences. RADCON Specialists may be called upon to make split second decisions involving the health and safety of their fellow workers and themselves. This lesson will cover the warning signs, immediate actions and recovery steps to be taken in the event of a fuel handling accident.

6. Possible Indicators of Problems Obj. 1 • Alarms (SQN & WBN) • Upper Containment Air 1-RM-90-112 • Lower Containment Air 1 RM-90-106 • Containment Purge Exhaust 1-RM-90-130/131

7. Possible Indicators of Problems Obj. 1 • Alarms (SQN & WBN) • Spent Fuel Pit Monitor 1-RE-90-0001 • Spent Fuel Pit 0-RM-90-102/103 • Auxiliary Building Vent 0-RM-90-101 • Shield Building Vent RE-400 may also be in alarm.

8. Possible Indicators of Problems Obj. 1 • Alarms (BFN) • Fuel Pool Floor Area 2-XA-55-3A window • Air Particulate Monitor 2-XA-55-3A window • Reactor Building, Turbine Building RF Zone Exhaust 2-XA-55-3A window 4

9. Possible Indicators of Problems Obj. 1 • Alarms (BFN) • Reactor Zone Exhaust 2-XA-55-3A window 21 • Reactor Building Area 2-XA-55-3A window 22 • Refueling Zone Exhaust 2-XA-55-3A window 34

10. Possible Indicators of Problems Obj. 2 • Airborne radioactivity and elevated radiation levels. (Alpha activity may also be present). • Possible CAM in alarm.

11. Immediate Actions by RADCON Obj. 3 • In conjunction with Fuel Handling SRO, notify • personnel in the area of radiation concern. • Announce for all personnel to evacuate the affected • area. • Ensure that all personnel have evacuated the • affected area. • Establish control over entry into the affected area.

12. Immediate Actions by RADCON Obj. 3 • Perform radiation surveys of immediate area and • control room as needed and post appropriately. • Perform contamination surveys of personnel and • segregate as needed. • Monitor around the Reactor Building Equipment • Hatch, at levels below the Refuel floor, for possible • spread of the release. (BFN)

13. Immediate Actions by RADCON Obj. 3 • After evaluating the radiation levels, make • recommendations for personnel access into the • affected area. NOTE: The release of iodine is a major concern.

14. Recovery Actions Obj. 4 Determine habitability of the area. • Develop RWP for re-entry. • Perform surveys. • Control access to the area. • Provide assistance to the Fuel Handling SRO as needed. Human Performance Error Prevention Tools: Self Checking Peer Checking

15. Resumption of Fuel Handling Following an Accident Obj 5 • Fuel movement may continue only after permission is received from the Operations Superintendent.

16. Summary RADCON personnel can play a key role in the response to a fuel handling accident. Their assistance is crucial in order to mitigate the consequences of an accident as well as planning for recovery.

17. The End