RADCON Response to a Fuel Handling

Accident

HPT001.118

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Possible Indicators of Problems Obj. 2

Airborne radioactivity and elevated radiation levels. (Alpha activity may also be present).

Possible CAM in alarm.

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.

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)

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.

Recovery Actions Obj. 4

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

Determine habitability of the area.

Resumption of Fuel Handling Following an Accident Obj 5

Fuel movement may continue only after permission is received from the Operations Superintendent.

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.