Safety at UW Nuclear Reactor Lab Michelle Blanchard, PE Reactor Supervisor SRO 1MWth 20 Year License Renewal 3-25-2011 Staff: 3 SROs Part-time Student.

Safety at UW Nuclear Reactor Lab

Michelle Blanchard, PEReactor SupervisorSRO

1MWth20 Year License Renewal 3-25-2011

Staff: 3 SROsPart-time Student Staff: 3 ROs, 3 AOs

Safety Hazards at UWNR

Radiological: Equipment and component handling, isotope production

Electrical: Max voltage in Lab 480 voltsCompressed Air: 90# air supports transient control rod and

various air operated valvesCyrogenics: NoneConfined Space: 2000 gallon hold tankChemicals: 55 gallon drums of NaOH and muriatic acid for water

purification system support, propane for fork lift, small quantities of Lab chemicals (ethanol, acetone)

Gas Cylinders: Gas flow detector counting gases, CO2 cover gasFire: Propane for fork lift, small quantities ethanol, acetone

I. Safety Equipment is Available

II. Safety Equipment is (as Appropriate): Tested

InventoriedProceduralized

III. Training is Ongoing

IV. Audits are Performed

V. Records are Maintained and Reviewed

Safety Equipment is AvailableFumehood, Fire Cabinets, Fire Extinguishers, CO2 Monitors, Lockout/Tagout, Sharps/Rad Disposal, Safety Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Spill Kits,

Respirators, Shower/Eyewash, First Aid, Radiation Survey Instruments

Safety Equipment is TestedFumehood (EHS), Fire Extinguishers (EHS), Respirators, Shower/Eyewash (EHS),

Radiation Survey InstrumentsPage 1 of 1

UWNR PROCEDURE FOR RESPIRATOR MAINTENANCE The following steps should be preformed every month. Steps pertaining to the blow units should be completed for both units. FLOW TEST

1. Attach three training cartridges to the blower unit, hand tighten only to avoid damaging the threads. Be sure to remove both the thread cover and the tab covering the air intake hole on the cartridge. These training cartridges are designed to provide the same air resistance as a real filter cartridge, so this is a valid test.

2. Disconnect the breathing tube from the blower unit by loosening the tube clamp at the base of the tube.

3. Insert the end of the flow tube marked “THIS END DOWN” into the air output. 4. Check that the battery is connected to the unit and turn the unit on using the

switch on the top of the battery pack. 5. Position the unit so that the flow tube is vertical and check that the ball is above

the 6 cfm line. If the ball is above the 6 cfm line then there is adequate air flow to maintain a positive pressure inside the hood.

6. If the ball fails to rise above the 6 cfm line insufficient airflow is being provided. The most likely causes are a low battery or overloaded filter. Replace filters or cartridges and test again. If using the rechargeable BP-15 NiMH battery, check if the red low battery LED light on the top of the battery pack is lit. If there is still insufficient airflow, refer to the troubleshooting section of the user manual.

7. Remove the flow meter and reattach the breathing tube to the blower unit. INSPECTION

1. Remove any filters or cartridges from the blower unit. 2. Examine the blower housing for cracks and replace if damaged. 3. Examine the inside of the blower manifold (note the red and white wires). The

presence of dust or other particulate matter on the interior of the manifold or on the wires may indicate a filter that is damaged or improperly seated or a filter of the wrong type.

4. Examine the outside of the battery pack for cracks and replace if damaged. 5. Carefully examine the entire length of the breathing tube. Check for any tears,

holes, cracks, punctures or excessive wear and replace if necessary. 6. Bend the entire length of the tube to verify flexibility. 7. Check that each container has the correct inventory:

a. Blower unit box i. 2 Breathe Easy blower units

ii. 2 belts iii. 2 breathing tubes iv. 2 flow test meters

b. Training materials box i. 1 TVEK hood reserved for training

Safety Equipment is InventoriedFire Cabinets, Fire Extinguishers, Lockout/Tagout, Sharps/Rad Disposal, Safety Glasses,

Gloves, Hearing Protection, Spill Kits, Respirators, First Aid, Radiation Survey Instruments

Safety Equipment is Proceduralized

Training is Ongoing

Audits are Performed

UWNR Staff Audit: Annual General Safety

UW Environmental Health and Safety Monthly AuditFocus is Radiation Safety

Annual NRC InspectionObjective of the inspection is to determine if activities were conducted

safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements and license commitments since the last inspection.

Records are Maintained and Reviewed

Questions