Argonne National Laboratory
RERTR
Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors
Nuclear Science and Engineering Division at Argonne
U.S. Department of Energy

IAEA/USA Interregional course on
Preparations to Ship Spent Nuclear Fuel (1997)

PREPARATION OF PROCEDURES


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Contact:
Mr. Peter C. Ernst
25 Bannisdale Way
Carisle, Ontario
Canada L0R 1H2
Tel.: +1-905-689-9983
Fax: +1-905-689-9983
E-mail: [email protected]

IAEA/USA Interregional Training Course

Technical and Administrative Preparations Required for Shipment of Research Reactor Spent Fuel to its Country of Origin

13-24 January 1997
Argonne, IL

PREPARATION OF PROCEDURES

by

PETER C. ERNST
CONSULTANT

  • INTRODUCTION

  • WHY PROCEDURES

  • DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS

  • EXAMPLES

INTRODUCTION
  • PROCEDURES ARE SOMETIMES FOUND IN SEVERAL VOLUMES CALLED "MANUALS" OR "PROGRAMS" SUCH AS A FUEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. SMALL OR LOW POWER REACTORS MAY HAVE ONLY ONE SET CALLED "OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS".

  • MOST REGULATORY BODIES REQUIRE OPERATING PROCEDURES TO HAVE A FORMAL PROCESS OF REVIEW, ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL. IN SOME CASES, AND FOR SOME SPECIFIC PROCEDURES, THE FINAL APPROVAL MAY REST WITH THE REGULATORY BODY.

  • IN ANY CASE THE PROCEDURES SHALL BE DEVELOPED WITHIN AN ESTABLISHED QA PROGRAM TO ENSURE THIS REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT AND TO ESTABLISH THE RELEVANCE AND USE OF THE PROCEDURE.

  • PROCEDURES MAY TAKE SEVERAL FORMATS DEPENDING ON THE GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE SET OF SAFETY-RELATED DOCUMENTS (SOMETIMES COLLECTIVELY CALLED THE "LICENSING DOCUMENTATION") REQUIRED BY YOUR REGULATORY BODY.

TIERED APPROACH FOR
OPERATING DOCUMENTATION
  • LICENSING DOCUMENTS

  • PROGRAM DOCUMENTS

  • PROCEDURES

  • INFORMATION, LISTS, FORMS, ETC.


WHY PROCEDURES ?
  • PROCEDURES ARE ONE OF MANY AIDS THAT HELP AN OPERATING ORGANIZATION ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF SAFE OPERATION OF THEIR FACILITY.

  • PROPERLY DEVELOPED AND WRITTEN PROCEDURES CAN HELP DEMONSTRATE A FACILITY'S COMMITMENT TO FURTHERING A SAFETY CULTURE AMONG ITS STAFF.

  • EVEN HIGHLY SKILLED AND TRAINED STAFF CAN USE ASSISTANCE IN PERFORMING COMPLICATED TASKS, ESPECIALLY THOSE TASKS PERFORMED INFREQUENTLY, SUCH AS A SPENT FUEL SHIPMENT.

  • PROCEDURES CAN, AMONG OTHER PURPOSES:

    - ENHANCE SAFETY;

    - REDUCE HUMAN ERROR;

    - PROVIDE A TOOL FOR TRAINING;

    - ENSURE PROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE STEPS NECESSARY TO A TASK;

    - PROVIDE A MEANS OF ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS;

    - PROTECT EQUIPMENT FROM DAMAGE; AND
    WITH DATA SHEETS, PROVIDE RECORDS FOR OPERATIONAL AND QA REQUIREMENTS.


DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
  • DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

  • FORMAT

  • CONTENT

  • TRAINING

  • QUALITY ASSURANCE

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
  • THE OPERATING ORGANIZATION IS RESPONSIBLE
    FOR ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF A FACILITY WITHIN THE OPERATING LIMITS AND CONDITIONS (OLC's) AND WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS SOMETIMES EMBODIED IN AN "OPERATING MANUAL".
  • DEVELOP PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH A QA PROGRAM DESCRIBING THE PROCESSES FOR DEVELOPMENT, APPROVAL, IMPLEMENTATION AND MODIFICATION OF PROCEDURES. THIS SHOULD INCLUDE A PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT FORM ON WHICH THE NECESSARY TRAINING, ETC. ARE NOTED.
  • OPERATING PERSONNEL SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROCEDURES AND TRAINED IN THEIR USE.
  • BEFORE GIVING HIS APPROVAL TO A SAFETY-RELATED PROCEDURE THE REACTOR MANAGER SHALL SUBMIT THE PROCEDURE TO THE SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT. THE SAFETY COMMITTEE SHALL REVIEW SUBMITTED PROCEDURES AGAINST THE OLC'S AND POLICIES OF THE OPERATING ORGANIZATION AND MAKE SUITABLE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THEIR ADOPTION.
  • THE REACTOR MANAGER SHALL ENSURE THAT THE LATEST REVISION IS READILY AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION AND THAT EARLIER REVISIONS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM USE.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
(CONTINUED )
  • FOR SPENT FUEL SHIPPING THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF PERSONNEL FROM THE CHOSEN CASK VENDOR, CARRIER AND RECEIVING SITE SHOULD BE SOUGHT WHEN DEVELOPING CASK HANDLING AND SHIPMENT COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES.
  • OTHERS EXPERIENCED IN THE SUBJECT AREA MAY BE CONSULTED FOR ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.
  • THE HEALTH PHYSICIST FOR THE FACILITY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW OF PROCEDURES INVOLVING RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY.
  • THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR PHYSICAL PROTECTION AND FOR SAFEGUARDS SHOULD LIKEWISE BE CONSULTED REGARDING PROCEDURES INVOLVING THEIR SUBJECT AREAS.
  • EMERGENCY PLANNING SHALL BE REFERENCED OR INCLUDED AS REQUIRED OR APPROPRIATE.

SUGGESTED DEVELOPMENT STEPS
  • DECIDE ON THE METHODS BEST SUITED TO A TASK AND CREATE A DRAFT PROCEDURE.

  • THE REACTOR MANAGER REVIEWS THE DRAFT FOR CONSISTENCY AND COMPLIANCE WITH OLC'S AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS.

  • VALIDATE THE DRAFT PROCEDURE THROUGH ACTUAL TRIAL USE AND OBSERVATION, OR, IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, BY CONSULTING WITH PERSONS EXPERIENCED IN THE SUBJECT AREA.

  • REVIEW AND REVISE THE DRAFT AS NECESSARY.

  • SAFETY-RELATED PROCEDURES OR OTHERS REQUIRING IT, SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT BEFORE BEING GIVEN APPROVAL BY THE REACTOR MANAGER.

  • NOTE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ON THE PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT FORM

  • DISTRIBUTE THE PROCEDURES FOLLOWING STAFF TRAINING IN THEIR USE


FORMAT OF PROCEDURES
  • FOR CONSISTENCY IN FORMAT AND CONTENT PREPARE PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH A QA PROGRAM GOVERNING THEIR

    - DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW AND DISTRIBUTION CONTROL.

  • USE A CONSISTENT FORMAT TO AVOID CONFUSION.

  • IDENTIFY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN A UNIQUE MANNER SO THAT THEY STAND OUT ON THE PAGE.

  • INCLUDE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS AHEAD OF THE STEP TO WHICH THEY REFER.

  • IDENTIFY RECORDING AND QA REQUIREMENTS.

  • KEEP QA AND DATA ENTRY REMINDERS TOGETHER WITH THE ITEM(S) THEY REFER TO.

  • HIGHLIGHT CONDITIONAL STEPS.

EXAMPLES OF WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS, CONDITIONS
AND VERIFICATIONS

9.7 Cleanup


9.7.1 Pool

(a) Return all tools to their storage locations.

(b) Put the cut snouts in a convenient location. If the dose-rates are acceptable, use dry storage.

9.7.2 Hot Cell

************************************

!! WARNING !!

Treat the Hot Cell as an active area until otherwise determined

************************************


(a) Check all surfaces and components for contamination. Cleanup as required.


CAUTION

Do not allow the hoist cable and air hose to become twisted when raising the basket into the pool adapter and transfer flask to avoid damage to equipment.


9.6.5 Verify proper operation of the transfer flask and pool adapter using an empty or dummy basket.

IF proper operation is not achieved,

THEN make the necessary adjustments and re-test.

Enter and verify on WCC


9.3.6 Obtain radiation dose rate readings and swipes from other desired locations.

IF results are acceptable;

THEN proceed;

IF NOT, THEN consult with Health Physics regarding decontamination.


Enter radiation survey results on SFS-F08.

Enter contamination survey results on SFS-F09.


9.3.7 Install container(s) on trailer.


Enter and verify on WCC.


CONTENT OF PROCEDURES
  • USE A STANDARD FORMAT FOR CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PRESENTATION

  • ESTABLISH ORDER OF PERFORMANCE WHEN MORE THAN ONE PROCEDURE USED

  • INCLUDE PREREQUISITES, CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS WHEN NECESSARY

  • INCLUDE STEP BY STEP PERFORMANCE OF NON-ROUTINE ACTIVITIES

  • INCLUDE DATA SHEETS TO RECORD DATA AND TEST RESULTS

  • INCLUDE QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDING, COMPLIANCE AND VERIFICATION

  • INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS (THOSE IN BRACKETS ARE OPTIONAL)

ELEMENTS OF A PROCEDURE
  • IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
  • REVISION NUMBER AND DATE
    ( REVISION HISTORY )
  • APPROVALS
  • TITLE
  • PURPOSE / SCOPE

( INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND )

( DEFINITIONS )

( REFERENCES )

  • RESPONSIBILITIES
  • PREREQUISITES
    ( PRECAUTIONS/ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS )

  • INSTRUCTIONS
  • DOCUMENTATION
  • VERIFICATION

( MEASUREMENTS, CALCULATIONS AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA )

  • IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
    A unique alphanumeric identifier for the procedure. This should appear on each page.
  • REVISION NUMBER AND DATE:
    The current revision number and date should appear on each page to ensure operating personnel are aware of the revision in use.
  • ( REVISION HISTORY ):
    If included, this should give the dates and numbers of previous revisions along with a summary of the current revisions.
  • APPROVALS:
    Signatures and dates of approvals.
  • TITLE:
    A consice description of the content.
  • PURPOSE / SCOPE:
    A statement of the purpose for the procedure including any limitations.
  • ( INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND ):
    Any introductory or background information that will clarify or assist in the performance of the procedure or to set the procedure in context. This may include a discussion of methods.
  • ( DEFINITIONS ):
    Definition of terms used in the procedure that are necessary to understand and to perform the procedure.
  • ( REFERENCES ):
    References upon which the procedure is based and that are referred to in the text.
  • RESPONSIBILITIES:
    Specific delineation of the requirements for and responsibilities of operating personnel in order to perform the procedure.
  • PREREQUISITES:
    Specific conditions for systems, equipment and personnel required to perform the procedure.
  • ( PRECAUTIONS/ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ):
    Delineation of special tools or equipment, support services, radiation protection measures, and special safety precautions related to the performance of the procedure.
  • INSTRUCTIONS:
    Specific step by step instructions for performing a procedure. The level of detail should be such that qualified personnel can follow the instructions without further directions. Instructional steps should begin with action words (e.g. turn, record, energize, set, note, check, lift, press, test, insert).
  • DOCUMENTATION:
    A listing of any checklists, data sheets or reports necessary to document the results or completion of the procedure and what to do with them.
  • VERIFICATION:
    How the procedure completion is verified, if applicable.
  • ( MEASUREMENTS, CALCULATIONS AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA ):
    For some procedures that require measurements and calculations, documentation of the basis for the measurements and calculations and acceptance criteria may be provided to assist operating personnel in understanding the steps performed in the procedure. This may be included in an appendix.

GENERAL
  • FACILITY SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • RECORD KEEPING

  • PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

  • INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE CASK OWNER


PREPARATION OF THE
FUEL ASSEMBLY
  • IF CROPPING OF THE ASSEMBLIES IS TO BE DONE IT SHOULD NOT BE DONE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE LOADING OF THE CASK.

  • INSPECTION OF THE ASSEMBLIES TO ESTABLISH THEIR CONDITION AND VERIFY THEIR IDENTIFICATION.

  • ASSEMBLIES WITH SUSPECTED CLADDING FAILURES REQUIRE SPECIAL TREATMENT SUCH AS SIPPING TESTS AND CANNING.


RECEPTION AND MOVEMENT
OF THE SHIPPING CASK
  • SPECIFY EQUIPMENT AND HANDLING NECESSARY FOR CASK RECEPTION AND MOVEMENT

  • RADIATION AND CONTAMINATION SURVEY

  • CLEAN AND DECONTAMINATE

  • CHECK FOR DAMAGE

  • MOVE INTO BUILDING OR LOADING AREA


PRE-USE INSPECTION
AND TESTING OF THE CASK
  • VISUAL INSPECTION FOR DAMAGE TO THE CASK OR ITS LIFTING DEVICES

  • INSPECTION OF THE INSIDE OF THE CASK AND THE CASK BASKETS

  • INSPECT CLOSURE SEALS AND REPAIR OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY

  • PERFORM ANY COMPLIANCE TESTS REQUIRED

  • VERIFICATION OF NEUTRON ABSORBING MATERIALS, IF REQUIRED


LOADING THE SHIPPING CASK
  • MOVE OPEN CASK TO LOADING POSITION IN POOL

  • LOAD CASK (CRITICALITY MEASUREMENTS IF REQUIRED)

  • PLACE LID ON CASK

  • REMOVE FROM POOL

  • SURVEY AND DECONTAMINATE

  • LOAD BASKETS

- MOVE TRANSFER FLASK TO LOADING AREA

- LOAD BASKET INTO TRANSFER FLASK

- SURVEY FLASK

- MOVE FLASK TO CASK

- TRANSFER BASKET TO CASK

  • PLACE LID ON CASK


PRE-SHIPMENT TESTING
OF THE LOADED CASK
  • PRESSURE TESTS

  • TEMPERATURE EQUILIBRIUM

  • COOLANT ACTIVITY

  • DOSE RATES

  • SURVEYING FOR CONTAMINATION

  • DECONTAMINATE AS NECESSARY


SHIPPING THE CASK
  • LOADING OF THE CASK ONTO THE TRANSPORT VEHICLE

  • FINAL SURVEY

  • COMPLETE PAPERWORK

  • COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION

  • LABELLING CASK AND TRANSPORT VEHICLE

  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DRIVERS AND ESCORTS

- EMERGENCY PLAN

- SECURITY PLAN

  • NOTIFICATIONS

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS



THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED USING THE SAME GENERAL PRINCIPALS AS FOR THE PROCEDURES.

  • TRANSPORTATION PLAN

  • PHYSICAL PROTECTION PLAN

  • EMERGENCY PLAN

  • INSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVERS
2016 RERTR Meeting

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2015 RERTR Meeting

The 2015 International RERTR Meeting (RERTR-2015) took place in Seoul, Korea on Oct. 11-14, 2015.
For more information visit RERTR-2015.

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DOCUMENTS


ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY, Nuclear Engineering Division, RERTR Department
9700 South Cass Ave., Argonne, IL 60439-4814
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Last modified on July 29, 2008 11:33 +0200