DOE-IDAHO OPERATIONS SUMMARY
Issued June 20, 2006
DOE-Idaho Bi-Weekly Operations
Summary For the Period of May 29 – June 18, 2006

Environmental Management

Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP)

Summary of Occurrence Reports

(Note: Date below indicates when notification was made of the incident)

May 30: While moving a cart containing waste drums into the Real-Time Radiography 101 (RTR-101) shielded enclosure, audible and visual warning signals unexpectedly activated with the bi-parting door open. The door interlock is designed to allow such warning signals only when the door is in a closed position. Work was stopped, and troubleshooting initiated. A fact-finding meeting determined that a similar event had occurred earlier in another RTR when the operator pressed the “x-ray on” button out of sequence. The cause for the activation was not determined. Fact-finding also determined that further troubleshooting would be necessary and the RTR operation was suspended
after management was informed. (EM-ID-BBWI-AMWTF-2006-0017)

June 6: During removal of the lid from a new, empty 83-gallon drum, and after the retaining ring was taken off, the drum lid unexpectedly flew off, grazing the operator’s shoulder. The operator was not injured. Lid removal on empty drums has been conducted previously without incident. The shift manager suspended this work and a fact-finding meeting was conducted. All crews were briefed on the event. Shift managers controlled access to all empty containers. New drum opening was stopped
until the approved method of work is changed and personnel are appropriately trained.
(EM-ID-BBWI-AMWTF-2006-0018)

June 6: BBWI senior management directed that an implementation plan be prepared to track compliance of all safety basis commitments identified in the annual update to Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP) Documented Safety Analysis (DSA), AMWTP-RPT-DSA-02 and Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), AMWTP- RPT-TSR-03. The DSA respiratory protection requirement is derived to protect workers exiting the treatment facility confinement areas in the event of a fire involving transuranic mixed waste. The implementation plan identified that the current DSA was inadequate by only requiring the Industrial Hygiene organization to specify respiratory protection for chemical constituents. DSA revision must include other protection identified by the Radiological Control organization. (EM-ID-BBWI-AMWTF-2006- 0019)

Environmental Management

Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP)

June 6: Specifically related to personal breathing equipment, it was determined that the informal process for tracking and completing corrective actions, identified during a critique, was inadequate. Improvement is needed in order to ensure that corrective actions are completed before restarting work activities. The implementation process includes a physical check of the mechanical fittings, additional training, incorporation of operator aids, first and second checks of the equipment, and supervisory oversight of the equipment checks. (EM-ID–CWI-RWMC-2006-0006)

June 6: Two separate employee skin contamination events, approximately nine days apart, occurred in the CPP-604 Vessel Off-Gas Cell during construction work. In both events, the level of contamination was below reporting levels, and tape press and soap and water successfully decontaminated the employee. There were no internal exposures. Work was placed on hold in each case, further reviewed and appropriate corrective actions identified.
(EM-ID–CWI-WASTMNGT-2006-0002)

June 7: An analytical lab analyst moving a 240 liter liquid nitrogen dewar on casters hit a transition area between carpet and tile floor causing the dewar to tip over. There were no personal injuries, nor releases of contents. The dewar was inspected by industrial safety and no visual damage was identified. (EM-ID–CWI-LANDLORD-2006-0005)

Operational Status

The INL TRU Waste Characterization Program (TWCP) completed its annual Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) recertification audit with no findings, no observations and two minor recommendations. The INL TWCP supports Idaho Cleanup Project, as well as the rest of the DOE Complex. Through June 3, a cumulative total of 10,738 cubic meters (includes 3,100 m3 project) of initial transuranic (TRU) waste volume (i.e., Idaho Settlement Agreement Volume) has been shipped to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). During the week ending June 3, AMWTP made 11 shipments. For the week ending June 10, AMWTP is scheduled for 18 shipments.

Nuclear Energy

Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

Summary of Occurrence Reports

(Note: Date below indicates when notification was made of the incident)

June 7: A smoke alarm was set off by overheated hydraulic fluid from the TRA-603 freight elevator. Over heating resulted from the hydraulic pump running without the proper amount of fluid. The building was evacuated and the Fire Department responded. There were no injuries to personnel as a result of this incident. (NE-ID–BEA-RTC- 2006-0004)

Operational Status

INL and DOE-Idaho received notice from DOE-HQ announcing INL has been certified a Voluntary Protection Program Star site. A 10-person team audited INL’s safety program in May. A news release is being prepared to announce the certification.