Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 92

Question 92: At power reactor facilities, when the reactor is at power, very high radiation areas (due to neutron andN-16 gamma radiation fields) can exist inside the primary containment. At some facilities, these areas inside containment are not readily locked, without substantial plant modifications to make them lockable. In recognition of this situation, the following controls are planned to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1602 as it relates to a PWR or de-inerted BWR containment at power: When thereactor is at power and entry is not required, the primary containment access hatch (and any other access way) will be locked and posted as a very high radiation area. The keycontrol access and special radiation work permit for entry will be in accordance with, or provide protection equivalent to, the guidance in draft Regulatory Guide DG-8006. When the reactor is at power, and entry isrequired, a qualified (in accordance with the applicable ANSI standard) radiation protection technician will accompany and provide continuous job coverage to each(small) group of workers assigned to perform a particular task (e.g., surveillance). Do the preceding controls meet the intent of 10 CFR 20.1602?

Answer: Yes. The controls outlined are an example of one way (but not the only way) to comply with 10 CFR 20.1602 in this situation.

(References: 10 CFR 20.1003, 10 CFR 20.1602).