Discrete radioactive particle issues associated with a fuel pool clean-out

As Suscquehanna Steam Electric Station personnel were nearing the end of a project to remove control rod blades and other irradiated materials from the fuel pools at the station, tile unit that was used to process the irradiated hardware (the 'advanced crusher and shearer' or ACS ) was removed from the cask storage pit. As the ACS was moved over the refueling floor to a location for further decontamination prior to shipment offsite, local area radiation monitors began to alarm. These alarms were due to one or more highly radioactive particles (up to 2.8 giga-becquerel) that were generated during the fuel pool clean-out (FPC) project and were inadvertently relocated from the pool to the Surface of' the refueling floor. Although these particles did not contact protective clothing or skin, these particles had the potential to deliver substantial doses to personnel in a very short period of time. Over a period of several months, more discrete radioactive particles were found as a result of processing the irradiated hardware and performing other work evolutions during the FPC project. The highest estimated personnel doses were 0.12 and 0.17 Sv shallow dose equivalent, respectively. The presentation will emphasize the lessons learned by Susquehanna personnel regarding planning for the FPC project, management oversight of the project, underlying cultural and mind-set deficiencies that contributed to lack of preparedness for risks associated with highly active particles, and the steps for ensuring adequate contamination control. (authors)