Comparing Operation and Leak Test Trainings: NAC Optimus-H's vs DOE Packaging Certification Program's - 23540

Many job functions are universally performed across the world, while others are performed by select few in only a handful of locations. As with many aspects of the nuclear industry, the loading and unloading (i.e., operating) of Type B packaging falls into the second category. As many of the details of the work are package specific, generally the employee training occurs on the job. To minimize costly mistakes and expedite proficiency the DOE Packaging Certification Program (PCP) introduced a general Type B non-package specific training course starting about 15 years ago. NAC International with its packages designed for ease of operations, and its unique business model, rents-out the packaging to regulator approved customers. As part of renting the cask, NAC often trains individuals from the renting company to perform the package loading and unloading, including containment vessel (CCV) inerting, and the pre-shipment leak testing. Understanding the importance of benchmarking course contents, as well as best practices, the DOE PCP and NAC international agreed on a joint effort to compare their two courses. Note: As the effort is ongoing, this paper provides only preliminary results of the comparison. (authors)