Kenneth Fletcher
WC Monitor
1/24/2014
Overall Oak Ridge TRU Waste Processing Facility contractor Wastren Advantage, Inc., has done a good job implementing fire protection programs at the facility, though some improvements could be made, according to a recently posted Department of Energy review. As part of an assessment of fire protection programs (FPP) at nuclear facilities across the complex, DOE’s Office of Health, Safety and Security conducted the review last July regarding WAI’s implementation of the programs and oversight by DOE Oak Ridge. “Overall, the WAI TWPC FPP processes reviewed are well-defined and implemented. Facility personnel responsible for the implementation of the FPP, including the [Fire Protection Engineer] and the Operations Manager, understand the program requirements and were observed to be effective in their roles. The facility risks associated with fire are well defined, and appropriate controls have been identified,” states the review, dated Dec. 30.
However, the review did include three findings that “warrant a high level of attention.” First, TWPC’s Pre-Fire Plan Procedure does not include locations of “fire walls, fire alarm panels, fire detection systems, and locations of flammable liquid storage cabinets,” the review states. Second, in the water distribution system description there are “inherent design deficiencies, and errors and inconsis-tencies in system drawings that indicate failures in management of configuration control.” And third, “various attributes of the TWPC [Fire Suppression System] engineered design features are deficient with respect to conformance to contract requirements.”
The review also suggested 12 opportunities for improvement. For example, “The facility has been proactive in reducing the risk associated with certain ignition controls, including designating smoking areas and mandating standoff distances for combustibles and limitations for flammable compressed gas. However, implementation of the combustible control program currently managed through housekeeping practices would benefit from improved formality. Additionally some specific issues related to ignitions source controls during refueling operations need to be addressed in procedures.” In a statement this week, TWPC General Manager Bob McKay said, “TWPC appreciates the DOE HSS review of our Fire Protection program and agrees that we have an adequate, appropriately maintained program. TWPC works diligently to achieve continuous improvement and will use the results of the review as an opportunity to make our program better.”
