TA-8 More Details

March 1998 4 0 TA and Facilities Descriptions 4.6.2.1 Facility Hazard Categories Table 4-4 identifies the facilities in TA-8 that fall into a facility hazard category because of the type of operations performed in the facility. 4.6.2.1.1 Nuclear Facility Hazard Categories The Radiographic Testing Facility (consisting of Buildings 22, 23, 24, and 70; Figure 4-6, Sheet 1) is categorized as a Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility because these buildings occasionally house nuclear materials in sufficient quantities to qualify it as a Category 2 nuclear facilities. Based on safety analyses, the necessary controls are in place when nuclear materials are being handled. For all other operations, these buildings are considered non-nuclear. The facility has transient radiological hazards presented by high-energy x-ray generators, a 60Co source, and a portable linear accelerator. The facility offers nondestructive radiography as a Laboratory-wide service, which is used to inspect weapons components (mainly HE parts for high- and low-density inclusions, cracks and voids, improper assembly, uneven density, and various other flaws). The buildings’ protection systems include shielding, double containment for radioactive components, and interlocking radiation machines and doors to the radiation cells so that the cells are tightly closed before the machinery can be operated. When equipment is operating, warning signals and warning lights are activated. In addition, scram buttons are activated by unusual occurrences. Workers use dosimeters and portable gamma-measuring instruments to monitor radiation levels. Fences control access to exterior areas that may have elevated radiation levels during operations. Administrative safeguards include routine inspection and maintenance schedules, personnel training, required knowledge of relevant standard operating procedures, and safety training. 4.6.2.1.2 Non-Nuclear Facility Hazard Categories Five buildings (Buildings 1, 2, 3, 31, and 32; Figure 4-6, Sheet 1) are categorized L/ENS because of the presence of HE and high-voltage equipment. Buildings 1, 2, and 3 are nonoperational or abandoned, and all three are contaminated by HE. Buildings 31 and 32 are magazines. 4.6.2.2 Nonhazardous Facilities TA-8 encompasses 13 administrative, technical, laboratory, and physical support buildings and structures, which contain operations that are not considered to involve unusual hazards.   ©2004 lasg.org