Recently, a contaminated waste container at ORNL TRU Waste showed signs of degradation and several UCOR teams came together to resolve the issue.
ORNL Nuclear Operations provided resources for operational task supervision, planning, radiological protection, and chemical operator support to aid the ORNL TRU Waste organization in responding promptly. Radiological protection and industrial hygiene programs quickly responded with subject matter experts on respiratory protection. The training organization provided specialty respiratory training for 14 workers so they would be prepared and ready to complete the task.
Clint Vought, ORNL Nuclear Operations Surveillance & Maintenance Operations Superintendent, was the Task Lead. He provided an extensive pre-job ensuring everyone involved understood the scope, their individual roles, and asked any questions prior to starting the job.
On Monday, workers suited up and donned self-contained breathing apparatus respirators to safely transfer the drum contents into a new waste container. The task was executed successfully and, most importantly, safely, exactly as planned.
“The success of this high hazard work evolution is a direct result of UCOR’s experts,” Waste Implementation Manager Mike Sensibaugh said. “When conditions change and new hazards are identified, our workforce steps up. The diverse experience across our UCOR work groups provides a world class teaming opportunity to provide a disciplined approach to safely, efficiently, and compliantly overcome.”
