Definitions cont'd - hdbk11290120

DOE-HDBK-1129-99

retain suspended or dissolved radioactive material by absorption, ion exchange, or physical

entrainment. Unless used specifically for radionuclide disposal, areas such as drain fields and

natural ground surfaces or stream beds that may become contaminated as a result of incidental

exposure are not soil columns. (Draft 10 CFR 834)

Source material (1) uranium, thorium, or any other material which is determined by the

commission pursuant to the provisions of section 61 (42 USC 2091) to be source material; or (2)

ores containing one or more of the foregoing materials in such concentration as the Commission

may by regulation determine from time to time. (Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 USC 2011)

Special nuclear material (1) plutonium, uranium enriched in the isotope 233 or in the isotope

235, and any other material which the Commission, pursuant to the provisions of section 51 (42

USC 2017) determines to be special nuclear material, but does not include source material; or

(2) any material artificially enriched by any of the foregoing, but does not include source

material. (Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 USC 2011)

Stochastic effects Biological effects, the probability, rather than the severity, of which is a

function of the magnitude of the radiation dose without threshold; i.e., stochastic effects are

random in nature. Nonstochastic effects are biological effects, the severity of which, in affected

individuals, varies with the magnitude of the dose above a threshold value. (DOE 5400.5)

Storage Retrievable retention of waste pending disposal. (DOE 5820.2A)

Technical safety requirements (TSRs) Those requirements that define the conditions, safe

boundaries, and the management or administrative controls necessary to ensure the safe

operation of a nuclear facility and to reduce the potential risk to the public and facility workers

from uncontrolled releases of radioactive materials or from radiation exposures due to

inadvertent criticality. A TSR consists of safety limits, operating limits, surveillance

requirements, administrative controls, use and application instructions, and the basis thereof.

TSRs were formerly known as Operational Safety Requirements for nonreactor nuclear facilities

and Technical Specifications for reactor facilities.

Tertiary containment The third barrier to an uncontrolled release of hazardous or radioactive

materials to the environment and/or other areas in the facility. The barrier may/may not serve

for containment of the radioactive material. (U.S. DOE Tritium Focus Group)

Treatment Any method, technique, or process designed to change the physical or chemical

character of waste to render it less hazardous, safer to transport, store or dispose of, or reduced

in volume. (DOE 5820.2A)

Waste container A receptacle for waste, including any liner or shielding material that is

intended to accompany the waste in disposal. (DOE 5820.2A)

Waste package The waste, waste container, and any absorbent that are intended for disposal

as a unit. In the case of surface contaminated, damaged, leaking, or breached waste packages,

any overpack shall be considered the waste container, and the original container shall be

considered part of the waste. (DOE 5820.2A)

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