Fire in a Contaminated Cutting Facility (continued)

Radiological Control Training for Supervisors

DOE-HDBK-1143-2001

Handouts

Fire in a Contaminated Cutting Facility (continued)

The supervisor of the area was tasked by management to "...bring the facility into

full compliance with the fire protection program and procedures before resuming

torch cutting operations."

All loose combustible materials in the facility were removed and all fixed

combustible materials were protected.

Two days after resumption of torch cutting operations, a passing technician

noticed a fire in some bags of trash stored outside the facility metal wall. He

found the nearest fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

Follow-up investigation found that the seam where the metal wall met the floor

had been separated by visible damage allowing the passage of sparks outside

the wall. Further inspection of the area found numerous instances of

combustible materials stored within the forty foot limit.

None of the workers in the facility during the two occurrences were aware of the

procedural requirements specific to that facility.

Handouts 5