Decommissioning of Weapons and Weapon Facilities

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

18 topics addressed in DOE Order 5480.19, Ch. 2 (DOE, 2001c) should be subject to both

internal self-assessment and external auditing to assure effective implementation of their

requirements. Any deficiencies identified should be documented and corrective actions

aggressively pursued and tracked to completion. The self-assessment and audit process

should include conducting trend analyses and root cause evaluations of deficiencies and

communication of results throughout the organization.

3.9.5 Decommissioning of Weapons and Weapon Facilities

Decommissioning of nuclear weapons and nuclear facilities is subject to the same conduct of

operations requirements as operating facilities. In general, some components, once they are

separated, can be downgraded in safety significance. Also, facilities undergoing

decommissioning will have fewer safety systems. During decommissioning, status control

and shift turnover are extremely important considerations and must be done in accordance

with DOE Order 5480.19, Ch. 2 (DOE, 2001c). Posting and labeling of radiological areas

are also an increasing challenge because of the rapidly changing radiological status. In

extreme cases, it may be desirable to have workers review or sign the RWP each day to

ensure they are aware of the status.

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