Waste Classification Control - STD-1128-98master0235

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

Program design decisions can affect TRU waste-generation. For example, the

quantity of protective clothing may be a significant factor. If an incinerator is

available, combustible protective clothing may be selected to have a low ash

content and generate a minimum of harmful effluents such as oxides of nitrogen or

halogenated compounds. In other facilities, water-washable, reusable protective

clothing may minimize waste disposal.

In many nuclear facilities, contamination of packaging materials is a problem. For

example, if a tool or material (e.g., a pump or some ion exchange resin) is to be

used in a contaminated area, as much of the packaging material must be removed as

possible before the material enters the radiological area.

Another opportunity for waste minimization occurs when materials are used as a

contingency protection against contamination. For example, strippable coatings

may be applied to an area that is not expected to become contaminated or may

receive only minor contamination so that it can be easily cleaned. Another

example involves the disposition of disposable surgeons' gloves, which are

routinely worn inside glove-box gloves. Unless there are serious contamination

control problems in the facility, these can be surveyed and disposed of as sanitary

waste rather than LLW or TRU waste.

If a piece of equipment is to have more than a single use in a contaminated

environment, every possible measure should be taken to ensure its continued

reliability rather than relying on frequent replacements. Tools should be of the

highest quality and maximum flexibility consistent with the situation. For

example, if a wrench is needed to maintain a piece of equipment in a glove-box,

consideration should be given to future needs and storage provisions. A socket set

with interchangeable sockets may ultimately create less waste than a box-end

wrench of each size that is needed.

Likewise, all tools and equipment to be placed in a contaminated environment

should be tested for reliability and preferably used on a clean mock-up to ensure

their serviceability before they become contaminated. There is often a temptation

to put the equipment into the plutonium service when it first arrives rather than test

it completely first. This can result in unnecessary waste volume.

8.3.2.2 Waste Classification Control

Many operational controls involve measures to ensure that the waste generated is

TRU waste rather than mixed-TRU waste, or that if it is mixed-TRU, it is of a

composition that can be treated. Tight controls in the following areas are necessary

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