Confinement Devices - Continued - STD-1128-98master0321

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

Hood design and filtration systems should comply with the criteria established in

ERDA 76-21, Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook (ERDA, 1976); Industrial

Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practice by the American Conference of

Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 1988); and ORNL-NSIC-65, Design,

Construction, and Testing of High Efficiency Air Filtration Systems for Nuclear

Applications (ORNL, 1970).

The hood structure should have a smooth, corrosion-resistant inner surface that is

made of or coated with easily cleaned material.

Glove boxes, conveyors, and other enclosures should be designed to control and

minimize the release of radioactive materials during normal operations and

postulated accidents. Noncombustible or fire- and corrosion-resistant materials

should be used in the construction of the confinement system, including any

shielding employed. Fixed modular construction should be employed wherever

possible, using a standardized attachment system that will permit replacement or

relocation of the contents within the glove-box system with a minimum spread of

contamination. Fire dampers should be provided between glove boxes to limit the

spread of fire. Fire dampers should be tested frequently to assure proper operation

when needed.

The process design should minimize required hands-on operation in glove boxes

and other primary confinement units.

The glove-box design should include sufficient work space to permit removal of

materials and easy personnel access to all normal work areas, and it should provide

for the collection, packaging, storage, and/or disposal of waste generated by the

operation of the glove box.

Consideration should be given to incorporating transfer systems such as a double-

door sealed transfer system for removal of plutonium from a glove box. Types of

removal and transfer systems are given in IAEA Safety Series No. 30 (IAEA,

1981). These types of removal systems are designed to permit entry and removal

of material without breaching the integrity of the glove box.

Automatic glove-hanging systems are available and should be considered in the

design or modification of glove box systems.

The ease of visibility for activities, accessibility of necessary in-box controls, and

ease of cleanup and waste removal should be considered in the design of glove

boxes. Glove boxes should be designed and constructed to reduce points of

material accumulation.

Equipment should be designed to preclude sharp corners, barbs or pointed parts,

and pinching points that could puncture glove box gloves or skin. All corners

should be rounded and burrs removed

Ergonomics should be considered in designing the height of glove-box ports and

access to inner surfaces and equipment.

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