Storage of Waste Drums

DOE-HDBK-3010-94

Appendix B; H-21 TRU Waste Facility

4.2.2 S torage of W aste D ru m s

The TWF has a total storage of 90 cubic yards of TRU-waste. Rejected drums awaiting

return are included in the allowed inventory, although they are not stacked and therefore the

number staged is limited. The maximum permitted dose rate of a single drum is 200 mrem

per hour, although normally observed dose rates are far below the limit. Drum storage

cannot exceed 4 layers and a lateral spacing cannot be less than 18 inches between drums.

All banding and palletting of drums is performed at floor level. Drums are placed on pallets,

where they are coated with fire retardant and separated by sheets of plywood. Banding is

required on the fourth tier of drums. Main egress routes between stacks are at least 44

inches greater than the width of the widest load.

4.2.3 R ad iation M on itorin g

Contamination surveys are performed at each shift change (every 8 hours) using swipes and

an alpha particle instrument. Smears are taken form the walking area, routinely used

equipment, miscellaneous drums, and pallets. Smear readings above 20 dpm require

decontamination. A weekly radiation exposure survey monitors gamma and neutron radiation

activity. Instruments are used to survey gamma and neutron activity near the outside of the

drums. All waste drums to be shipped receive a final survey.

4.2.4 S h ip p in g

TRU-Waste drums are shipped out of the H-21 facility via truck trailer to the onsite storage

location. Truck trailers are inspected and surveyed prior to backing up to the H-21 loading

dock. Once in place, the trailer wheels are chocked, and a visual inspection is conducted to

verify that the trailer is in place and secure.

TRU-Waste drums are loaded onto the trailer one at a time using an electric forklift equipped

with a barrel hugger. Cardboard is placed between barrel tiers when more than one layer of

drums is configured on the trailer. Drum are placed so as to ensure proper weight

distribution over the trailer axles. Each tier of drums is then banded.

After loading, trailers are surveyed for gamma and neutron radiation. The loading document

is reviewed for accuracy, and if no discrepancies are found the paperwork is signed. The

loaded trailer then receives a final inspection. The trailer is closed and sealed, the chocks

are removed, and the truck pulls away from the H-21 loading dock.

Page B-107