Tritium Unpackaging, Handling, and Packaging Areas, Quantity Limits

DOE-HDBK-1129-99

3.4.2 Tritium Receiving Area, Shipping Area, Quantity Limits

There are no limits (other than local administrative limits) on the inventory of approved containers

that can be stored in a properly marked shipping area, receiving area, shipping storage area, and

receiving storage area. There are, however, site-wide limits that may be imposed in the EIS that

could restrict the total inventory quantities.

These areas must be inside an area posted as a "Controlled Area." The controlled area encloses

an area posted as a Radioactive Materials Area (RMA). The Controlled Area and the Radioactive

Materials Area can be the same area. The RMA must be periodically surveyed and appropriately

marked to indicate the nuclear hazard associated with the area. These areas may have more than

one incoming or outgoing certified package containing Type A or B packages waiting for transport.

3.5 Tritium Unpackaging, Handling, and Packaging Areas, Quantity Limits

The tritium is removed from the specification package/certified package in unpackaging, handling

and packaging areas, and, as such, these areas should be designated as radiological areas or

Hazard Category II or III nuclear facilities, depending upon the quantity of tritium in the inventory.

3.6 Tritium Waste Collection and Waste Packaging Area, Quantity Limits

The waste collection/packaging area will have, in process, the collection and packaging of low-

level waste. The waste collection/packaging area should be designated as a radiological facility or

nuclear facility as defined by the quantity of tritium.

3.7 Tritium Focus Group (TFG)

The TFG is comprised of both DOE federal and contractor personnel associated with tritium

operations. It was formed in 1991 in response to the Secretary of Energy's Task Force on tritium

operations, and has expanded in scope and stature since that time. Its charter is contained in

Appendix F. The TFG maintains a Web site (www.er.doe.gov/production/er-80/tfg), which is a

comprehensive vehicle containing information on current tritium issues.

4.0 FACILITY DESIGN

DOE tritium facilities, as a subset of DOE nonreactor nuclear facilities, must conform to the design

requirements contained in DOE O 420.1, "Facility Safety." Implementation guidance of this Order

can be found in DOE G 420.1/B-0, and in two interim-use Guides, DOE G 420.1-X and DOE G

420.1-Y.

4.1 Tritium System Philosophy

Tritium-related construction projects in the past have been designed and managed by personnel

who are qualified to design standard industrial buildings and equipment but lack experience with

tritium operations. During the design and construction phase, limited use had been made of tritium

expertise, and, after building completion, the staff must adapt the facility for tritium operations. It is

more desirable to have tritium construction projects managed by a team that includes tritium