Uranium Processing and Handling Facilities

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

Cautionary systems (e.g., visible or audible alarms or other warning systems) or

interlocks should be considered to prevent inadvertent entry into hazardous

areas. Safety alarm systems should annunciate inside and outside the UEUSF

to identify hazardous areas to anyone present in either area. The need for visual

alarm devices within the facility, in addition to audible alarm devices, should be

considered.

Storage racks should be noncombustible and designed to hold storage

containers securely in place, ensure proper separation of storage containers,

and maintain structural integrity under normal operations, anticipated operational

occurrences, and accident conditions.

Door locations should be coordinated with aisles to facilitate access to stored

material, for loading and unloading of material, for use of fire fighting equipment,

and for compliance with NFC NFPA 101.

Airborne radioactive wastes associated with UEUSFs that should be considered

during the design include but are not limited to the airborne releases associated

with the venting of storage containers. Cladding or canning failure during dry

storage is also a source of such wastes.

URANIUM PROCESSING AND HANDLING FACILITIES.

2.4

2.4.1

Introduction . A UPHF is a facility that receives feed material from sources such

as a conversion facility, a reprocessing facility, or fuel/target storage material. A

UPHF processes, handles, and produces products such as UO 2, UF6, uranium

metal, reactor fuel assemblies, target assemblies, and nuclear weapons

components.

This section is not process-specific. It is applicable to facilities that handle and

process uranium; however, it is principally directed at facilities that process and

235

handle uranium enriched in

I-63