Operators’ inspections load safety

AS of this writing, 100% inspection by NAA of small arms primers in an actual production loading plant has not been implemented, nor is it contemplated in the near future. Technical problems exist related to coupling the present state-of-the-art nuclear components with the high production rates for the primers, namely, tens of units per sec per automatic loading line. The high intensity of the neutron source and the complexity of the detection system required detracts from the utility of the method in a plant environment where simplicity and safety of operation are of paramount importance. Nevertheless, the technical feasibility of the method has been demonstrated by the AMMRC study and future developments in nuclear activation hardware may ultimately make this non-destructive inspection for production primers more viable... 

Falling loads pose an extreme hazard to operators and nearby workers. Never exceed the load size and weight capacity of the crane. If you re unsure about your crane s capacity for size and weight, calculate the weight to ensure it meets the safety parameters. Load-indicating devices (called load moment devices) can prevent an accidental overload. Be sure to properly secure the loads to be lifted. Before the work begins, inspect the slings, chains, and hooks that will be used to lift and secure the load. 

Equipment that has had modifications or additions which affect the safe operation of the equipment (such as modifications or additions invoiving a safety device or operationai aid, criticai part of a controi system, power piant, braking system, ioad-sustaining structural components, load hook, or in-use operating mechanism) or capacity must be inspected by a quaiified person after such modifications/ additions have been completed, prior to initial use. The inspection must meet all of the following requirements ... 

Attempts to alter the GT-MHR fuel cycle to produce plutonium with an isotopic content suitable for weapons material would be difficult and readily detectible. This would require frequent refuelling and use of fuel loadings that differ substantially from normal fuel loadings, with corresponding differences in neutronic properties. The safety and operational requirements of the GT-MHR will require strict compliance with requirements for fuel handling and placement in the core to insure core power and temperature distributions are within the limiting conditions assumed in the safety analysis. The fuel accountability and inspection requirements would preclude the major alterations in the fuel cycle required to produce the desired plutonium isotopic content, and would preclude diversion of spent fuel for clandestine reprocessing. 

Part 393 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifies the required position, color, type of lamps, and reflectors for commercial motor fleet vehicles. All lamps and reflectors for commercial motor vehicles manufactured after March 7, 1989, must meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 (49 CFR 571.108) in effect on the date of manuficture. Certain trailers manufactured after December 1, 1993, must have retroreflective sheeting or additional reflex reflectors to make them more visible to other motorists imder conditions of reduced visibility. Lamps must light on inspection and when required during regular operation of the vehicle. Permanently secured lamps are required at all times except when temporary lamps are in use. Some examples are a drive-away or tow-away operation or the mounting on projection loads (temporary lamps must be securely attached). When service brakes are applied, all stop lamps on commercial vehicles must be activated. 

The commissioning of a nuclear power station differs from that of a conventional plant more in a matter of degree than in principle. It is accepted that once substantial power has been achieved, entry to the core area is impossible within economic time scales, although the rest of the reactor, i.e. boilers and gas circulators, is accessible for inspection. However, the high capital cost of the plant puts a premium on trouble-free operation and the development of maximum attainable load in the minimum possible time. Safety aspects to be considered in order of occurrence are electrical, mechanical and radiological. 

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