Release Detection and Mitigation

Instrumentation (Arthur D. Little, Inc., and Levine, 1986.) Instrument systems are an essential part of the safe design and operation of systems for storing and handling highly toxic hazardous materials. They are key elements of systems to eliminate the threat of conditions that could result in loss of containment. They are also used for early detection of releases so that mitigating ac tion can be taken before these releases result in serious effects on people in the plant or in the public sector, or on the environment. 

Establish a schedule to check areas to detect releases and ensure that any releases are being mitigated... 

Level of protection 4 (LP-4) is a high-level active protection that can detect and identify a threat agent in time to mitigate the release. LP-4 can detect a threat early enough to make operational responses that prevent exposure, such as redirecting ventilation or donning personal protective equipment. 

The automation of the FDTAS is of a classic and cost effective type that mostly uses commercial hardware and support from manufacturers to create sophisticated custom radiation detection apparatus. QC capabilities are built-in to validate the results. Nearly real-time reporting allows operational authorities a cushion of time to end a major tritium release and mitigate its effects. 

As examples of engineering and administrative controls, the PSM Rule lists "appropriate application of detection methodologies to provide early warning of releases." For systems handling toxic materials, detection methodologies are generally mitigation systems that reduce the severity of consequences after an accident occurs. 

Accident Mitigation 28 Detection of leaks/ruptures 29 Emergency shutdown switch locations 30 Accessibility of isolation valves 31 Potential for fire/explosion in unit affecting other equipment 32 Critical controls, mitigation, communication, and fire protection sy stems functional and accessible after initial explosion or release 33 Back-up power supply/redundant feeds for critical electrical systems 34 Water supply for fire fighting 35 Routing of utilities... 

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