Supplemental Surveillance Program

A significant amount of new data became available in 2003 when capsules from the BWR Supplemental Surveillance Program (SSP) were tested. Because low-flux BWR shift data were significantly under-predicted by the existing shift models, additional refinement of the NRC model was performed. Furthermore, the Eason database was updated for new PWR capsule test data (about 140 shifts) and then used to derive the embrittlement correlation known as EONY (after the developers Eason, Odette, Nanstad and Yamamoto) (Eason et al., 2007) which was codified in the Alternative PTS Rule, 10 CFR 50.61a (10 CFR, 2010). 

It is difficult in the laboratory to monitor the exposure levels as recommended above, but monitoring should be performed wherever possible. Even partial data or data taken under nonstandard conditions are better than none at aU. As a supplement to a monitoring and exposure limitation program, those individuals who actively use solvents as a routine part of their job a significant portion of their time should participate in a medical surveillance program. Individuals should receive a pre-employment examination, which should include a prior work history and medical history. The examination should emphasize the nervous, cardiovascular respiratory, and reproductive systems as well as the hver, kidneys, blood, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and skin. A comprehensive blood panel should be run as well as a complete blood count and a urinary test. 

In-Plant Surveillance. A good medical surveillance program will include preemployment examinations of all employees and periodic checkups. Those whose duties are most likely to expose them to mercury should be tested at least annually. Medical surveillance should be supplemented by analyses of plant products, emissions, and effluents and by an environmental monitoring program. Employee monitoring may be on a personal basis or by way of atmospheric measurements. 

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