LANSCE Division

Hazard Control Plan Cover Sheet

+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
| **Handling of Special |                             |               |
| ^99^Tc Samples at WNR |                             |               |
| 4FP30R**              |                             |               |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
| ###                   |                             |               |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
| ### LANSCE-3 HCP-17   | Revision: 0                 | Date:11/21/00 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
| Location of Work:     |                             | Group:        |
|                       |                             |               |
| TA-53/ WNR            |                             | LANSCE-3      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
| **Authors:**          | ### Signature               | **Date**      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
|                       |                             |               |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+
| Robert                |                             | 11/21/00      |
| Haight/H855/7-2829    |                             |               |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+---------------+

+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| # Initi               |                             |                |
| al Risk Level: Medium |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| # REVIEW/APPROVAL     |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| **Concurrence**       |                             |                |
| **by:**               |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| Bruce Takala          |                             |                |
| (LANSCE-3)            |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| Mike Duran (ESH-1)    |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| Floyd Gallegos        |                             |                |
| (LANSCE-6)            |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+

+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| **Residual Risk       |                             |                |
| Level: low**          |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| **Approved by:**      | ### Signature               | **Date**       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| Steve Wender (L-3 GL) |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
|                       |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+
| **Next Authorization  |                             |                |
| Review Date:**        |                             |                |
| **11/21/2001**        |                             |                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------------+----------------+

#### Handling of Special ^99^Tc Samples at WNR 4FP30R:

**Work definition:**

This Hazard Control Plan (HCP) outlines hazards and safe procedures for
handling of special samples of ^99^Tc to be used on WNR Flight Path 30
Right (4FP30R) TA-53, MPF-29, Room 101. The work involves mounting and
dismounting and extended use of encapsulated ^99^Tc samples with thin
aluminum windows. These samples will be irradiated in the WNR neutron
beam for nuclear physics experiments. Other measurements may also be
made on the samples such as gamma-ray attenuation measurements. All of
this work is to be conducted under the LANSCE/FMU61 Facility Safety
Plan.

**Potential hazards:**

##### ^99^Tc Release

\(A\) Unmonitored release and subsequent contamination of personnel and
equipment with ^99^Tc is a concern during shipping and storage of these
samples. This could occur due to the unexpected failure of the
encapsulation seals, or damage to the Al windows.

\(B\) Release of ^99^Tc during use in the experiment and subsequent
contamination of personnel and equipment due to encapsulation damage
from mechanical shock or unexpected failure of the seals.

The primary concern with a ^99^Tc sample is a breach of the containment
causing exposure of personnel to ^99^Tc, a radiotoxin. The ingestion or
inhalation of ^99^Tc are the prime dangers. Although these samples are
metal powder, ^99^Tc readily oxidizes on exposure to air, and the oxide
tends to separate from the metal and can easily spread.

**Initial Risk:**

The initial risk posed by the quantities of the encapsulated metallic
^99^Tc in powder form in these samples as a radiological poison is
estimated as "**medium**".

**Operational requirements:**

**LPR402-719.0** and **LPR402-719.01.1** (*Radiation
Protection*/*Workplace Monitoring*), **LIR402-702-0** and
**LIR402-702-01.1** (*Radiation Protection/ALARA)* **LIR402-713-0** and
**LIR402-713-01.1** (*Radiation Protection/Radiation Hazard
Communication)* and **LPR402-717.0** (*Radiation Protection/Storage and
Labeling*) apply to the operations described here and have been used as
guidance in developing this HCP.

**Controls:**

[Engineering controls]{.underline}: The encapsulations of these samples,
designed to prevent the release and spread of the ^99^Tc material, are
the primary controls that reduce the hazard of working with them. The
thin Al windows of the encapsulations that are necessary for the success
of the planned experiments are the most sensitive part of the
encapsulation (see the sample description below).

[Sample Handling and Monitoring:]{.underline}

To minimize the chance for exposure to ^99^Tc in the event of a failure
of the sample encapsulation, and to minimize the chance of an
encapsulation breach, the following procedures must be followed:

**[Experiment procedures:]{.underline}**

(A-1) After transportation or storage exceeding 1 month, the sealed
containers holding the samples will be opened only under ESH-1
supervision with the container inside a sealed glovebag and using an
beta particle detector to determine if the sample is leaking. The
glovebag is intended to prevent the spread of contamination should a
leak have occurred. A log of transportation and storage times will be
kept with the samples.

(A-2) During the regular workweek and on weekends and holidays as
practicable, the samples will be visually inspected once per day for any
changes while in use. A log of inspections will be kept with the
samples.

(A-3) A plastic bag will be used to cover and protect the samples and to
substantially reduce the possibility of dispersing the small surface
contamination of the samples.

(A-4) When not in use in an experiment (with or without beam) the
sample, with the plastic bag in place, will be returned to its container
and returned to a LANSCE-3 locked file or cabinet posted for storage of
radioactive materials. Currently this storage includes the radioactive
materials storage cabinet in the "sun room" of MPF-7 and the safe in
MPF-37.

(A-5) The sample will not be exposed to other than usual atmospheric
pressure and ambient temperatures.

(A-6) The sample will be mounted on a rigid holder that is securely
fastened so that the sample cannot fall while in the target position.

(A-7) A net or other appropriate material will be installed below the
sample mounting position to catch the sample if it should be dropped
inadvertently during mounting.

(A-8) No work that might damage the sample will be performed while the
sample is in place. Routine maintenance on the LN2 system does not
ordinarily pose a threat to the sample.

(A-9) A continuous air monitor (CAM) will be used when the sample is at
the experimental station, 30-Degrees Right flight path, at WNR, MPF-29.
The CAM alarm will be wired to CCR. If there is any release of
radioactivity, the CAM will be an indicator of the problem.

[Dosimetry Requirements:]{.underline}

All authorized users must wear a TLD badge when using these samples.

[Protective clothing requirements:]{.underline}

Gloves must be worn when handling the sample. If no contamination is
suspected, gloves should be disposed of in the special green waste
container, the contents of which will be monitored for radioactivity
before final disposal. If contamination is anticipated, consult with
ESH-1 and the LANSCE Waste Coordinator for disposal as radioactive
waste.

[Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:]{.underline}

Only designated personnel, listed in Appendix A, will be allowed to
mount, dismount or handle the samples. Radworker II training is required
to handle the samples. The designated personnel must have read and must
follow the procedures in this HCP.

[Posting:]{.underline}

A copy of this HCP will be posted at the entrances to Room 101 of MPF-29
and at the WNR 4FP30R cave entrance while the samples are in use. A copy
will be supplied to CCR. ESH-1 and LANSCE-FM may determine other
locations where the HCP should be posted. When in use, a sign must be
posted on the door to Room 101 of MPF-29 and at the WNR 4FP30R cave
entrance indicating the presence of ^99^Tc samples. This sign is to help
remind workers and visitors to the area to heed alarms.

**EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:**

[Breach of Containment:]{.underline}

If the ^99^Tc sample is dropped or otherwise mechanically shocked, or
there is reason to suspect that the sample is leaking, all personnel
should leave the building immediately and ESH-1 (667-7069) should be
called to monitor the sample.

\(1\) If there is a suspected breach of the containment due to an
accident or other unusual occurrence, the CCR operator (7-5729) should
be informed and asked to follow this emergency procedure. Personnel in
the room at the time of any such occurrence should evacuate the room
immediately. If possible, the ventilation system should be shut off by
the switch at the unit outside MPF-29.

\(2\) A CCR operator will call ESH-1 personnel and inform them that
there is a CAM alarm in MPF-29. CCR will then call one of the following
people and notify them of the situation.

Office Home Pager

Bob Haight 667-2929, 983-8876, 104-2829 (digital)

Matt Devlin 665-0421, 663-1042, 104-5776 (digital)

Steve Wender 667-1344, 983-3634, 104-2185 (voice)

Bruce Takala 665-2029, 662-6974, 104-8827 (digital)

\(3\) When ESH-1 personnel arrive, all evacuated personnel will be
monitored for contamination, and released if no contamination is found,
but must not reenter MPF-29 until allowed by ESH-1.

\(4\) If no contamination is found on personnel, then ESH-1 will enter
MPF-29 wearing protective clothing and survey for contamination.

\(5\) If no contamination is found outside the experimental cave, then
authorized personnel (Appendix A) will close the shutter if necessary
and allow ESH-1 to monitor the experimental cave for contamination.

\(6\) If no contamination is found in the cave, then authorized
personnel (Appendix A) will remove the sample for examination. If no
contamination is found and the CAM is working properly, then normal
operations may be resumed.

\(7\) If contamination is found, then ESH-1 will post barricades and
signs prohibiting entrance to the affected area except under ESH-1
supervision. Only ESH-1 will remove the signs and barricades.

\(8\) If contamination is found, the CCR operator will be notified and
the operator will inform the LANSCE facility manager and safety officer
and call the responsible WNR staff member.

\(9\) After safe procedures have been determined and approved by the
LANSCE facility safety officer and ESH-1, experiment personnel will
secure the sample and clean up all contamination. ESH-1 will monitor and
support this cleanup operation.

\(10\) The WNR Area Manager in consultation with ESH-1 will determine
when normal operations may be resumed.

[Fire and Evacuation While]{.underline} ^99^[Tc Sample Is in
Use:]{.underline}

\(1\) Do not attempt to remove sample from the experiment.

\(2\) If sample was being moved, evacuate building with sample and
notify the designated staff member (Bob Haight 667-2829, 104-6842) and
the CCR operator (7-5729). ESH-1 or the designated staff member will
assist in obtaining safe storage until the sample can be returned to its
designated storage location.

\(3\) The evacuation will proceed according to the TA-53 Emergency
Procedures.

\(4\) Personnel at the site should remain and inform arriving firemen of
the location of the ^99^Tc sample if it is still in the building.

**Wastes:**

The only waste generated by using these samples is in the swipes; the
samples have been found to swipe at the level of 600 dpm beta activity.
The swipes will be disposed as radioactive waste. If the samples are no
longer needed, transfer or disposal must be arranged according to
laboratory procedures.

**Residual Risk:**

The residual risk of using these samples with implementation of the
above engineering and administrative controls is estimated as "**low**".

**Change Control Process:**

This document must be reviewed at least annually. The latest version
will be available on the LANSCE-3 web site, in the LANSCE-3 group
office, and a copy will be in MPF-29.

**Description of the Samples:**

The samples covered by this HCP consist of thin samples of ^99^Tc metal
powder. The two samples that will be used contain respectively 80.18 g
(1.35 Ci) and 50.86 g (0.86 Ci) of ^99^Tc, which is well below the
Category 3 level of 100,000g as specified in DOE-STD-1027-92. Schematic
drawings of the encapsulations are shown in the Appendices. These
samples were obtained from the Institute for Reference Materials and
Measurements in Geel, Belgium, where they were used in neutron physics
experiments at the GELINA linear accelerator. In addition to the samples
containing ^99^Tc, dummy samples of the same configuration will also be
used. They consist of the aluminum housing and look very much like the
^99^Tc samples, but they are empty. They are labeled "dummy".

**Storage and security:**

The samples may be stored in LANSCE-3 areas controlled and posted for
the storage of radioactive materials. Only one sample will be left
unattended in the experiment at any given time.

**Properties of ^99^Tc**: ^99^Tc is principally a beta emitter. There is
a very weak gamma-ray branch (\~0.001%) at 89.7 keV. The half-life of
^99^Tc is 213,000 years. There are no MSDS sheets on technetium,
probably because there is no stable isotope of this element. The
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics says, "Technetium is a silvery-gray
metal that tarnishes slowly in moist air. The chemistry is said to be
similar to that of rhenium." The MSDS on rhenium contains the
information that "dust/air mixtures may ignite or explode". Therefore,
we consider, in the worst case, that exposure of the ^99^Tc powder to
air might present a small fire hazard. The hazard is small due to the
small amount of material.

**Responsible Individuals:**

The handling and visual inspection of these ^99^Tc samples are the
responsibilities of authorized personnel from LANSCE-3 who sign this
HCP. The LANSCE-3 Group Office is located at TA-53, MPF-1, Room C138,
telephone number (505) 667-5377

The designated staff member (Haight) is responsible for safe operation
of WNR Flight Path 30R and maintenance of this HCP. The staff member
will be the primary contact for users of the flight path and safety
personnel. Additional personnel from LANSCE-3 and collaborators, as
listed in Appendix A, also will be responsible for handling of these
samples. ALL users of Flight Path 30R, as well as visitors, are
responsible for following the applicable procedures outlined in this
HCP. . Group Management and other personnel are listed in Appendix B.

**Attachment**

**APPENDIX A**

**Authorized Sample Handlers**

When the following have read, understood, and signed this HCP, they are
authorized to handle the samples in accordance with the procedures
stated here.

Bob Haight (LANL, LANSCE-3) 667-2829, 983-8876, 104-6842 (digital)

Luca Zanini (LANL, LANSCE-3) 665-3019, 661-8876, 104-5328 (digital)

Matt Devlin (LANL, LANSCE-3) 665-0421, 663-1094, 104-5776 (digital)

Gregg Chaparro (LANL, LANSCE-3) 665-2861, 104-8734/104-3023 (digital)

Lloyd Hunt (LANL, LANSCE-3) 665-6300, 104-8738 (digital)

Art Bridge (LANL, LANSCE-3) 665-4124, 104-2469 (digital)

And others on the attached list who have completed the required training
and signed the list.

**APPENDIX B**

A list of associated personnel is given below:

*LANSCE-3 Group Leader:*

Steve Wender 667-1344, pager 104-2185, home 983-3634

*LANSCE-3 WNR Area Manager:*

Bruce Takala 665-2029, pager 104-8827

*Staff members:*

Bob Haight (LANSCE-3)667-2829, pager 104-6842, home 983-8876

Matt Devlin (LANSCE-3)665-0421, pager 104-5776, home 663-1094

*Postdoctoral staff member:*

Luca Zanini(LANSCE-3)665-3019, pager 104-5328, home 661-8876

*Technician:*

Gregg Chaparro (LANSCE-3) 665-2861, pager 104-3023

Lloyd Hunt (LANSCE-3) 665-6300, pager 104-8738

*LANSCE-3 Nuclear Materials Custodian:*

Art Bridge 665-4124, pager 104-2469

![](media/image1.wmf){width="5.997222222222222in"
height="6.218055555555556in"}

By signing below Sample Handlers certify that they have read and
understood this HCP and meet the training and clearance requirements
specified:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Bob Haight (LANSCE-3) Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Luca Zanini (LANSCE-3) Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Matt Devlin (LANSCE-3) Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Gregg Chaparro (LANSCE-3) Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Lloyd Hunt (LANSCE-3) Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Art Bridge (LANSCE-3) Date