The enriched uranium also requires that significant security measures be taken to safeguard such material against theft or sabotage. An incident of this type has never occurred in the United States, although in 1991 a potential criticality accident was averted at the fuel fabrication facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. The incident began when liquid waste material was inadvertently transferred to a tank which, because of its configuration, type, and the amount of uranium it contained, led to the potential for a criticality accident. The former owner, General Electric, took steps to ensure the incident should not recur. Fuel fabrication facilities also have extensive security procedures to guard against the loss, theft, and diversion of enriched uranium.
Fires can pose significant hazards at conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication facilities.
NRC has regulations in place to protect against these safety hazards and security concerns. Regular inspections at fuel fabrication facilities enforce these regulations, ensuring safe operation. The licensing process begins with rigorous evaluation and safety checks, to ensure the facilities will be built and operated to NRC's strict regulations, designed to ensure protection of the public and the environment. Other agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Federal and State environmental protection agencies, also have key oversight roles at these facilities. Approximately 8 to 10 times per year NRC inspections are conducted at each fuel facility, from one of NRC's four regional offices or from its headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.