Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 8e45dce1-e1e7-4415-b1dd-7e2a610e545b
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Fire Protection for Nuclear Power Plants (Rev. 4)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2023/ML20231A835.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.189
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
to be used immediately. d. The use of plastic materials should be minimized. Halogenated plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride and neoprene, should be used only when substitute noncombustible materials are not available. All plastic materials, including flame and fire-retardant materials, will burn with an intensity and British thermal unit (Btu) production in a range similar to that of ordinary hydrocarbons. When burning, they produce heavy smoke that obscures visibility and can plug air filters, especially charcoal and HEPA filters. Halogenated plastics also release free chlorine and hydrogen chloride when burning, which are toxic to humans and corrosive to equipment. NFPA 701, “Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films” (Ref. 57), provides guidance on fire tests for flame-resistant plastic films (e.g., plastic sheeting, tarpaulins). e. Use of combustible material such as HEPA and charcoal filters, dry ion exchange resins, or other combustible supplies in areas important to safety should be controlled. Such materials should be allowed into areas important to safety only when they are to be used immediately. f. Equipment or supplies (such as new fuel) shipped in untreated combustible packing containers may be unpacked in areas containing equipment or systems important to safety, if required for valid operating reasons. However, all combustible materials should be removed from the area immediately following unpacking. Such transient combustible material, unless stored in approved containers, should not be left unattended. Loose combustible packing material, such as wood or DG-1359, Page 41 paper excelsior or polyethylene sheeting, should be placed in metal containers with tight-fitting, self-closing metal covers. g. Materials that collect and contain radioactivity, such as spent ion exchange resins, charcoal filters, and HEPA filters, should be stored in closed metal tanks or containers that are located in areas free from ignition