Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 05969442-49ea-4f4a-a9e2-de3a14628b5e
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Minimization of Contamination and Radioactive Waste Generation:  Life-Cycle Planning - HISTORY 07/2013 – Periodic Review of Revision 0 – No issues identified
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0805/ML080500187.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.21
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
ered by 10 CFR 20.1406 should strive to minimize leaks and spills, provide containment in areas where such events might occur, and provide for detection that supports timely assessment and appropriate response. This approach should be applied in a risk-informed and performance-based manner considering the nature of the hazard. Radiologically significant leaks and spills1 need to be addressed, and containment should be considered where practical and cost effective. Areas where licensed materials are used and stored should be designed to facilitate maintenance and operations (including cleanup). Radiological work should be restricted to a localized section of the facility in order to minimize the potential area requiring decontamination. 1.3 Prompt Detection of Leakage The facility should be designed such that any SSC that has the potential for leakage is provided with adequate leak detection capability to the extent practical. In addition to design considerations to control and, if possible, prevent radioactive system leakage, it is important during operations to be able to promptly detect leakage as close as possible to the leakage source to allow timely intervention and to prevent the potential for widespread contamination. Thus, monitoring and routine surveillance programs are an important part of minimizing potential contamination. This approach should include the placement of instruments to detect leakage at readily accessible locations and the use of operational practices that will enable early detection of contamination. Because leakage detection is only the first step in minimizing contamination, the applicant also should be prepared to provide a timely assessment and response based on the location and characteristics of the leak or spill. 1.4 Avoidance of the Release of Contamination from Undetected Leaks Past experience has shown that leaks of radioactive material from SSCs containing radiation can go undetected over long periods of time if these SSCs are