Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: edb75cf4-27e1-4166-989c-25781bd48b98
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Fire Protection Program for Nuclear Power Plants During Decommissioning and Permanent Shutdown (Rev. 1)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2007/ML20078K920.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.191
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
n the licensee’s approach to decommissioning. Reactors that have permanently ceased operations and have no fuel in the reactor vessel present a significantly reduced risk to public health and safety compared to operating reactors. The risk posed to the public by permanently shutdown nuclear plants is expected to be much reduced because of lower inventories of releasable radionuclides and lower energy densities available for the breach of barriers. Although the barriers to the release of radionuclides in the shutdown plants are less numerous DG-1370, Page 6 and less robust, the frequency of fire and combustible loading may actually increase as a result of plant and operational changes during decommissioning. Therefore, the required fire protection program will evolve commensurate with the changes to fire hazards. In general, the processes and activities associated with nuclear plant decommissioning can be dynamic, with plant conditions and configurations continuously changing. Decommissioning activities may increase fire hazards in the plant through mechanisms that include, but are not limited to, increased hot work (e.g., welding, cutting, grinding), increased combustible loading, erection of temporary structures to support decommissioning or dismantlement of the plant, and deactivation or abandonment of plant systems. In addition to the physical changes to the plant, the licensee’s organizational structure and responsibilities are expected to be different during decommissioning, with staffing levels significantly lower than during plant operations. Harmonization with International Standards The NRC has a goal to harmonize its regulatory guidance with international standards, to the extent practical. Similar to this RG, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established a safety guide and safety standards series that address good practices in aspects of decommissioning safety similar to certain elements and principles of this RG. Although the NRC does