OCCUPTIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

An NPP is a complex industrial environment which contains many industrial and occupational hazards such as high temperature and pressure fluid systems, high voltage electrical devices, ionizing radiation, trip and

51 fall hazards. As an inspector, you need to be aware of the occupational and industrial safety hazards in the plant.

In some Member States, the regulatory body has the regulatory oversight responsibility for occupational and industrial safety at the NPP. If that is the case, then the inspector will have defined responsibilities for evaluating how well the licensee’s complies with industrial safety standards. Those responsibilities may include items such as verifying that personnel safety devices installed in the plant are in good material condition and that workers are not engaging in unsafe work practices. In every case, if the inspector identifies potential hazards, the concerns are normally reported to the licensee (and regulatory body as necessary) to ensure they are evaluated and resolved. This paragraph is closely aligned with the NRC Inspector Field Observation Best Practices [7].

5.2.1 Occupational safety

The inspector needs to understand and follow the licensee’s occupational safety requirements. If the licensee requires safety training before staff and contractors are allowed on site, then the inspector would normally complete the training before entering the plant and performing inspections. In some cases, the regulatory body will have an equivalent training programme which may be completed instead of the licensee’s program. Regardless of which organization provides the training, when the inspector enters the facility, the inspector must follow with the license’s requirements.

5.2.2 Personal protective equipment

All inspectors and facility personnel must follow the licensee’s requirements for using personal protective equipment (PPE). If the inspector identifies that licensee and/or contractor personnel are not following the requirements, then the inspector may inform licensee management of the concerns. As stated above, the licensee is expected to evaluate and address the issue. The following are some typical examples of personnel not following PPE requirements:

 Not wearing all required hearing protection, eye protection, or head protection (e.g., a hard hat);

 Not using additional protection based on local conditions. For example, not using double hearing protection during emergency diesel generator testing;

 Not using a lanyard with a break away feature for the display of identification badges and dosimetry;

 Not tucking in neckties or any other loose clothing in the vicinity of rotating equipment;

 Not wearing footwear that is in good condition and that provides protection against injury due to falling objects.

The information presented in section 5.2.2 is closely aligned with the NRC Inspector Field Observation Best Practices [7].

5.2.3 Other industrial safety considerations

The examples provided below identify some of the various types of hazards and safety concerns the inspector may encounter at an NPP. The lists are for information only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to replace the regulatory body’s inspection procedures and checklists. The information presented in section 5.2.3 and its subsections is closely aligned with the NRC Inspector Field Observation Best Practices [7].

5.2.3.1 Fall related hazards

The most frequently treated injuries at a NPP often result from a fall or a trip. The following are some accepted good practices to determine if trip and fall hazards are being minimized.

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 Stairway and platform hand rails are attached securely;

 Permanent ladders are firmly attached to anchor points and do not wobble;

 Licensee personnel are using moveable ladders in a safe manner:

 Additional personnel are acting as a ladder tender to help avoid a fall;

 Not standing on the top step of a ladder;

 Being extra cautious when carrying items while climbing up or down a ladder.

 Workers use safety harnesses when required;

 Trip and Fall hazards are clearly marked;

 Bump hazards such as low hanging pipes are clearly marked;

 Floor grates, drains, and drain covers are secure in place or are barricaded clearly;

 Wet floors or standing water puddles are clearly identified. This could be a radiological hazard, especially in a boiling water reactor.

5.2.3.2 Electric shock

Electrical shock most commonly occurs from working on open wires while components are energized and from the use of unsafe extension cords and temporary service leads. Electric shock has resulted in fatalities at NPPs. Verify that this work is done in a safe manner (e.g., equipment is tagged out and deenergized) and workers are using appropriate safety equipment.

5.2.3.3 Heat stress

Some areas of nuclear power plants may have high heat and humidity levels due to operating equipment, steam lines, and limited ventilation. Verify that licensee personnel are following the precautions and requirements to protect workers from heat related stress.

5.2.3.4 Confined space entry

Confined space accidents have resulted in fatalities at NPPs. Environments in which the oxygen levels are limited or unknown or where toxic gases are present are considered to be confined space areas. Entry into these areas is strictly controlled. Examples of areas which may not be immediately obvious as being a confined space hazard include: storage tanks, condensers, underground pipe tunnels or vaults, sewer lines, and ventilation ductwork. As an inspector, verify that personnel entering these areas are trained and qualified, that a confined space entry permit has been obtained and is posted, and that the plant is meeting all other confined space entry requirements.

5.2.3.5 Diving activities

In some instances, divers are required at NPPs to perform maintenance and surveillance activities. Diving accidents have resulted in fatalities at NPPs. Ensure the licensee is following the precautions and requirements needed to safely accomplish the diving activity. As an inspector, verify that control room personnel are aware that diving activities are occurring and that controls are in place to protect the divers and prevent operating equipment in the vicinity of the divers.

5.2.3.6 Smoking area locations

Verify that designated smoking areas are not near tanks which store potentially explosive gases (such as hydrogen) or other combustible materials.