Very Long Term Concerns

What I'm wondering is, how good will the industry's safety record be in 2300?

Congress' passage of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 made U.S. commercial nuclear power possible. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created in 1975, six years after the oldest nuclear power plant still operating in this country, Oyster Creek, received its operating license, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute (www.nei.org).

NEI shared 2010 safety data from our nuclear energy industry on April 21. For the 12th consecutive year, more than 90 percent of three important backup safety systems at every reactor met their "near-100 percent availability goals." NEI said U.S. nuclear plants' accident rate in 2010 was 0.09 per 200,000 man-hours, the lowest level in a decade and below the 2010 goal of 0.2.

What I'm wondering is, how good will the industry's safety record be in 2300? The question arose not because of the Fukushima Daiichi crisis, but because of an International Atomic Energy Agency technical meeting April 28-29 about very long term storage (VLTS) of spent nuclear fuel. IAEA says lack of resolution about the final management of used nuclear fuel means VLTS is likely to be needed in most IAEA member states for as long as 300 years, so states need to gain a better understanding of the issues associated with it. It asked representatives attending the meeting to complete a questionnaire that asked, among other things:

  • What materials degradation issues are of greatest concern for VLTS and what are the associated R&D needs?
  • In what ways might a facility planned for 300 years storage be designed and/or operated differently than existing facilities?
  • Could ageing management plans be relied upon to ensure retrievability and compliance with transportation requirements following VLTS (100 to 300 years)? If not, please explain the issues and propose solutions.
  • Most countries license casks for storage and transportation. What issues may arise if the cask is not used for transportation until after 100 years or more of storage? If requalification is required, will qualification requirements change and how will compliance be demonstrated?

The questionnaire asked whether the attendees believe IAEA should provide VLTS regulatory guidance similar to its TS-R-1, Requirements for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. It did not ask whether attendees expect highways or rail transport to still be in use 300 years from now.

Fortunately, IAEA is writing a technical document to help member states decide on the need for VLTS. Stay tuned.

This article originally appeared in the August 2011 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

About the Author

Jerry Laws is Editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine, which is owned by 1105 Media Inc.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit

    The SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit is a single-use spot test designed for use in screening for cannabis compounds in any sample type or on any surface. The test is capable of identifying the presumed presence of cannabinoids in very small quantities, with a level of detection as little as 6 μg in mass. Learn more about the SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit and the rest of SwabTek surface drug testing solutions through the webinar titled "Everything You Want To Know About Surface Testing" Read More

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars