April 4, 1994

MEMORANDUM FOR All Users of NBSR and Related Facilities

Subject:    Fire Safety

As many of you know, there was a fire at the TRISTAN on-line isotope separator located at the HFBR last week. The actual fire, which was caused by an electrical fault, was of limited extent, and no one was injured. However, it did result in some radioactive contamination, and a considerable amount of public attention. The HFBR will be shut down for some period while the incident is analyzed, and the experiments installed at the reactor are reviewed for fire hazards.

My purpose in writing this memo is to re-emphasize the absolute necessity for everyone working here to be aware of the potential for fire hazards in and around the reactor facility. We (RRD management) continually review the plant for fire hazards, and the NIST Fire Protection Service inspects the facility routinely. However, we need your help as well, in order to ensure that the highest standards of fire prevention are maintained. This includes, but is not limited to, the following points:

• Paper must be carefully controlled - there should be no excess paper allowed to accumulate at the instrument stations.
• Solvents must be carefully controlled, stored in approved containers, and inventories must be minimized.
• All experiments must be carefully analyzed for fire hazards.
• All electrical equipment must be properly maintained, and protected against accidentally damage.
• The regular quarterly safety inspection teams should pay special attention to possible fire hazards.
• Finally, always think FIRE PREVENTION in all activities.

None of the above are new - they are and have been part of our policy. However, the recent incident at BNL should be taken as a useful reminder of the importance of fire prevention, not only inside the reactor and guide hall, but in all areas of the building. We have an excellent record to date; let us keep it.

cc: Chief Ridgley, NIST Fire Protection

Last modified 27-March-2002