NRC: News Release - 2006-109 - NRC Bars Research Reactor Operator from NRC-Regulated Work Due to Unauthorized Alteration to Reactor Controls

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NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Public Affairs	Telephone: 301/415-8200
Washington, DC 20555-0001	E-mail: opa@nrc.gov
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No. 06-109

September 13, 2006

NRC BARS RESEARCH REACTOR OPERATOR FROM NRC-REGULATED WORK
DUE TO UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION TO REACTOR CONTROLS
Printable Version

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has issued an order to a former senior reactor operator at Reed College in Portland, Ore., prohibiting him from working in any NRC-regulated activities for three years after the operator deliberately modified the school’s research reactor’s control rod drive circuit without authorization.

The NRC’s Office of Investigations determined that on May 10, 2005, Nicholas A. Chaimov deliberately removed a jumper on the control rod drive circuit of the Reed College Reactor. Without the jumper, reactor operators would be unable to remove control rods to allow the reactor to start. There was no threat to public health and safety, and the problem was discovered during a routine pre-startup check.

The NRC’s Order, which is effective immediately, requires Chaimov to cease any involvement in NRC-licensed activities. His deliberate actions raise serious doubts as to whether he could be relied upon to comply with NRC requirements. Consequently, the NRC staff determined an Order prohibiting Chaimov’s involvement in NRC-licensed activities for a period of three years is appropriate.

Chaimov has 20 days to respond to the Order in writing, and he may request a hearing.