Lesson Learned Statement:Prior to commencing facility deactivation, a plan integrating safety management at all levels should be developed that considers potential for bioaerosol exposure.Discussion:The Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations (DOE-ORO) initiated a For-Cause Review based on preliminary information from Bechtel Jacobs Company LLC that there had been a series of respiratory illnesses that could be occupationally related. The K-25 Building has been shut down since the mid 1960's. Maintenance activities continued to decrease over time. Ventilation systems are inactive and metal plates have been welded over ceiling openings in some vaults due to security requirements. The roof is in need of repair and there is a continual problem with water leaking into the vaults. The accumulation of moisture and the lack of ventilation were ideal conditions for the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria. Most vaults are radiologically controlled areas. Management is aware of the conditions in the K-25 Building and has commissioned the development of a Deactivation Surveillance and Maintenance (DS&M) Plan to obtain sufficient data to make recommendations to prioritize and mitigate conditions in the building. Prior work-related occupational illnesses, the potential for exposures to airborne mold, fungi, and bacteria had not been included in these considerations. When the DS&M Plan is developed, it will address the issues associated with potential exposures for bioaerosols.Analysis:A series of evaluations by Industrial Hygiene in response to concerns raised by employees were conducted and typically included notations on conditions in the affected vaults and work operations in the area. In many cases, the evaluations also included sampling for bioaerosols (airborne fungi and bacteria). In accordance with currently accepted commercial practices, sampling included collection of airborne samples from within the affected vault area and outside the building for comparison purposes. Results of the evaluations conducted were transmitted in the form of a memorandum to supervisors that discussed physical observations and relayed the results of the sampling that had been conducted. The sampling results indicated that at times there were measurable airborne bioaerosol levels in the vaults. Some aerobiologists consider concentrations of mold greater than 1,000 DFUs/m3 of air as a potential problem for allergy sufferers. Recommendations were made to supervisors to improve working conditions that included increasing ventilation in identified areas, reducing moisture/humidity in the areas, and considering chemical treatment to eliminate the mold. Disposiable respirators were made available as an option for use under some conditions, with the requirement that wearers had to be medically qualified and respirator fit-tested. Independent assessments were also conducted by external industrial hygienists, and sampling data collected was consistent with that collected by the contractor in noting that elevated fungal and bacterial levels were present in some samples.Recommended Actions:A facility Deactivation Surveillance and Maintenance Plan (DS&M Plan) should include overall general guidelines, and be tailored to address specific and unique hazards associated with the specific facility. Key elements to be considered in establishing the guidelines are the non-operational use of the facility, such as for waste storage, and the extent to which the facility must be entered for surveillance and maintenance operations. Information regarding facility condition and hazards from all existing plans relative to the management and deactivation of facility should be reviewed and consolidated into the DS&M Plan, All groups conducting or planning to conduct activities in the facility should be consulted and their plans integrated into the consolidated document. Guidelines must provide for adequate protection of those who must enter the facility and identify to what level building systems must be maintained. The plan should also consolidate existing safety and management guidelines and be tailored to address bioaerosol exposure and other unique hazards associated with the facility Additional lessons learned will be disseminated as identified during the implementation of corrective actions and follow-up assessments.Originator:Bechtel Jacobs Company, LLC Cynthia M. Eubanks; Performance/Quality Assurance; (423) 576-7763Validator:Charles E Chmielewski; (423) 241-0136Contact:Joanne E. Schutt, (423) 574-1248Name Of Authorized Derivative Classifier:Jeffrey S. ParisName Of Reviewing Official:D. D. HoltPriority Descriptor:Yellow / CautionKeywords:INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE, RESPIRATORY, VAULTS, SHUTDOWN FACILITY, BIOAEROSOLReferences:For-Cause Review of Worker Respiratory Illnesses Associated with Working in the K-25 Vaults at the East Tennessee Technology Park, DOE-ORO, June, 1998Information in this report is accurate to the best of our knowledge. As means of measuring the effectiveness of this report please use the "Comment" link at the bottom of this page to notify the Lessons Learned Web Site Administrator of any action taken as a result of this report or of any technical inaccuracies you find. Your feedback is important and appreciated. DOE Function / Work Categories:ManagementOccupational Safety & Health - General ISM Category:Hazard:Personal Injury / Exposure - Airborne MaterialsPersonal Injury / Exposure - Radiation / Contamination
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