ISMS and ALARA
At Hanford the Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) and the As Low As is Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) program go hand-in-hand. In fact an effective ALARA program shares many of the same elements of ISMS. Work management and ALARA processes are integrated to focus on the necessary elements of work planning and safety and environmental protection so that work can be conducted in a manner that ensures safety and environmental protection while optimizing productivity and efficiency.
One of the successful tools used by Hanford Contractors to achieve this objective is the Automated Job Hazard Analysis (AJHA) system, a computer-based job hazard analysis tool that AJHA facilitates a team approach to job planning. This innovative approach has improved the quality and timeliness of work performance at Hanford. Employees are more involved and the exchange of information allows work planners to better describe the work to be completed. Down time has decreased because workers are better prepared when they arrive at the work site.
A Power Point presentation of the AJHA program can be accessed on the Hanford Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Home Page. It takes approximately ten minutes to view this narrated slide show. For more information on the AJHA program contact Miles Jaeger at (509) 372-3576.
Hanford Reach Articles on ALARA & Work Planning Success Stories
The Hanford Reach is a weekly publication to all employees at the Hanford Site. Included below are some of the ALARA-related success stories of interest. If your organization would like to include similar stories that would be of benefit to others, contact Larry Waggoner or Jerry Eby.
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory technologies reduce extremity dose
- AJHA lessons learned database available online
- CH2M HILL Hanford Group, Inc. Inflates Containment in 244-AR Vault
- Pit viper works in 'hot' areas to protect workers
- Environmental Restoration Contract (ERC) team tackles highly-radioactive liquid-waste site
- River Corridor Project focuses on deactivations
- New technology predicts contaminant migration
- Spray-on coating upgrades tank-farm process pits
- Teamwork at 244-AR Vault Reduces Cost, Time and Risk
- Workers Improve ALARA at River Corridor Project
- New Shielding Material Reduces Worker Exposures
- Safe transfer of californium enables more analyses
- River Corridor Project employee's idea improves safety
- 100N Area Cleanup a Challenge for ERC Team
- ERC Team Ahead of Schedule with Pipe Removal
- Digital photography enhances RadCon program
- Hands-on Training Given at ALARA Center
- Bio-barrier prevents critters from spreading contamination
Lessons Learned
The listing below contains lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) complex back to 1995 as administered through the DOE Society for Effective Lessons Learned Sharing (SELLS). The SELLS database of lessons learned is a valuable asset for feedback and continuous improvement opportunities. The following is a small subset of the SELLS lessons learned that were judged to be of value to ALARA/Work Planning processes:
- Unplanned X-Ray Exposure Incident
- Electronic Dosimetry
- Commercial Product Useful in Performing Contamination Surveys
- Skin Contamination from “Stripcoat” Operations
- Dose Profiling of Waste Containers
- Control of Deep Rooted Vegetation over Contaminated Waste Sites
- Migration of Contamination Through Punctured Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Personnel Contamination to Pant Leg and Shoe
- Puncture Wound in Alpha Contaminated Environment
- Attention to Detail during Work Planning when Changing Conditions Occur
- Locking PPE Hose Connections Avert Loss of Air Supply
- Preliminary Findings- Plutonium-238 Uptakes at Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Radioactivity Uptake at FB-Line
- Launderable Versus Disposable Personnel Protective Clothing
- Radiation Work Permit Not Clear
- Recognizing What is Included in Your Work Scope
- Burial Ground Remediation Lessons Learned
- Legacy Soil Contamination Found
- High Dose Rates Can Damage Eberline RO-7 Low Range and Mid Range Detector Probes
- ALARA Considerations Lacking in Design Activities
- Demolition and Decontamination of Vacuum Systems
- Mechanical Failure of Supplied Air Fitting
- Defective MSA Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Hood
- Silicone Mask Slipping May Affect Respiratory Protection
- Improper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection
- Near-Miss Potential for Exposure to Sludge Vapors
- Contamination Spread Outside of Radiation Control Areas by Fruit Flies
- Lessons Learned for Technical Standards for Aging Gloves
- Unexpected High Dose Rate Detected while Loading FRG Cask
- Reducing Contamination Events During Facility Deactivation
- New Survey Technology Saves Time and Money
- Digital Cameras Reduce Personnel Exposures
- Radiological Dose Tracking System Helps Manage Exposures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Can Increase Potential Heat Stress
- Personnel Skin Contamination Incidents
- Unplanned Dose From Beta Emitting Isotopes
- Migration of Contamination Through Anti-Contamination Clothing
- Radiation Exposure From Low-Energy Photons
- Unanticipated Exposures From High Intensity Beta
- ALARA Planning Saves Money and Exposure
- Plutonium Inhalation
Related Links
- U.S. Department of Energy’s Headquarters (DOE-HQ) Enhanced Work Planning
- DOE Integrated Safety Management Resource Center
- DOE-HQ VPP
- DOE Society for Effective Lessons Learned Sharing (SELLS)
- Project Hanford Lessons Learned
- Hanford Voluntary Protection Program
For questions or comments, please send email to Jeffrey Hunter.
