Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Alternative Work Hour Controls at Point Beach Nuclear Plant

Strategic Insights -

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a document approving alternative work hour controls at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The request, made by NextEra Energy Point Beach, LLC, aims to proactively implement measures to limit the spread of the virus while maintaining safe and efficient plant operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NRC approved the request to implement alternative work hour controls at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant, effective upon NRC approval, for the following categories: Operators, Health Physics and Chemistry, Fire Brigade, Maintenance, and Security.
  • The alternative controls aim to minimize worker transition issues and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by implementing measures such as:

+ Not more than 16 work hours in any 24-hour period and not more than 86 work hours in any 7-day period, excluding shift turnover.

+ A minimum 10-hour break between successive work periods.

+ 12-hour shifts are limited to not more than 14 consecutive days.

+ A minimum of 6 days off in any 30-day period.

  • NextEra Energy Point Beach, LLC will continue to follow the requirements specified in their Nuclear Fleet administrative procedures, AD-AA-101-1004 and SY-AA-100-1012, to address personnel impairment due to fatigue through observation and self-declaration.

Statistics:

  • 16: Maximum work hours in any 24-hour period.
  • 86: Maximum work hours in any 7-day period, excluding shift turnover.
  • 10: Minimum break between successive work periods (hours).
  • 14: Maximum consecutive days for 12-hour shifts.
  • 6: Minimum days off in any 30-day period.
  • 50-266, 50-301: Docket numbers for the Point Beach Nuclear Plant.

Sources:

  • United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 2020. To: Ms. Booma Venkataraman, Project Manager, NRC Region 3 cc: NRC Senior Resident Inspector. Document Control Desk RE: Point Beach Nuclear Plant Docket Nos. 50-266 50-301 Reference: NRC Letter from H. Nieh to NEI, "U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Planned Actions Related to the Requirements for Work Hour Controls During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Emergency," March 28, 2020.