Nuclear Health and Safety: More Attention to Health and Safety Needed at Pantex
RCED-91-103
Published: Apr 15, 1991. Publicly Released: May 01, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined key safety and health problems at the Department of Energy's (DOE) contractor-operated Pantex Plant to determine its need for external safety oversight.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Given the circumstances that now surround Pantex, Congress may wish to reconsider including Pantex among other DOE nuclear facilities that are subject to independent, external safety oversight by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Legislation has been passed (P.L. 102-190, December 5, 1991) to include Pantex among other DOE nuclear facilities that are subject to oversight by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should direct Pantex to expedite completion of its safety analysis reports, taking into consideration their hazard ranking. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE Order 5480.23 was issued April 1992 and sets the requirements for Safety Analysis Reports at nuclear facilities. Pantex has an approved interim operations plan and a schedule for completing and/or updating all of its SAR. All of the facilities have had hazard assessments and rankings completed as of November 1993 and SAR are being developed.
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Atomic energy defense activitiesGOCOHazardous substancesNuclear weapons plant safetyOccupational health standardsOccupational safetyRadiation exposure hazardsSafety regulationSafety standardsWorking conditions