INDEX
CHAPTER X
REQUIREMENTS FOR NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OCCURRENCE REPORTING
1. GENERAL. This Chapter establishes requirements whereby reportable
occurrences during nuclear explosive operations are reported and
analyzed and follow-up action is taken. The objectives of these
requirements are to ensure prompt notification and appropriate action
by DOE officials; that reportable occurrences are analyzed for the
purpose of taking corrective actions to prevent the repetition of
similar events which could degrade nuclear explosive safety; to
identify any trends in occurrences, and to assure standardization of
reporting. Information on these occurrences shall be analyzed,
evaluated, and disseminated to all organizations who have been or could
be effected.
2. CATEGORIZATION. Categorization of reportable occurrences shall be made
as soon as practical and in all cases within 2 hours of identification.
If categorization is not clear within the 2-hour timeframe, then the
occurrence shall be initially categorized at the higher level being
considered and DOE notified in accordance with this Order. Occurrences
categorized as emergencies shall be reported immediately, i.e., in
accordance with 3a of this Chapter. The occurrence categorization
shall either be evaluated, maintained, or lowered as information is
made available. The categories of reportable occurrences are:
a. Emergency. Emergencies are the most serious occurrences and
require an increased alert status for onsite personnel and in
specified cases for offsite authorities. The detailed
classification for emergencies and the emergency responses to be
taken are provided in DOE 5500.2A. The types of nuclear explosive
occurrences that are to be categorized as emergencies are:
(1) Nuclear or high-explosive detonation.
(2) Dispersal of plutonium from a nuclear explosive.
(3) Seizure, theft, or loss of a nuclear explosive.
(4) Inadvertent or deliberate unauthorized arming of a nuclear
explosive.
(5) Any safeguards or security event involving nuclear explosives
that is an actual or potential threat to DOE operations,
facilities, or personnel, and results or could result in
significant effects on the public health and safety and/or on
the national security.
b. Unusual Occurrence. An unusual occurrence is a significant
unplanned occurrence involving a nuclear explosive that results
in the following:
(1) The unauthorized introduction of electrical energy into a
nuclear explosive.
(2) The unauthorized compromise of a nuclear explosive safety
feature when installed on a nuclear explosive.
(3) A violation of a nuclear explosive safety standard or a
nuclear explosive safety rule.
(4) A violation of the two-person concept.
(5) A "near miss" or damage to a nuclear explosive that could
result in a credible threat to nuclear explosive safety.
(6) The damage to a nuclear explosive that results from an onsite
or offsite transportation accident.
c. Off-Normal Occurrence. An off-normal occurrence is an abnormal or
unplanned event or condition that adversely affects the nuclear
explosive safety program, but are not in the emergency or unusual
occurrence category, such as:
(1) Temporary removal of an individual from nuclear explosive
duty.
(2) Revocation of the PAP certification of an individual.
(3) The identification of failure to comply with PAP requirements
or procedures.
(4) The identification of improperly maintained records required
in the nuclear explosive safety program.
3. NOTIFICATION. Requirements for verbal and written notification of
reportable occurrences are as follows:
a. Emergencies. Verbal notification to DOE of emergencies shall be
made within 15 minutes or less of categorization. Written
notification shall be made as soon as practical, but in any event,
within 24 hours of categorization, utilizing the notification
Report (first page of the Occurrence Report).
b. Unusual Occurrences. Verbal notification to DOE of unusual
occurrences shall be as soon as sufficient information is obtained
to indicate the general nature and extent of the occurrence, but
in any event, within 2 hours of categorization. Written
notification shall be made within 24 hours of categorization
utilizing the Notification Report.
c. Off-Normal Occurrences. For off-normal occurrences verbal
notification to DOE is not mandatory, but written notification
shall be made within 24 hours of categorization utilizing the
Notification Report.
Note: DP-20 shall receive initial and follow-up reports to closure
relating to all categories of this Order, in addition to any other
Departmental requirements.
4. FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION. In addition to the initial verbal notifications
required above, follow-up verbal notification shall also be made to DOE
for any of the following:
a. Any degradation in the level of safety or other worsening
conditions, including those that require the declaration of any of
the emergency action levels, if such a declaration has not been
previously made.
b. Any change from one emergency level to another.
c. Termination of an emergency.
5. OCCURRENCE REPORT PREPARATION. All occurrence report preparation will
be performed as specified in DOE 5000.3A.