1993-Winter-part 1-Noteworthy Sidebar Points of Perchlorate Work

ORNL team developed a unique procedure for decontamination and removal of
hoods contaminated with perchlorate salts.

OSH-led team demonstrated the presence in vent systems of perchlorate salt
deposits up to 200 times the recommended decontamination level by NFPA.

NFPA modified its own testing methods for perchlorate salts after reviewing
the new, improved, copyrighted procedures developed by the ORNL team.

ORNL team identified a research need to quantify specific compounds and their
associated risks with perchlorate salts in vent systems.  Amazingly though
perchloric acid has been used extensively in laboratories throughout the
nation for many years; such a quantification has never been conducted.  ORNL
is investigating this research need as a funding initiative.

ORNL team removed, washed, and reinstalled vent systems within safety, RAD,
and environmental constraints.

ORNL team deregulated radiological contaminated fume hoods, fans, and duct
work.

ORNL methods cost one-fifth the amount of outside contract estimates to
decontaminate and dismantle a typical hood.

Process Hazard Analysis (PrHA) Report Available

EH-30 staff released a report of its May 17-21, 1993, technical assistance
visit to conduct PrHAs at Westinghouse Company's water treatment facility. 
The Example Process Hazard Analysis of a Department of Energy Water
Chlorination Process report, released October 1993, serves as a PrHA example
for DOE sites using chlorine at their facilities.  Contractors who use
chlorine in excess of the threshold quantity, defined as 1,500 pounds, are
required to perform PrHAs under the PSM Rule (29 CFR 1910.119).  The report
"share(s) information with other users of large quantities of chlorine, and
show(s) how to perform these analyses," said Sanjeeva Kanth, EH-312.  The rule
also applies to other listed chemicals used in excess of their respective
threshold quantities.

Affected facilities must complete PrHAs for 25 percent of the processes
covered in the PSM rule by May 26, 1994.  DOE contractors may choose to
conduct PrHAs for quantities of chemicals not covered by the PSM rule if they
believe those quantities pose a significant hazard to workers.  For a copy of
the report, contact Sanjeeva Kanth (EH-312) at (301) 903-4516, or Kenneth
Murphy (EH-331) at (301) 903-6514.