Lessons learned from operating the Hanford ALARA Center of Technology

In 1996 an ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) Center of Technology was established at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. The goal of the Center is to "Showcase" equipment and work practices available to accomplish radiological work with improved safety, reduced risk, and improved hazard control. The ALARA Center is a resource where activities can obtain information, observe available equipment and techniques, conduct hands-on training, and obtain help in planning various first time radiological activities. Nuclear and industry vendors participate in the Center by loaning equipment, providing literature and presenting demonstrations of potential solutions using their products. The Center does not endorse any vendor products, but rather provides opportunities for problems and solutions to come together. Two full time employees who have many years experience in nuclear work staff the ALARA Center. These employees provide radiological work practice mentoring and instruction support upon request. Workers who visit the Center have the opportunity to touch and operate the latest state-of-the-art equipment and determine if it meets their needs. The ALARA Center has also helped other DOE/DOD Sites, and Power Reactors with assistance on what tools and equipment can be used to accomplish higher radiological risk work. This presentation focuses on the tools and equipment presently at the ALARA Center and includes examples of several successful lessons learned. The examples demonstrate the value of job planning, hazard mitigation and use of available technologies. These examples offer the direct benefits of reduced dose, limited contamination spread, and waste minimization. In addition, the presentation will discuss the value-added by having a central location where workers, engineers, and planners can see the tools/equipment and discuss the radiological controls with experienced personnel.