DNFSB Raises Issues With Hanford Evaporator Safety Basis

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board last week raised issues with the safety basis with an evaporator at Hanford’s tank farms. In a March review, the DNFSB found several concerns with the safety basis 242-A Evaporator, which is used to concentrate liquid tank waste at Hanford.  “Specifically, a number of identified hazards are not properly addressed and several safety-significant controls do not comply with applicable DOE directives,” states a June 18 letter from the Board to the DNFSB. “DOE has begun to address some of the identified inadequacies with the safety control set, but the remaining safety issues require additional action. Given the anticipated need to operate this fac ility for an extended period of time, it is important to develop a compliant safety basis in a timely manner.”