Nuclear Security & Deterrence Vol. 19 No. 25
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Nuclear Security & Deterrence Monitor

Article 10 of 13

June 19, 2015

NNSA Lifts ‘Code Blue’ at Pantex

By Brian Bradley

Staff Reports
NS&D Monitor
6/19/2015

The National Nuclear Security Administration confirmed this week that it has lifted the “Code Blue” designation at the Pantex nuclear weapons plant, according to NNSA spokeswoman Shelley Laver. Laver said the Code Blue, which involved a “new hazard scenario” for the B61 and B80 weapons operations, was initiated on May 3 and closed last week, but did not reveal the details surrounding the hazard scenario and actions taken to address it. Laver confirmed that the hazard scenario, which was associated with containers used to package specific explosive components, did not pose any safety risks to plant workers or the public.

Earlier, the NNSA said a Code Blue is “called when an issue or condition could have significant impact on meeting program requirements.” The statement noted, “Declaring a Code Blue ensures engagement of not only senior NNSA and Pantex management, but also other experts across the NNSA enterprise who can assist in resolving the issue.” Laver indicated that operations at Pantex had continued over the past month so that scheduled deliverables could be met while addressing the problem.

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June 16, 2015

NNSA Lifts ?Code Blue? at Pantex

By ExchangeMonitor

Details of the rarely implemented “Code Blue” order at the Pantex nuclear weapons plant have not been revealed, but the National Nuclear Security Administration confirmed Monday that the Code Blue designation has been lifted. NNSA spokeswoman Shelley Laver said the Code Blue, which involved a “new hazard scenario” for the B61 and B80 weapons operations, was initiated on May 3. She said it was closed last week, but would not say which actions were taken. The hazard scenario at Pantex was associated with containers used to package specific explosive components but did not pose any safety risks to plant workers or the public, Laver confirmed.

Earlier, the NNSA said a Code Blue is “called when an issue or condition could have significant impact on meeting program requirements.” The government statement noted, “Declaring a Code Blue ensures engagement of not only senior NNSA and Pantex management, but also other experts across the NNSA enterprise who can assist in resolving the issue.” Laver indicated that operations at Pantex have continued over the past month so that scheduled deliverables could be met while addressing the problem.

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