Press Release-06-109, NRC Bars Research Reactor Operator from NRC-Regulated Work Due to Unauthorized Alteration to Reactor
| ML062560056 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Reed College |
| Issue date: | 09/13/2006 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs |
| To: | |
| Category:Press Release | |
| References | |
| Press Release-06-109 | |
| Download: ML062560056 (1) | |
Text
NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov Web Site: http://www.nrc.gov No.06-109 September 13, 2006 NRC BARS RESEARCH REACTOR OPERATOR FROM NRC-REGULATED WORK DUE TO UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION TO REACTOR CONTROLS The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has issued an order to a former senior reactor operator at Reed College in Portland, Ore., prohibiting him from working in any NRC-regulated activities for three years after the operator deliberately modified the schools research reactors control rod drive circuit without authorization.
The NRCs Office of Investigations determined that on May 10, 2005, Nicholas A. Chaimov deliberately removed a jumper on the control rod drive circuit of the Reed College Reactor. Without the jumper, reactor operators would be unable to remove control rods to allow the reactor to start.
There was no threat to public health and safety, and the problem was discovered during a routine pre-startup check.
The NRCs Order, which is effective immediately, requires Chaimov to cease any involvement in NRC-licensed activities. His deliberate actions raise serious doubts as to whether he could be relied upon to comply with NRC requirements. Consequently, the NRC staff determined an Order prohibiting Chaimovs involvement in NRC-licensed activities for a period of three years is appropriate.
Chaimov has 20 days to respond to the Order in writing, and he may request a hearing.