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Prarie Island

Above Average
16 (38.1%)
Average
10 (23.8%)
Below Average
16 (38.1%)

Total Members Voted: 8

Author Topic: Prairie Island  (Read 163489 times)

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Offline Rennhack

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Prairie Island
« on: Aug 12, 2001, 02:33 »
Talk About: Prairie Island

« Last Edit: Jan 08, 2008, 05:45 by BeerCourt »

Offline Rennhack

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Prairie Island
« Reply #1 on: Nov 30, 2002, 07:50 »
Don't forget to vote.  Keep your comments civil.

Offline Rennhack

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Prairie Island Contracts
« Reply #2 on: Dec 04, 2002, 05:27 »
Please reply to this topic if you have (or know who has) a contract at this facility.  If you (they) have multiple contracts (i.e. QC & NDE) please mention all of them.  Also, please remember to post company contact information, including but not limited to company phone number, email and web site address.  Also, if there is a specific person at the company people should ask for, you should mention their name and extension. We maintain a chart of contracts, the information posted here will be added to the contract chart.

This includes any information on Local Unions!
Chart: http://www.nukeworker.com/jobs/contract_lists/

Pet_Cow

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Re: Rate Prairie Island
« Reply #3 on: Dec 21, 2002, 08:49 »
If Mom and Pop ran a nuclear plant, this would be it.

Offline Already Gone

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Re: Rate Prairie Island
« Reply #4 on: Dec 21, 2002, 09:19 »
I have to agree.  Very clean plant (radiologically).  Extremely friendly people.  Like the way it used to be at some other places.
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IBENNUKED

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Re: Rate Prairie Island
« Reply #5 on: Jan 13, 2004, 04:03 »
I first went there in the spring of 2000, by some of the old timers I was told it used to be better.

Harpo

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2004, 10:10 »
Good plant, good people, good area (a little country but good).

JassenB

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Prairie Island on strike???
« Reply #7 on: Aug 13, 2004, 03:31 »
Does anybody happen to have any information on the status of negotiations at Prairie Island? Just curious, because I got a call from a recruiter today that was looking to round up scabs "just in case."

-JassenB

Offline radbitch

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #8 on: Aug 27, 2004, 08:26 »
Also, heard today that they reached a tenative agreement.

yetttie

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #9 on: Sep 02, 2004, 06:58 »
 :(  Hey folks,

Has anybody ever worked for the new RADCON management at Prairie Island? They expect the rad techs to spend 10 out of 12 hours in containment through this S/G replacement.  They want the techs to start doing laborer and decon jobs, too.  Have they not heard the secret that Prairie Island is UNION?  Oh yeah,  they don't have a break area for the techs when they get that big ONE hour out of the Can either.  Told us we didn't need breaks.  I guess we'll be too busy writing up those surveys to eat or drink anything.  Can't wait to see how long it is before the revolving door starts spinning!  WHEEEEEEE!  I've never been here before and for sure I'll never be back.

(Modified to avoid libel concerns-RT)
« Last Edit: Sep 03, 2004, 05:59 by Hiney »

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #10 on: Sep 02, 2004, 08:43 »
That is the new mode of outages!  The Technician population took a big hit this summer, from the DOE and D&D world.  Your looking at the way things are going to be!  Short staff, Poor Compensation and Long Hours!  Think you hate it now, give it a month or two!  October should prove interesting!

Offline Old HP

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #11 on: Sep 02, 2004, 10:21 »
It is sad to hear that PI is going the way of the rest of the industry. I worked a dozen or so outages there but was not on The Bruce list so I have not worked there since he got the contract. They were great people to work with at the plant in the 70s and 80s.
I hope things improve before the SGRP gets started.
  Good Luck !!!

Offline Roll Tide

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #12 on: Sep 03, 2004, 07:59 »
I think there will be some strong opinions on this thread in the days to come. Remember the ground rules: we don't name names because of the concerns for lawsuits. This is a great site for venting, but please do it without getting too specific.
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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #13 on: Sep 05, 2004, 02:53 »
You aren't kidding Roll, the fun begins in 5 days!!! I've been here way to long this year already. At least there are still some cool people here to make the day go by quicker.

ramdog_1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #14 on: Sep 05, 2004, 07:32 »
humm the sgt way will go good there .
let me ask this do they still have the parking lot wired to plug your car in? good luck you will need it brrr.
give rad bitch a hug when u see her!

kissup

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #15 on: Sep 05, 2004, 07:40 »
Yes the first batch of people and Joules (ballet dancer) are what makes this place bearable.  Also having a person at the front desk to keep us out of trouble also helps.  Its not that bad yet the weather has been nice.  And Im sure our pockets will be full when Christmas rolls around.

ramdog_1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #16 on: Sep 07, 2004, 10:34 »
xmas?? its a 40 day outage if SGT has anything to do with it in out back on line.
I am sure they want to beat Oconee and show what they can do up north!

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #17 on: Sep 09, 2004, 09:53 »
 :(  Rumors are abounding here about the new Radcon Management.  It seems that everyone that used to be in the Radcon chain has been replaced or reassigned.  The new supervisor, I heard, just recently got the job, with very little notice.  The old supervisor is in QA or something, and it just isn't the same here.  Also, the rumors are still going about Union problems with the engineers (no contract, I heard, just a temp agreement, the vote comes up this month), techs being told to decon and unload scaffolding, even though this is a union plant, and people it seems with stopwatches checking on break times.  They even took out the chairs from the Containment Access Facility because the new regime's opinion is that people shouldn't sit while doing their job.  Last I checked they were back, but that is only one thing fixed for a hundred problems.  I don't know about others, but unless some things change, I don't think I will be back.
     I never thought I would say this, but I miss Al!! ::) 
   
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #18 on: Sep 10, 2004, 12:34 »
Sounds like you are in the world of a new manager looking to make a name for himself!  Twelve on your feet and not in your seat, is pretty much becoming the way of the industry.  I would draw the line with the stop watch!  If I found a guy hovering over me with a stop watch, I'd be setting a new record for the WBC!  There are just to many jobs out there to deal with the stupid stuff!  If they really want to dedicate the time and money, policing you in your hourly duties, save them a couple bucks and bail!

I never heard a bad thing about Praire Island, till this season!

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #19 on: Sep 10, 2004, 12:42 »
It looks like the NRC and OSHA may be called upon to lend a hand in the fight for better conditions here at PI.  Word has it that letters are flying on site to everyone from Safety to Human Resources in an attempt to rectify the hostile work environment that is beginning to exist.  And the outage hasn't even started yet!  Another little tidbit some may find interesting...the contractor for the RP's here has made it clear that anyone leaving the site because of the existing conditions will be welcome to go to other sites with that same contractor.  No black list for leaving this hole if you can't put up with the management anymore.  I give it a week and as far as future employment here...I won't be back.
« Last Edit: Sep 10, 2004, 01:15 by HPDo-little »

yetttie

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #20 on: Sep 10, 2004, 03:03 »
I can't believe that the RP Supervision could possibly believe that treating people like second class citizens will aid them in having a successful outage. I have not seen one RP Tech....House or Contractor that is happy to be here.  I hope they all leave...no one deserves to be treated with such disrespect.  If they think RP Techs are so worthless.......watch the Outage come to a GRINDING HALT when there is NO RP COVERAGE FOR CRITICAL PATH JOBS. $$$$$$$$$$$$. Then they will become PRICELESS, but oh sooo toooo late for Prairie Island.  By not making the RP Techs feel welcomed and respected  the only thing that has been accomplished is people not giving a crap.   A HUGE DAGGER  has been jabbed in the sides of this upcoming  Outage.   I hope no one gets seriously injuried due to  this lack of respect and concern.   

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #21 on: Sep 10, 2004, 06:29 »
That Black Ball list is a thing of the past!  You can't Black Ball your Bread and Butter!  They can't even fully staff the outages this season, not to mention the growing manpower needs in the DOE world!  Today, four postings alone for DOE sites, probably twenty openings!  This past week about seventy openings!  If you left the plant this morning, you would have a job before you got to your car!  If things are this bad, before opening day, what's it going to be like when they drop the rods? 


HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #22 on: Sep 10, 2004, 08:11 »
If recuiters are calling 'scabs' just in case it's not because there's going to be a strike, it's because there's a lot of work out there and most of the current HP population is going to bail.  For anyone that gets a call, keep this in mind.  PI is no longer the country club of the midwest.  If you come here you'd better be prepared to mill about smartly and learn the parade rest stance.  This new sherrif has a lot to learn and he could start with a course in "how to play well with others".  This never would have happened with the last RPM.  I hear DC Cook is paying a 5k bonus just to show up.  HMMMMM.

kissup

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #23 on: Sep 10, 2004, 09:11 »
This is about my seventh time coming here to PI and after the next generator replacement it will be my last unless Andy and Barney are gone.  Ive enjoyed coming here, but with the new sheriff and his little deputy it will be my last.  He dosent even want to dip into the Rp budget to get the contract hps their own fridge.  We use to get paid 12 for 12 here but that no longer exists and now we have to be dressed out and in the can at our start time.  Our site cordinator who stated that we can leave now and look for other jobs and bartlett wont hold it against us has now denied that statement.  But other than that it aint so bad here.  The weather is nice and so far the crafts have been nice to us.  By the way outside  HP's is there any heat there at the equipment hatch it gets kinda cold here in December.  The fun really begins tonight.

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #24 on: Sep 12, 2004, 09:10 »
Welcome to the Beevis and Butthead show!  Just when you didn't think things could get worse, it did...the outage started.  There is NO control around here.  They've got one house person assigned to containment, one house person assigned to the CAF (where everyone is supposed to go in this time) and that's about it.  There's a sign on the desk at the Aux access point that pretty much implies that we're all out to lunch, when in reality there are only two that are out to lunch and those are the boys upstairs.  As my Uncle Crisler would have said "I've been to lots of rodeos and any number of goat ropin's but I ain't NEVER seen anything like this."  You've got people wandering around in the yard with their containment shorts on cause they're changing in and out in their own trailers and if you need to go poopie at night you get to go in the pitch black porta potties with the spiders and snakes, stand in puddles of urine and try to do your business.  And get this...Beevis just found out yesterday that this nasty business is going to happen again in the spring!  Nahhhh.  We'll still be doing this one!

yuffie_2000us

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #25 on: Sep 12, 2004, 09:34 »
Sure sounds like things are crazy there. I have not been there since 1983. It was a great place then. Good people and plenty of places to rest. In containment they used to have low dose waiting areas to sleep in if you were on stand-by or things were just slow. I hope you guys get a break there. Now I am glad the place staffed early and I could not get in.  Just make the best of it you can and dont get hurt. Good luck to all up there.

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #26 on: Sep 12, 2004, 09:53 »
Yes, things sure are different.  I noticed that for the last 3 days Beevis has gone in the building in the morning and soon after came out looking REALLY ticked off.  I'm sure that he keeps going in with hopes of finding the drywell and like soooo many men, just won't stop and ask for directions.

radmama

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #27 on: Sep 14, 2004, 02:24 »
Things have changed here a great deal in the last year - RP management isn't what it used to be, unfortunately.  But then total plant management has changed drastically also.  Morale is at an all-time low, people are continually searching for new jobs, almost every group has organized, including our engineers!  Worker bees are treated as second class citizens.  We are management top heavy and eventually, the top will fall. I'm constantly looking for other opportunities..........and I used to love my job here!  This outage should prove to be interesting, to say the least.  Wish us well - or send sympathy cards!

ramdog_1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #28 on: Sep 14, 2004, 07:35 »
is not PI part of the fleet of what is it NMC? I thought all of you were on big happy fam!  just a question ? any ways I used to be a palisadies part of the flleet as will .
good luck.

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #29 on: Sep 14, 2004, 09:22 »
Yes, Prairie Island is part of NMC which to most of the tech's here stands for 'Nazi Management Corporation'.  We're starting to think that Butthead's goal is to work us till we drop.  It's very effective, too.  We're only 3 days into the outage and someone has gone down everyday so far from heat stress.  Not just tech's either.  Even the most seasoned heat lovers are coming out with shaky legs.  When Butthead noticed that a tech in the breakroom was sitting there with soaking wet clothes, he asked the fellow where he had been.  The tech replied that he had been in the cavity and Butthead wanted to know if that was the cavity in containment.  I haven't noticed any sink holes in the parking lot lately.  Hopefully, he's just distracted with thoughts of where he might send his resume to next week.  We can only hope.

gatornorm1958

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #30 on: Sep 15, 2004, 09:18 »
This management reminds me of the tight farmer that has a field that requires 2 mules to plow but only buys one to save money, and then beats that one to get more work out of it. One of two things will happen: a) the mule falls over dead from exhaustion, b) the mule kicks you. If the mule falls over dead I hope it kicks them on the way down.

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #31 on: Sep 16, 2004, 02:19 »
    Next rumor, heard second hand:  Barney was talking to a laborer who was stocking PC's, and this laborer had segregated the right and left hand gloves so the workers wouldn't have to search for each one.  Everyone there thought Barney would praise this worker, since this has been a problem with the company doing laundry only sending lefts or rights in one bag, and the workers having to turn them inside out to get both.  But Barney told the laborer not to do that again because we don't care to make it easy on the workers.
    This seems to be the way of this outage; we don't want to make it easy on you.  Well, they are getting their pound of flesh and pint of blood alright.  Imagine this:  It is 80 some degrees with high humidity, you have just put on about 20 pounds of clothes, and you go into the aux building to go to containment.  You have to climb up about 7 flights of stairs (104 steps, yes they have been counted by numerous people) to go from the dress out facility to get to the containment step off pad.  The site has made it clear that workers are not allowed to use the elevator in the aux building.
    It is only day 6 of the outage, and I don't know of a single HP who will return in the spring.  If there is one out there, he or she must be a glutton for punishment.
« Last Edit: Sep 16, 2004, 02:35 by roadhp »
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

deskjockey

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #32 on: Sep 17, 2004, 12:21 »
The time has come for the road tech to step up to the plate and finally say what is on their mind.  For this has become a road show that has gone bad.  I am counting my time until the next job brings me to a more lucrative situation.  House is leaving and road is thinking about staying.  What more can be said about a bad situation.  I believe Fred is clueless about PWRs and Barney is arogent enough to believe he can run the show.  By the way Barney was a member of the barganing unit for the engineers (one of the ones who was fighting for a contract).  He bailed for a better paying job to enhance his career even thought he had no experiece.  For those of us who know better this mean I have a background (6 yrs Navy (ELT)) in radcon and can make all kinds of decisions and be good at it.  OHHHH BY THE WAY I WAS THE S/G ENGINEER FOR YEARS AND KNOW EVERY THING.  Thing will improve at PI but the when is seriously in question.  Will new management help, I think not but the hope is alway there.  This has alway been a great place to work and the people (workers only) have been great.  I am sad to see this change but it should have been expected given the NMC is running the show.  They are an operating company and have no assets that I know of to make them care.  The employee is not an assest to them only a means to fill their pockets.  The outage will go on with or without the road tech, love them or leave them.

out 

duke99301

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #33 on: Sep 17, 2004, 10:06 »
So ok we know people are not happy But how is the SGRP going and are they doing ok?

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #34 on: Sep 17, 2004, 09:48 »
Am not a spokesman for Prairie Island, so cannot say for sure.  It sure is an anthill here, and things are getting done.  SGT will probably get the keys sometime next week, and that scares some of us.  Will they run over us or can we keep control of radcon concerns?  There are doubts that we can do that without giving the keys to a group whose sole interest is getting the job done on or ahead of time, no matter what.  Those of us in the trenches will do our duty and put our finger in the dike hoping the waves don't wash us away.  Wish us luck.
    Oh, and by the way, I just saw the Engineers Union sign saying unfair not too far from the access road, right where everyone can see it who leaves or enters Prairie Island, and I don't know if it is new, in which case, "Houston, we have a problem."  I don't think that all of these SGT union workers would cross a picket line, but I won't, no matter what certain people in high places say in my place.
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

kissup

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #35 on: Sep 17, 2004, 10:36 »
The sign for the engineers has been up for a while now and they have supposedly reach an agreement.  The outage seems to be going alright so far nothing major happening beside scaffoldling, sheildling, and insulation going on.  HPs seem to be a little happier and we actually have a little cooler air since the equipment hatch is open.  Safety meeting a joke it was about heat stress (stay time of 80 minutes while HP's have three hours)  its obvious that we dont work.  We didnt get checks on time, but we did get some nice bright yellow hard hats instead.    Life in PI seems to be getting better we actually have a midsize fridge and coffee maker and everybody seems to be over the initial shock of the outage.  SGT and HPs seem to be getting along nicely. Management is trying to be nice to us which is great.  Stay tune for the second week of outage.  One day behind

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #36 on: Sep 19, 2004, 04:02 »
HELLO..........

It would seem that the preNMC management has taken over again here at PI.  They have come to see that NMC and their flunkies have totally blown the great name that was once Prairie Island and are now in the process of damage control.  Thank God for small favors.  The contract HP's now have a fairly decent break area.  They are hoping for better break times for those in containmnet but unfortunately, due to house tech management mentality, it's pretty much a pipe dream.  Out of the 125 tech's that were ordered up for an operation of this sort, management hired 80.  At least 1/3 will be leaving within 30 days for other outages and the rest will be worked to death.

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #37 on: Sep 19, 2004, 07:41 »
It sounds like the typical outage of today!  Half Staffed, Piss Poor Compensation, Lousy Benefits, Zero Respect and so on!  Wait till that thirty days rolls around, if you lose 33% the staff, consider yourself lucky!  My guess would be at least 50% DRF, when the generator are out and pipe ends deconned!  You don't need a lot of techs to weld new stuff and reload the pot!

10 week outage = 5 weeks of work, it's the new contract company math!

Best of Luck, RG!

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #38 on: Sep 20, 2004, 06:45 »
My, what a difference a day makes.  A new schedule, fewer techs sitting in containment, better attitude, and I haven't seen Fred in days.  I guess he or someone finally got the message.  Things here are better, just wonder how long they will last.  It is, after all, Monday morning, and things have a tendency to change when the big guns come back after a weekend.
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

Offline starving_dog

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #39 on: Sep 23, 2004, 11:25 »
So the ISI is eating your lunch.  How is everything else going during your outage?

Is the safety good?

This a Steam Generator Replacement Outage and there are a whole lot of things going on that you have probably not seen before.
There are the Habs, and the Hab nots.

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #40 on: Sep 25, 2004, 10:02 »
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the outage, Hurricane Fred strikes again.  He was seen at the gate, comparing gate times with the times logged in the time book and the official time sheet.  Bad thing is, he did it only to one shift, and only on the way out, so then we caught hell the next morning.  We were told what times to put in the book to take credit of the hours we are here, but now we have to check and see what time is on the gate when we come in and not leave until 12.5 hours later if we want to get credit for 12. 
    Personally, I think that Fred is trying to do whatever it takes to get rid of Bartlett and bring in one of the other vendors that he is used to dealing with.  He has already let us know what he thinks of Bartlett.  I guess that he is trying to drive the techs away so Bartlett can't staff the outage next time and the backup will have to staff.
    What he doesn't realize is that techs work for the company that pays, and Numanco, Atlantic Group, and Bartlett, as well as all the other companies out there, draw from the same pool of techs, although some techs, like me, have a tendency to go with one company just for consistency.  If he drives techs away from one company, he may not be able to staff with any company.  But it is his ball of wax.  I was just to the point of reviewing my options as far as PI's spring outage, but forget that. 
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

Offline Already Gone

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #41 on: Sep 26, 2004, 04:35 »
Checking the gate log is the hallmark of the novice manager.  When someone is elevated to a position of authority, it is usually for one of two reasons - he is qualified for the job, or it was just his turn.  A manager who is qualified knows how to get the best and the most out of his people.  The unqualified manager tries to wring out more by force.
There is no point in guessing which manager gets the better result.    Maybe someone will give this guy some indispensible advice - If you insist that everyone does exactly as you tell them, they will and you'll never overcome it.  But, if you treat people like adults, they will act like adults.  If you give people trust and respect, they will earn it.
I wouldn't worry too much about this guy.  If everything posted here about him is true, he won't be there much longer.  You don't fire the players when they lose; you fire the coach.
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Offline Roll Tide

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #42 on: Sep 27, 2004, 12:35 »
Checking the gate log is the hallmark of the novice manager. 

I saw that played out with an interesting result at one site. The Manager expressed his intention to check the gate log, and the Chief Job Steward explained that the gate times were not accurate, nor did they need to be accurate to accomplish their desired function.

Not wanting to get in a dispute over that issue, the Chief Job Steward agreed that gate time could be used with this requirement: every bargaining member would be paid based on their gate times in and out for the full quarter. The steward would not accept weeks, days, or only specific individuals.

Needless to say, corporate management explained to this manager why this would be a "BAD" idea. Pity, I would have brought in quite a bit of extra money!
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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #43 on: Sep 30, 2004, 11:05 »
Outage is under way, and it is a cluster f---. Am not an hp, am Mech. Supt. for one of the contracters, and would just like to say THANX to all the HP's out here at PI for the excellent support that they are giving my men in the Aux. Bldg. No it is hectic and those of us that use u for support we appreciate it. Thanks and hopefully some of the techs from here will come to my next outage at Palo and give us the same great support. Thanks again Hawk095 ;

Oly

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #44 on: Oct 04, 2004, 11:18 »
Was initially impressed to see the home office folks stop by for a visit. Was unimpressed that they were under escort.  The outage continues like any other, as many of you out there know. Trying to herd cats has become a way of life for some of us and it never gets easier.

What the hell was I thinking.......

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #45 on: Oct 08, 2004, 12:43 »
It's so nice to know that our RPM is aware of what is really important.  He was making a tour of the Rad Waste Building a few days ago, when he came upon a couple of young men throwing bags into the back of a trailer.  He stopped them and asked "What is the most important thing to keep in mind this outage?"  After much thought, one young man with much confidence answered, "SAFETY!"  At that point, the RPM said, "NO!  IT'S LAUNDRY!"  I had to wonder who was paying attention in training.  I also had to wonder what I would have said if I had been in the same situation.  After hearing what the
RPM thought was important, the best I could come up with was "POT LUCK DINNERS!"  If nothing else, we do eat well.  After hearing the previous response I knew there was no real wrong answer...other than LAUNDRY!

HPTech419

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #46 on: Oct 18, 2004, 09:21 »
I wonder if we could call "merry maids" for this messy problem that has been discovered in our new generators.  We did a little FOSAR and found that both generators have an unusually LARGE amount of debris in them.  It looks like someone put a vacuum hose inside, set it to blow and tried to fill the inside of each one with metal shavings, dirt and anything else that happened to be laying around.  SGT claims they've never had a problem like this before.  If that's the case, they might want some suggestions as to how they can get all that extra material out.  :'(  Updates to come. 

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #47 on: Oct 20, 2004, 01:54 »
I was an bni hp tech at PI in 97 and 98
and ya know it was a  very different kinda plant but OK .
we did things fast and easy ,small ,friendly staff and super labor/decon support.
maybe things will turn around for the better,if not we still have the memories.

good luck richard and cathy and the whole hp team.
"JUST WIN BABY"

Iowa_HP

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #48 on: Oct 20, 2004, 05:31 »
Good Luck to all @ PI....I hate to hear about conditions up there. I had always heard that it was a great place to work. Give it your best and your next outage will be right in front of you. Have a safe outage.

Offline mitch

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #49 on: Oct 24, 2004, 02:52 »
I too was up there working with arizonie. We had a good crew but some nuttie supervisors like Jack Early..... and Jerry Malonowski who looks just like Kramer from Sienfeld. It was the coldest I felt and going to the Mall of America was fun with friends. I too hope things settle down up there. RPM Al seemed to be pretty good people as well. Maybe I'll get back there again someday.

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #50 on: Oct 26, 2004, 08:53 »
ok ok some one tell me about the SGRP how is it going>?

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #51 on: Oct 26, 2004, 12:15 »
From what I heard, not well...the generators have FME issues, the techs are being laid off, the welds are not passing...but that is just the scuttlebutt.  by the way, mitch, al is not the RPM anymore, which is where all of the problems are coming from as far as the HP's are concerned.
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #52 on: Oct 29, 2004, 03:52 »
yes but what is going on are the old gennys out and is the FME work down are they ready to start setting hte new jennys?

Hawk095

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #53 on: Oct 31, 2004, 11:40 »
Old jennys are out new jennys are in and welded tgether, Still looks like an anthill in containment, but getting there, r 10 days behind schedule but starting to wrap up. Be glad when done 56 days in on plant is too long. Update later 8)

ramdog_1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #54 on: Nov 01, 2004, 08:05 »
56 days not bad. who rembers when 92 days was the norm?
of cousre PI was always doing short outages abck in the old days.
GL all

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #55 on: Nov 12, 2004, 06:28 »
Just a quick update, almost done here, mode 5 now and loking to hit mode 4
in the next couple days.  It has been a long one and most are glad its about over.
The new NMC HP mgmt still doesn't have a clue, the Hp's have been busy
but they kept laying em off until the Plt mgr stepped in, then they tried
blaming the site coord!  Luckily he had all the e-mails telling him to get rid
of folks!  (always keep your rear covered).
I will miss some of the house techs and wish them luck as I doubt I'll be back
anytime soon.

ramdog_1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #56 on: Nov 14, 2004, 12:08 »
hoiw many days over did they go?

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #57 on: Nov 14, 2004, 07:33 »
Felchie,

That's a crying shame about PI.  They get rid of one nice guy and one _ickhead and replaced them with a couple of ---- well anyway, I'm glad I decided to be a bum all fall. 8)

Later
« Last Edit: Nov 14, 2004, 07:35 by Sledhead »

runnindumbass

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #58 on: Dec 02, 2004, 08:03 »
Worst RPM ever, what a runnindumbass!! Where in the hell did they get that guy? And what about the polish one? Did he just fall off the turnip truck or what? House techs, some where OK but it was the Bartlett Techs that made that outage. The night shift crew were GREAT! THANKS to all!!!!!

Oly

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #59 on: Dec 19, 2004, 05:41 »
 >:(

Bad Kitty!!!!  You won't belive some of the latest messiness. It was a treat to see you again. Hope to see you again in the spring!

Have a happy holiday!

nucleardave55

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #60 on: Jan 09, 2005, 07:00 »
Thanks to all the Aux. building nightshift techs I worked with. Had a great time, and enjoyed every moment. As far as management was concerned, I have been dealt alot worse in life than they could ever throw at me; and my broad shoulders can carry. Take care, see you all somewhere down the path of life. Dave ;)

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Re: Prairie Island Contracts
« Reply #61 on: Jan 26, 2006, 10:30 »
I am curious on who is handling the health physics/decon work at Praire Island.

vikingfan

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Re: Prairie Island Contracts
« Reply #62 on: Jan 27, 2006, 07:37 »
nukemom,

    The Atlanticgroup has the hp and decon staffing contracts. you can reach them at 800-332-0058 or 888-605-0272 hope this helps.

RADBASTARD

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #63 on: Mar 20, 2006, 12:53 »
I got some friends going to prairie island and the want to know how it is to work?
Is it a nice place to work or is it a living hell,I have no clue to tell them?
Also is there an RV park close to the plant?

Offline Already Gone

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #64 on: Mar 20, 2006, 08:18 »
Thanks GWB.  I fixed my post.  Paradise Island was my nickname for the plant.  I guess it ain't so anymore.
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Information about Praire Island
« Reply #65 on: Mar 22, 2006, 07:05 »
I am inquiring on who handles the decon/hp services at Praire Island. Having a hard time finding this information out. I would appreciate any help. As of right now I know Atlantic doesn't handle it and that Bartlett might but that they take union dues from the employees checks as it is union. I know I have asked before but am wondering if anyone still may know for sure. Thanks for the help.

Oly

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #66 on: Mar 22, 2006, 07:16 »
Since I'm at home and THE MAN can't tell me what to do here, lemme tell ya somethin'!

GW Badkitty is right - if you just come in do as your told, don't violate "procedures", realize that those of us who try here are very frustrated  :-[ - you'll be fine.

Nothing done here is personal in nature and I'd like to keep it that way :-X

The RV park should be open #is 651-388-6300. There are RVs parked there now even with all the snow ;D

Oly

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Re: Information about Praire Island
« Reply #67 on: Mar 22, 2006, 07:30 »
As a housemouse and an IBEW steward, let me assure you we (IBEW) do NOT take any money for union dues. Atlantic Group handles the contract staff for NMC. Check the regionIII talk about forum.
« Last Edit: Mar 22, 2006, 07:36 by Oly »

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #68 on: Mar 29, 2006, 08:15 »
When does PI's outage start and how many days is it suppose to be? Thanks for any info

Oly

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #69 on: Mar 29, 2006, 09:14 »
Shut down is 4/29. First arrivals are 4/10/06. Scheduled 35 day RFO, Rx head replacement.

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #70 on: Mar 30, 2006, 04:25 »
Thanks for the info. I just got an email and they said April 28 thru June 1st. Waiting to hear if I'm going their for this outage.

depthafield

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Simulator Maintenance
« Reply #71 on: May 01, 2006, 12:12 »
Does anyone have a point of contact for the maintenance of the plant simulator at either Monticello or Prairie Island?  I’m a Flt. Sim. Tech, but would like to apply for a position at a nuclear power plant sim.

Many thanks in advance for any information you might have.   

evil-leprachaun

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #72 on: May 11, 2006, 01:41 »
NMC UPDATE

Prairie Island addresses containment issue

May 10, 2006

Prairie Island has been in the news this week because of an incident that occurred last week at the plant. Unit 1 is in the midst of a refueling outage.

As workers were preparing on May 2 for planned work on the Unit 1 steam generators, an inadvertent release of airborne radioactive contaminants into the containment building prompted a halt to work and workers exited the building. Approximately 110 workers in the containment building at the time were exposed to very low doses of radiation; none was contaminated. There was no release outside the building.

NMC officials said plant operators had anticipated higher levels of radiation as a result of a small fuel failure and had prepared to mitigate with filters and ventilation. The mitigation, however, was not as effective as it should have been. As a result, once elevated levels of radiation were detected in the containment building, work was stopped and every precaution was taken to safeguard the workers.

As noted, average worker exposure levels were low—between 0 and 15 millirem. The highest was 25 millirem. For comparison, an X-ray is about 10 millirem; a mammogram is about 30.

Workers in the containment area wear protective clothing as part of routine protective safety requirements. Following the increase in radiation levels, workers removed their protective clothing per routine procedure when they left containment, and they then were monitored.

Follow up monitoring was scheduled as appropriate and the workers were released to go home. The issue was corrected and work was resumed within 12 hours.

A report about the incident from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) resident inspector at Prairie Island was posted Monday (May eighth) on the NRC’s Web site, and it resulted in substantial coverage by the news media. NMC officials say they did not publicize the event earlier because it posed no danger to the public.

« Last Edit: May 11, 2006, 01:59 by Roll Tide »

Melrose

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #73 on: May 11, 2006, 07:37 »
NMC UPDATE

Prairie Island addresses containment issue

May 10, 2006

Prairie Island has been in the news this week because of an incident that occurred last week at the plant. Unit 1 is in the midst of a refueling outage.

As workers were preparing on May 2 for planned work on the Unit 1 steam generators, an inadvertent release of airborne radioactive contaminants into the containment building prompted a halt to work and workers exited the building. Approximately 110 workers in the containment building at the time were exposed to very low doses of radiation; none was contaminated. There was no release outside the building.

NMC officials said plant operators had anticipated higher levels of radiation as a result of a small fuel failure and had prepared to mitigate with filters and ventilation. The mitigation, however, was not as effective as it should have been. As a result, once elevated levels of radiation were detected in the containment building, work was stopped and every precaution was taken to safeguard the workers.

As noted, average worker exposure levels were low—between 0 and 15 millirem. The highest was 25 millirem. For comparison, an X-ray is about 10 millirem; a mammogram is about 30.

Workers in the containment area wear protective clothing as part of routine protective safety requirements. Following the increase in radiation levels, workers removed their protective clothing per routine procedure when they left containment, and they then were monitored.

Follow up monitoring was scheduled as appropriate and the workers were released to go home. The issue was corrected and work was resumed within 12 hours.

A report about the incident from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) resident inspector at Prairie Island was posted Monday (May eighth) on the NRC’s Web site, and it resulted in substantial coverage by the news media. NMC officials say they did not publicize the event earlier because it posed no danger to the public.



Sounds like a routine Outage, hardly fits the term "'incident".  Everytime a valve is breached there's a chance of release of airborne contaminants.
Workers evacuated due to bad air?  Not stated....but did CTMT monitors alarm? If so, then what kind?  Rad or Contam.
110 workers in CTMT were exposed to low levels of radiation.... let's see, this is a PWR, low levels sounds normal.  If they were in CTMT then they would certainly be exposed to radiation, where's the news?
How did OPs plan to mitigate higher levels of radiation with filters and ventilation?  Odd.....
Again, are they talking radiation or contamination?
0-15mRem per dive seems about normal outage work in CTMT.  the highest was 25mRem....WOW...talk about "burn 'em and turn 'em".

Now, really.. sounds like someone reporting the news has no clue what he/she is saying.
If workers actually picked up in excess of 30mRem exposure due to airborne contaminants that would mean that their CTMT was ~12DAC. Hmmm 
I suspect that this is prob the case considering the continued monitoring.

Plant news reps should really better explain situations in order to better educate the public/news.  Maybe more clarity will occur after the mud settles.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2006, 07:41 by Melrose »

Offline TENN-1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #74 on: May 12, 2006, 10:36 »
The clip does sound like a utility attempting to put its' best foot forward. NRC.gov has an interesting article under "Current Events". Look in the archieved section, possibly May 2nd +/- a day. The facts are more clear but the technical aspects, i.e. Radiological Postings, DAC values, and ventilation specifics are not crystal clear. Good luck.
Things come to those who wait, but usually it's stuff left over from those who hustle!

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #75 on: May 15, 2006, 03:08 »
Just another shinning example of the outstanding RPM that they have at Prairie Island.  Just wondering who he will blame for this latest mishap?
That's not nice.

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #76 on: May 15, 2006, 06:07 »
   :o But True ::)  Probably tried to beat their best record for time at midloop again...always a gas :P
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Offline Roll Tide

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #77 on: May 16, 2006, 08:29 »
I would hope the RPM isn't the one determining time at midloop. There is certainly a place for his input into the schedule, but the worst outages I have seen anywhere are with the wrong group dictating the schedule.
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Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #78 on: May 16, 2006, 12:16 »
I would hope the RPM isn't the one determining time at midloop. There is certainly a place for his input into the schedule, but the worst outages I have seen anywhere are with the wrong group dictating the schedule.

The point isn't that the RPM dictates the schedule, but rolls over when the schedule presented should be challenged due to radiological concerns, and bad fuel is certainly a concern.  Prairie Island used to be a decent plant until NMC took over, but from a tech point of view it is the same as usual...recover and get the blame for higher ups decisions.
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

runnindumbass

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #79 on: May 16, 2006, 08:33 »
The point isn't that the RPM dictates the schedule, but rolls over when the schedule presented should be challenged due to radiological concerns, and bad fuel is certainly a concern.  Prairie Island used to be a decent plant until NMC took over, but from a tech point of view it is the same as usual...recover and get the blame for higher ups decisions.

RPM dictate the schedule!!! I don't think he even looks at one!! You haven't lived until you've met this guy! :)  He really needs to go back where he came from. There so far behind here anyway and he's just making it worse.

Offline Mike McFarlin

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Re: Prarie Island
« Reply #80 on: Jun 17, 2006, 09:31 »
Prairie Island, StagHead is the best!
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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #81 on: Jul 20, 2006, 02:30 »
i did hear about that incident while it was happening..a friend called me that night and told me people were lined up in containment with numbers on them waiting to get out.niceeeeeeeeeeee..i heard the line went all the way back to the elevator in containment..i know i know ..hearsay..but all the same...< gets out my Big Chief Indian tablet and pencil to scratch PI off my to do list>>>
It is better to light one small candle..than to curse the darkness

Offline Lorrie Henson

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #82 on: Jul 20, 2006, 03:20 »
My husband was there too. 

Offline nuke_girl

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #83 on: Jul 20, 2006, 11:53 »
ok ok ok i prolly heard it was the stairs...it has been awhile anddddd i was on my own outage at the time  lolol i told you it was hearsay lol..but all in all did it happen like that??
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jgpwest

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #84 on: Jul 21, 2006, 07:35 »
I was in one of these lines...it sucked >:(

Offline Lorrie Henson

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #85 on: Jul 21, 2006, 09:25 »
It was the first uptake my husband has ever had.  Was not a good situation at all.

Lorrie

Oly

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #86 on: Jul 27, 2006, 06:12 »
Say it with me: "Duct tape is NOT a fastener"!  :-X

Offline nuke_girl

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #87 on: Jul 28, 2006, 12:05 »
ok ok  scince you insist..duct tape is not a fastener..and heyyyyyyyy why you cuttin me out with a chain sawwwwwwwww..lolol lmao

ps.. duct tape IS a good gum holder while ya doin ya 2 in..also..can easily be turned into a makeshift madonnna bra over PC's..not that ive ever done it lololol ;)
It is better to light one small candle..than to curse the darkness

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #88 on: Jul 28, 2006, 06:51 »
duct tape can easily be turned into a makeshift madonnna bra over PC's
Don't let INS/Unitec hear you saying that, they hate people that apply duct tape to PC's.

maggie352000

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #89 on: Aug 20, 2006, 10:25 »
 :(  Went for the first time this Spring. I am in no hurry to go back. Sometimes we were thrown into something that we knew nothing about what was going on. Some rude a..holes. Had always heard good stuff. Not now.

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #90 on: Aug 22, 2006, 04:03 »
i was at the may-june 06 outage also w/ dayshift hp.(fourth trip)

small but great house  hp staff(<15).get ready to hustle.

yes maggie i agree communication needs inprovement.

since  nmc has bid out most of the maint scope to westinghouse and atlantic the sheer number of rad workers has exploded making hp's job harder.

and since it was atlantic rs first trip there the hp returnee rate was much lower than usual.

in the old days things were simpler / smoother.

non rv lodging can be a bit difficult nearby i stayed in lake city 30 miles south.

if your a first timer or jr / 18.1 tech it can be overwhelming sometimes.

i will consider returning....
"JUST WIN BABY"

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #91 on: Aug 22, 2006, 04:13 »
Worked a bunch of outages there in the 70's and early 80's, including what was the world's shortest refueling ( 19 days) in 1978. The techs were all great (all 12 of them) it was THE place to work. The last time there was 1990 and the staff had grown and management was still pretty good. Now all I hear is VERY negative especially since A.J. has retired. It is amazing how things change with time (and management) the good places turn into bad and the bad can be turned around into good places.
For some of us long timers it is especially painfull to hear of the demise of Prairie Island.

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Re: Prarie Island
« Reply #92 on: Oct 19, 2006, 06:25 »
Heading to PI on the 6th of November, does anyone know of some good lodging in Red Wing? Hastings, even? 
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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #93 on: Nov 22, 2006, 10:39 »
Well, they  did it again.  Lost containment ~50 body counts, baselines for everybody, (for those who don't know what that is, PI has friskalls, and they print out what levels it sees, and have a "buffer" if that's not exceeded then they are let out of the RCA)  Everybody is having de' ja' vu! 

Cathy

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #94 on: Nov 23, 2006, 09:22 »
Making and educated GUESS, since I am not there, I would say they probably lifted the head, filled the cavity fast (they do not fill their lower cavity first so you get a nice steaming waterfall effect) and didn't put the cavity cover on. Now, this is just a guess, anybody care to share how it happened?

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #95 on: Nov 23, 2006, 09:49 »
Or they started the recirc ventilation before the head was skirted like they have done many times in the past.  The exhaust duct blows right under the head stand.
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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #96 on: Nov 23, 2006, 10:29 »
Or they lifted the head and passed it right in front of that other ventillation duct again without turning the fan off.
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HAIRDUDE

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #97 on: Nov 24, 2006, 11:18 »
Ooooohhh ... Close but no cigar. Head was lifted, placed on head stand. Air sample a little while after that was still clean (I ran through the CHARMS Database and confirmed it). Cavity cover didn't go on for a while and in the interum, the upper internals dried out and there was a Cobalt 58 excursion. Only 2 of the body counts showed any Iodine and 1 showed a little Cobalt 60. The average uptake (42 in total) had a CEDE of 4mr or less. Really not as big a deal as it was last time.

Yup ... Cover should have gone on sooner but there were crane availability issues.

Yup ... Should'a kept the upper internals wet.

But then again, I'm playin' Monday Morning Quarterback on this one. I was in my office in the Ivory Tower drinkin' coffee and crunchin' numbers when it went down. I didn't know about it 'til my phone started ringin'. I'm sure the techs in there were doin' their best. Stuff happens. I don't think this should in any way reflect on the prowess of the RP techs workin' in Containment when it happened. They're all a great bunch and deserve a big 'att'a boy right now. We are currently more than 6 Rem under our dose goal for the outage to date and work is on schedule. I made the goal pretty challenging ... 55 Rem total ... and they are beating even that. I give a great deal of the credit for that to the techs, both contract and house, being pretty damn good at what they do. My hat's off to them.

Offline RRhoads

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #98 on: Nov 24, 2006, 01:38 »
seems like a lot of wasted resources for a step that should not be missed.
While you can't get around crane "issues"...keeping it wet is a no brainer.
but anyway, let the monday morning QB'ing begin. You'll get better after you get your 1st outage under your belt :P

Japetto

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #99 on: Nov 26, 2006, 08:48 »
Well, the latest and greatest.  They had a total of 5 techs leave due to the way that PI runs business.  Sounds like the ECP may get involved, and there's rumors of talk with the boys with the eagles on their hats.  I guess you can only get away with running things shady for so long before people decide to speak up. 

duke99301

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #100 on: Dec 05, 2006, 05:49 »
this is the best place I ever been in a long time.
you should see the view from my office wow. great plant and people.
« Last Edit: Dec 12, 2006, 09:31 by Marlin »

JsonD13

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #101 on: Dec 06, 2006, 03:57 »
I was thinking of trying to get in there when I get out of the Navy (which is a while a way, but im preparing).  How is the HP/Rad Protection life there?  I am working on my M.S. in HP right now, so I'm looking at a CHP type job.

Jason

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #102 on: Dec 08, 2006, 03:23 »
Give me a yell when you are ready to get out, I'm an SM here and can put you in touch with the right people.

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #103 on: Dec 10, 2006, 06:38 »
Hairdude,

I know your plant is one of the oldest in the country and on a tight budget, but maybe your site should check into some of those Continuous Air Monitors, (CAM's).  I saw a couple for sale on Ebay.

I was also interested in the definition of "A little while after"?  Apparently a little while after, a little while after, it wasn't so clean!  42 uptakes, I heard your outage in the spring had well over 100!  Looks like your management has raised the bar to a new industry standard few will be able to break, but then again it's been a long time since I've heard of anything so irresponsible in the industry.

Hey, I just thought of a T-Shirt logo you can use,” PINGS"!

Of Course PINGS stands for Particulate, Iodine & Nobel Gas Supplier!

Kind of catchy, you betcha!

RG

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #104 on: Dec 10, 2006, 01:07 »
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE forgive me for being pedantic.  I don't mean to, but this is one of my pet peeves.  We, as Health Physics/Radiation Protection Professionals, should use correct terminology when discussing issues related to radiation.
My point is that I take exception to the use of the word "uptake" in the previous post.  It appears that RG is referring to incidents of internal deposition of radioactive contamination.  The correct term for this is "intake".  The two terms are not interchangeable.  Uptake refers to the absorption or deposition of radioactive material into an organ where it will reside until it is eliminated by some biological process, radioactive decay, or both.
Material which is inhaled or ingested may be eliminated through exhalation, expectoration, or passage through the digestive tract without ever being deposited in the critical organ.
As techs. we are primarily employed to  prevent the intakes.  Uptakes are the business of the Health Physicists whose job requires them to calculate CEDE's and stuff like that there.
Again, I apologize for being so picky.  It's just that the misuse of the term "uptake" is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
« Last Edit: Dec 10, 2006, 01:08 by BeerCourt »
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RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #105 on: Dec 11, 2006, 04:26 »
Beercourt,

Didn't mean to bust on one of your pet peeves!  We all have them!  As Health Physics/Radiological Professionals, one has to realize the inherent dangers associated with pedantic logic, (I read it, so it must be right)!  Our industry promotes the values of abstract thinking, or knowing when something is incorrect, in writing or not!  Sometime even as rudimentary as a gut feeling!  Actually your pet peeve was triggered by a term echoed from a previous posting.  Therefore I can not validate the actual use of the term "uptake"; it may, or may not be correct.   

Sorry, Moderate Away and Have a Great Day............RG! 


wlrun3@aol.com

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #106 on: Dec 11, 2006, 07:22 »
   "According to ICRP 30, f1 is the fraction of an ingested radionuclide reaching the blood. An intake is that amount of radioactive material taken into the body. An uptake is that amount of the material which  is taken up systematically (in the bloodstream). The retention fraction (f1) is that amount of the uptake which is retained by the blood or body fluids." Datachem Software Inc., CHPprep V2.2, question #760.

     

Offline Marlin

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #107 on: Dec 11, 2006, 09:02 »
We are drifting off topic. Would you like this split this out into HP pet peeves? It looks like it has enough legs for a new thread.

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #108 on: Dec 11, 2006, 01:44 »
There is, of course, a reason why this particular "pet peeve" made it into this thread.  It doesn't matter who started it, but discussion degenerates into rumor-spreading and gossip when the discussion includes incorrect facts.  Someone, at some point, suggested that there were 42 uptakes at some outage or another and over 100 at some other.  Since an uptake is a more serious thing than an intake or a face contamination, it suggests events far more serious. 
I have reread Hairdude's previous post and find that he referred to 42 uptakes.  Since he also mentions that a CEDE was assigned to these, it appears that he is using the term correctly.
I'm a little surprised to see that there were so many people in containment during such an event, but it's not like the old days when you could evacuate containment to perform these evolutions.
SECONDLY - I would like to point out that the post to which I objected seemed to be aimed at criticizing Prairie Island Management for allowing so many uptakes.  The tone appeared to be purely one of sarcasm intended to ridicule.  I would remind the poster that there is absolutely no correlation between any particular number of uptakes, or intakes, and bad Radiation Protection management.  It has been acceptible under the current regulations to allow internal exposures as long as the TEDE is maintained ALARA.  Not that I like the idea of allowing internal contamination that could be avoided, but I didn't get to vote on the new 10CFR20.
While it is possible that the 42 or 100 cases may have been entirely unintentional and avoidable, the mere fact that they occurred is not evidence of mismanagement at all.  Since the CEDE's were 4 mR or less, the uptakes in question were hardly a matter for calling in the feds.

There is no need to slam anyone for doing something that is perfectly legal and of so little consequence.  BTW, the continuous air monitors that are for sale on eBay wouldn't have prevented the problem - they would have just made it noisier.
« Last Edit: Dec 11, 2006, 02:03 by BeerCourt »
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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #109 on: Dec 12, 2006, 04:47 »
Yo Beercourt - sometimes I wonder how you poop when your butt gets that tight....  ;)

This end of the thread is an indication of the real theory knowledge level of some of the folks in our biz....
« Last Edit: Dec 12, 2006, 08:20 by pet_snake »
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Remember that you will die, and that this day is a gift. Remember how you wish to live, may the blessing of the Lord be with you

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #110 on: Dec 12, 2006, 09:59 »
Hey lighten up on BeerCourt, he is what he is, and as he mentions he can even remember when they would have essential only crew in containment for head lifts etc.
Getting back on topic in regard to PI, they have followed the course of the industry. They were the best plant in the country in the 70's even set the world record for the shortest commercial refueling in 1978. (It was a fun outage 19 days)
But as time passes things and people change (and retire) so in 30 years I have seen the good plants turn bad  and the bad turn good.
If you cannot coexist with plant management for the 3-5 weeks of an outage all you have to do is scratch that plant off the list and pick another place to meet new friends.

Nuclear Hooker

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #111 on: Dec 12, 2006, 10:36 »
BeerCourt, you are right....to a point.  Yes the 4 mr =dose is dose is dose.  BUT, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things.  Prairie Island has chosen the WRONG way many times this year, starting with last outage, and picking up where they left off this outage.  Management wouldn't listen to us techs, the ones that do NOTHING but outages year round.  They viewed us as "kids" that didn't know what we were talking about.  I requested an early layoff due to the fact that I couldn't do my job as an HP.  We, as Radiation Protection are supposed to be PROTECTING the workers.  I couldn't do that at P.I. because the Management wouldn't allow us to.  In Fact, one of the level ones there, (Level ones are lead techs for those who don't know) stopped a job.  He was yelled at by RP Management and told "You don't stop any work without my approval"  Another level one told the OCC that they couldn't do a job because it was unsafe.  The OCC over-rode them once again and made sure the job got done.  I could go on and on.  I spent over 2 hours with employee concerns before I left.  The plant is a toilet plain and simple.  The techs that stayed, I don't blame them, people need to work.  But, I can't put blinders on, just go in and collect a paycheck every Thurs.....and have any self worth.  Like I stated before, We are Radiation Protection, not Production, and the R.P. department isn't even a speed bump there.  They could get rid of all the RP's and have the same results......a couple ED alarms, 40-100 uptakes, (or intakes) and it wouldn't matter.  DOSE IS DOSE.....Right????!!!!   Maybe so, BUT RIGHT IS RIGHT and WRONG IS WRONG!!!

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #112 on: Dec 12, 2006, 02:32 »
Hooker,
    It's not like we didn't warn you before you went there :o.
                                                     Bill and Debbie
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #113 on: Dec 12, 2006, 08:11 »
You are going to run out of places to work if you insist on power plants doing everything right.  PI is just another in a long list of plants that are sutting every corner they can to maximize profitability.
The current crop of management is not to blame.  They are just doing what they are told by the "Fleet".  This didn't start with the new RPM - it just got worse when he got there.  PI started their slide down hill several years before that when "The Safest Place ot be is ON SCHEDULE!!!!" was their outage motto.
What has to happen is for plants to hang themselves with their own rope.  They'll pinch pennies and rush people to get jobs done without regard to safety and then BAM! the boys from D.C. will take their keys away.
It is the only way these greedy SOB's are going to learn.
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RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #114 on: Dec 13, 2006, 09:08 »
Strange view point, Health Physics Management isn't responsible for their department’s problems!  I hate to disagree, but if you’re making the call, you’re also taking the fall!  I may sound somewhat critical with that expression, but any individual who accepts the responsibilities of a manager and directs the course of a task, they are also responsible for its outcome, good or bad!

CEDE, perfectly legal?  I hate to bring this to your attention, but there is a protocol for its allowance. I don't believe regulatory requirements are to be ignored when dealing with airborne issues.  First of all it isn't a tool to be used solely as a method for recovery.  It is to be assessed prior to, during and after an event, just like other area conditions.  Second, the worker is to be informed of the condition PRIOR to being exposed.  Third, the worker is also allowed to make an informative decision, or choice, if he will allow it!  I find it hard to believe, that all those workers made an informative decision to take 40 to 80 nanocurie home to little Billy or Becky! 

Sometimes unforeseen event take place that require an immediate response.  Sometimes these events require workers to exit the area to reassess conditions.  I believe that is a sound responsible course of action, but I've been wrong before.  It seems to be generally accepted that 4 mr, per individual, isn't a big deal.  I also find myself on the other side of that discussion.  4 mr that was unplanned and could have been prevented by a simply course of action.  I guess that old, anti-quated, Health Physics Standard, of a degree of risk with any exposure, has gone by the way side! 

It has also been stated that you can't evacuate containment during these evolutions, WHY NOT?  Please don't say budget, that applies a dollar value vs. personal safety, personal safety being last!  Actually I believe if you do a little reading in 10 CFR 19,  it is not only the responsible thing to do, but a regulatory mandate to have a contingency plan for unplanned events, such as changing conditions, which each worker is to know!  By the way, holding your breath during and airborne event is not a contingency plan!

It has been suggested that the immediate HP management staff is not responsible for the situation, BULL!  I believe it is well publicized that each employee, managers included, have the right to report safety concerns to the facilities Employee Concern Program, or the US NRC, (NRC form 3)!  As a manager, if a superior outside of his realm of expertise, over rides a sound radiological decision, or procedure, you always have the above course of action.  I know, that’s pretty funny, but it is a fact!

Have a Great Day....RG!

duke99301

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #115 on: Dec 14, 2006, 12:55 »
PI is great I made a wheel barrrel full of green. and I still got a few weeks left .
I meet some nice folks here thank goodness the fleet is breaking up. YO HO no more swabs huh? oh poop the deck she coming back on line and get ready for the news AS the Tubine turns ... it was good to see the alara guy from westinghouse even though he was not caring a clip board.
I went to OCC meetings and stuff and even got to go in the can a few times .and there was a time when HP even told us we had to leave cause they did a booboo I never know what that was I will ask the  Nuclear over Site! they know it all. We have the brightest minds in the company working on all your problems. Before I say Merry xamss to you all, on more thought I learned it there. it is called CLOSE TO TREND. the outage is over move on it was fun to be there and make the best of the next plant you are at.
not to say I ran in to some ex hp there who are doing ok. even a squid can come up and shine on the surface,
Merry christmass all
« Last Edit: Dec 18, 2006, 01:26 by duke99301 »

Offline JApluto

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #116 on: Dec 14, 2006, 10:06 »
I just left there last week. I was working nights and we had a good time. It was a good outage as far as I am concerned. I am better off financially today than I was before the outage.
Later

Nuclear Hooker

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #117 on: Dec 15, 2006, 10:45 »
JApluto,
I do have to agree with you that night sift was much better than days.  My friends on nights said that they didn't have near the problems that days did....however "Teflon Jon" and his trusty sidekick were on days.  I know a lot of people think that when we get on here and voice our opinions, we are just bitching.  But some of us actually do care and take our job seriously....so much so that we are willing to give up the $$$$ for a couple extra weeks of work solely based on principles.  Like a wise man once said, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

This is a letter from a tech who just left there.  It's a columnation of everything that was going on at P.I.  I won't disclose who wrote it, but I can attest for almost everything that was written....some things happened after I left.

To whom it may concern,               December 13, 2006



Over the past two refueling outages (U2R24 and U1R24), there have been many deficiencies observed in the Prairie Island radiation protection program.  However, these observations are not solely mine.  They are a collection from several concerned technicians, many of whom were uncomfortable to come forward themselves for fear of retaliation of some sort.  And while I respect their decision for anonymity, I must voice my concerns over the many shortcomings of this program.  These observations range from flagrant procedural violations by RP management, to posting inconsistencies and many things in between.  This is the most deficient radiation protection program I have ever worked in.  The management of this department does not display the guidance or leadership qualities that you would expect at a facility such as this.  I am voicing these concerns in the hope that will bring to light some of the serious deficiencies that plague this program.  Hopefully, hearing the many concerns and issues from techs who have worked at this facility, will bring about some positive changes.

Below is an assemblage of the practices, policies and behaviors, specific to the RP department, from the last two refueling outages that technicians are concerned about, and found to be unacceptable.

RP management was informed by house techs months in advance of U2R24, that no specific work orders contained an RWP which allowed entry in a posted Airborne Radioactivity Area.  By the start of the outage nothing had been done to correct this.  After U2 containment was posted ARA, all workers on site used one generic work order to enter containment, rendering dose tracking for any work groups impossible.
 
When U2 containment was initially posted ARA due to Xe-133, workers were permitted by RP management, to continue work without being on an RWP that allowed entry into a posted ARA.

RP supervision instructed technicians to not evacuate U2 containment after they received concurrent data of .4 DAC particulate, a direct violation of site procedure, RPIP 1204 1.4.1.

RP supervision allowed workers to enter a posted Airborne Radioactivity Area while being on an RWP that did not have a stop work airborne limits, a violation of RPIP 1204 1.4.4.

By not evacuating containment after several air samples were recorded at >.3 DAC, RP management knowingly gave over forty workers uptakes of Co-58.  This was a hazard craft workers were not aware of because containment had been posted “Airborne Radioactivity Area” for several shifts previous due to a XE-133 issue, which the workers were told was relatively harmless.

OCC has taken stop work authority away from the qualified RP techs in the field, by overruling them on radiological issues on several different occasions.
 
During times the OCC overruled the RP tech’s stop work authority, plant management displayed a “production over radiological safety” mentality.

At times, LHRA briefs were conducted by someone other than the coverage tech assigned to the job.  Giving the coverage tech no idea of what was discussed in the brief, such as: work scope, duration, area dose rates ect.

High risk evolutions were being covered by techs who were not involved in the formal pre-job brief for that job.  In some cases the ALARA plans for these jobs (i.e. cavity decon) were several years old.

RP supervision reduced dress requirements for a job, after the formal pre-job brief, without conferring with coverage techs.  The techs didn’t find out about the new instructions until they were in containment preparing to dress the workers, who refused to dress according to requirements discussed in the pre-job brief.

Budget minded RP management understaffed its supplemental RP workforce, but expected the same production as if they’d hired a sufficient number of augmented staff.  They hired only enough techs to cover containment.  When those techs came out of containment, they were expected to work the auxiliary building and RCA access.  This wide range of work assignments put many techs in unfamiliar areas of the plant, performing unfamiliar evolutions with little or no guidance from RP supervision.

Five Sr. RP techs quit only a week into the U2R24 outage due to working conditions, the way their radiological questions and concerns where handled, and management’s apparent disregard for any suggestions on areas for improvement.  They were told by the RPM (name deleted), that if they didn’t like the way Prairie Island did business, they could leave.  Technicians had legitimate radiological concerns, and that’s what they were told by their department head.  Some felt so strongly about these issues that they went to the employee concerns program prior to leaving site.

Dayshift and nightshift RP supervision constantly provided conflicting guidance and directives to the technicians.  On one occasion, management’s expectation for basic dress requirements in containment changed several times in one shift.

I was directly instructed by RP supervision that an LHRA boundary guard did not need to be present at the boundary to adequately perform his duty.  I was told that having the guard simply observe the boundary via camera was acceptable.  I told supervision I would not allow the guard to perform his duty unless he was able to maintain positive control of the LHRA access point by being stationed at the boundary.

RP supervision directed techs to put flashing light on HRA postings.  A directive of this nature is inconsistent with other HRA posting throughout the plant (and the industry) and is certain to confuse inexperienced rad workers.  I removed several flashing lights from HRA postings in the U2 annulus and also in the auxiliary building.

Communication from RP management to technicians was very poor.  Many times the craft workers were aware of new RP policy changes and expectations before the RP techs were.  On several occasions, craft workers coached technicians, including myself, on the “new” expectations, when we attempted to enforce the “old” management expectations in the field.

RP management allowed LHRA reach-ins on S/G secondary side hand holes without constant RP coverage.

I was told by RP supervision that for ALARA purposes, to have the LHRA boundary guard and timekeeper be the same individual.  I had to remind supervision that such a directive is a clear violation of the PINGP 1470 form, which is required per RPIP 1135, and that we must have separate individuals to perform these tasks.

Around the industry red flashing lights are synonymous with LHRA boundaries.  However, red flashing lights have a wide array of meanings at Prairie Island.  Some of the uses for red flashing lights that I observed are as follows:  Operation’s postings for protected train, radiography informational postings, heaving lift warning signs, parking lot speed limit signs, and LHRA postings.

There are no specified colors required by procedure for flashing lights used for LHRA postings, so they use all sorts of colors: red, orange, green and blue.  In many cases, there were different color lights on the same posting.  This is the very definition of inconsistency.  Blue, another color that is known throughout the industry, is by and large associated with ALARA low dose waiting areas.  There was one case in particular,  where a worker exited containment and came to RP control point.  He commented that he was unaware of any low dose waiting area in on 695’ elevation (the basement) in containment.  He said that he needed to take a minute to review his paperwork, and when he saw the blue flashing lights on the regenerative heat exchanger gate; he thought he would be radiologically conscious and read his material by the low dose area.  Once he reached the gate, he noticed the LHRA posting and exited the area.  Dose rates in front of the gate at that time were 90-120mR/hr.

The electronic dosimeter set points used at Prairie Island, in many cases, are worthless.  They are set so high that the average worker will never receive a dose rate alarm.  This defeats the entire purpose for which EDs were designed.  The craft workers are not meter qualified.  So when they are working in areas with elevated dose rates that do not require constant RP coverage, an ED is their tool used to inform them that radiological conditions have changed, that it may be unsafe and that they need to exit the area immediately.  Sending every worker entering a HRA into containment with a dose rate set point of 500mR/hr, with no regard for their actual work area, defeats the purpose of the tool we have given these workers.  Generic, not job specific tasks, on many RWPs for LHRA entries had dose rate alarms as high as 6000-8000mR/hr.

Several times workers were permitted to work in HRAs and even RAs on LHRA RWPs, basically ensuring they could work all shift, anywhere they pleased, and never receive an alarm of any kind.  This is not radiation protection.

There was frequent down posting of areas without documented survey data to verify posting changes.  The questions and concerns about these situations came from concerned techs, not RP supervision.

The RP department’s organizational method for archiving documented surveys is terrible.  It is nearly impossible to find historical data if necessary.  That is due, in part, to the fact that management’s requirements for accurate and thorough survey documentation are very lacks to begin with.  There were several cases where areas (including LHRAs such as the transfer canal and regen heat exchanger room) had to be resurveyed because the documentation for the surveys performed the shift prior, could not be found.

At times, we were instructed to post areas HRA or LHRA, when the radiological conditions for the majority of the area, did not meet the posting criteria.  A practice which is not in accordance with RPIP 1120 17.0.

Workers were required to frisk themselves with an RM-14, at the step off pad after exiting containment.  The friskers, however, were set on the X10 scale and signs on the friskers informed workers that the purpose of those friskers was to check for hot particles.  At no time was any portion of containment posted “Hot Particle Control Area” and at no time was there an issue or a concern with hot particles in containment.  Yet RP supervision had all workers monitoring for hot particles we didn’t have, and not low level loose contamination that could have been tracked all the way down the PCMs.

 RP management allows laborers, untrained in radiation protection site procedures, to perform a task as significant as LHRA timekeeping.

Site procedure RPIP 1303 G 1.0, allows workers to carry personal items with them through the friskalls (Prairie Island’s version of a personal contamination monitor), if they have not been in a contaminated area and if they have kept the item(s) with them the entire time.  This “honor system” by which RP management controls unconditional release of these items from their RCA is ridiculous.  The only person, who knows for sure if those requirements were maintained, is the worker, who often has the conflicting interest of ensuring his items make it out of the RCA.  On many occasions I have coached workers about keeping items close to the detectors, while in the friskall, so that they can be accurately monitored to ensure radioactive material is not leaving the RCA.  I have also observed workers purposefully keeping items away from the detectors in an effort to clear their belongings.  For all the times these workers are caught, how many times have they gotten items through unmonitored?  Another issue is that the workers have been observed placing their notebooks and binders in front of their body while in the friskall.  While the individual may be making an honest attempt to follow procedure and ensure his book gets monitored, he is managing to shield part of his body from the detectors in the process.

Friskalls, the archaic monitors Prairie Island utilizes at RCA access, do not adequately perform their function of accurately monitoring individuals for contamination prior to egress from the RCA.  To begin the monitoring process, the friskalls employ a foot pedal which an individual applies pressure to when standing in the monitor.  The problem with the pedal is that it is the only sensor used during the monitoring process.  Once pressure is applied to the pedal there are no other controls in place to ensure the individual maintains proper body position within the friskall to achieve an accurate count.  On numerous occasions, myself as well as other technicians, have observed workers intentionally attempting to circumvent the friskall’s monitoring process by leaning away from the detectors.  In newer model PCMs, this would not be possible, because multiple sensors require workers to maintain a designated body position to allow the monitor to accurately detect contamination.

RP management allowed RP lead techs to transfer and maintain control of the sump c key, which is a VHRA key.  This is a violation of RPIP 1008 13.3 and RPIP 1001 7.5.3 that was brought to light, not by a member of RP management or supervision, but by a technician with a questioning attitude.  This is yet another illustration of how contract RP techs, who were unfamiliar with some of the site’s RP procedures, were directed to perform tasks that were blatant procedural violations, because RP management at Prairie Island does not exhibit a strong knowledge of the procedures to which they hold ownership.

In the auxiliary building truck bay, there is a roped off area which is posted as a “No Loose Surface Contamination Area”.  Any items entering the NLSCA, according to RP management, must have smearable contamination levels <100 DPM/100cm2 (which is the same criteria as items to be unconditionally released).  There is no procedure that addresses this posting.  As an RP tech, there is no document which I can access for guidance, which outlines the requirements for this area.  RP management says the NLSCA is controlled as a clean area, yet vehicles in this area must have the tires frisked prior to exiting, just as they would if they left any other location within the RCA.  As far as I have found, there is no special criteria for this area that is more restrictive than any general area in the auxiliary building (which is also required to be <100 DPM/100cm2).  The posting doesn’t seem to serve any real purpose, and often, maintaining the cleanliness of this area within the auxiliary building, is very time consuming and slows down work.

The lead shielding aspect of the ALARA program is, at best, unsystematic.  During the U1R24 outage, many shielding packages were installed and removed from containment without documented surveys.  The same can be said of the shielding packages removed during the end of U2R24.  In all these cases, only minimal documentation can be produced for the past unit one or unit two outages of 2006.  The lack of documentation does not leave RP management with the means to show that they are in compliance with RPIP 1716 6.1, 6.2, 6.6 or 6.17.

During U2R24, containment RP rovers were tasked with covering S/G secondary side hand hole reach-ins.  They were directed to cover the job in a manner that I feel was unacceptable.  The RP rover was to provide remote coverage via camera.  However, the only camera that was available, viewable only from a monitor on the 735’ elevation, belonged to the work crew.  The only headsets available also belonged to, and were already being utilized by the work crew.  The worker in the generator vault was on teledosimetry, but the readout could only be viewed at the S/G RP control point, down on the 715’ elevation.  So, the coverage tech could see the worker on the monitor, but not communicate to him, except through his co-worker.  The worker was wearing teledosimetry, but while watching the worker on the monitor, the tech could not view the workers dose, unless he ran downstairs (at which point he would no longer have a visual contact with worker).  The S/G RP could view the worker’s dose, but had no monitor to view the worker, and had no communication with the coverage tech on the 735’ elevation.  That was Prairie Island’s poor excuse for remote RP job coverage.

Again during U1R24, there were two RP techs working the S/G control point.  Various work activities were taking place on both generator platforms simultaneously.  During the same time period, one worker needed to be cut out of his paper suit at the HCA step off pad, while two more workers were checking in at the check point, preparing to enter the platforms.  I was at the S/G control point observing the monitors during this time.  One of the techs called the S/G RP lead who was outside of containment at the time, to explain the situation. He said that with this much work going on with only two techs, he felt uncomfortable covering that many different activities and also felt an error likely situation was right around the corner.  He asked his lead to call the OCC and have them prioritize work, so they could properly cover one job at a time.  His lead told him that he would not call the OCC and that they just needed to deal with it.  A tech shows the cognizance and foresight to call and ask for work prioritization to enable him to properly and safely cover work and that is how his concern is handled.  This is just another example of how contract RP techs have had to deal with disregard for radiological safety while working at Prairie Island.

On several occasions during the U2 outage, when RP management needed to take the lead on critical decisions such as stoppage of work, or more importantly, the evacuation of containment, the radiation protection manager (name deleted), was nowhere to be seen.  He was quick to criticize the wrong decisions made by his technicians in the field, but not so quick to make a decision of any radiological significance himself.  Certain radiological significant decisions should be the responsibility of RP supervision, or the RPM.  (name deleted) would rather remain in the background, to allow the technicians who work for him to make the tough calls.  Then, when the chaos has subsided, he emerges to show himself as the assertive department head that is primed to resolve these situations.  It is not difficult to lecture on the proper course of action once the moment has passed.  Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20.

The bottom line is that you can not run a proficient radiation protection department without seasoned RP technicians at the helm.  The current RP management at Prairie Island has no previous RP field experience to speak of.  You can not go to individuals who are charged with providing you with oversight, and ask them specific questions pertaining to job coverage, dress requirements or how to handle an unanticipated radiological issue, if they’ve never been there themselves.  I have never worked in an environment such as this, were management delegated critical decision making responsibilities to the technicians.  It creates a very difficult work environment when most of the techs know that their knowledge level, in this field, exceeds that of those who are supposed to provide them with guidance and oversight.  In many cases, RP was nothing more than a speed bump on the road to production.  It is difficult to go into the field, work hard to do things the right way and care about the job you’re doing, when in so many instances, you are overruled or ignored.

In closing, I would ask that you pay these matters serious attention.  The aforementioned issues are not angry ramblings from disgruntled employees attempting to lash out.  Rather, they are heart felt concerns, from people who take very seriously the task of being responsible for the radiological safety of workers in the plant.  They are the concerns of people who take pride in what they do.  If they did not, these types of issues would not bother them.  They would simply collect there check, and move on to the next plant.  But this is not the case.  I implore you to take a good hard look at this program.  Numerous unchecked deficiencies of a minor nature are the precursors to a significant radiological event.


Edited by pwh
« Last Edit: Dec 15, 2006, 11:49 by PWHoppe »

Offline JApluto

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #118 on: Dec 15, 2006, 12:12 »
I heard of all the incidents on day shift. Hell I would probably feel the same. It's hard to be successful in that environment if you care about what you're doing.
Hopefully you're next outage will be better.
Take care.

Offline arizonie

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #119 on: Dec 17, 2006, 05:20 »
re :jepluto last entry

"instances on dayshift"

are you serious?

 i was an hpt at 2 of the last 3 refuels at PI (missed fall 06).

the issues mentioned in the prior letter are not unique to 1 shift.

you had to be aware or exposed to some of the issues.

i read the letter and agree with most of the issues i was involved with in containment.

 i aggree that  sommetimes when my isuues were forwarded to supv / mgmt the answers or results were not always clear or adequate.

but like you i rode the outage out till the end. $$$

i felt i could be more help to the hp group onsite than quitting in disgust or protest.

hopefully the P I  hp group will improve as a result of hp's coming forward and speaking up or documenting issues via letter as above ( i commend the author).

thx for listening........




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Offline HydroDave63

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #120 on: Dec 17, 2006, 09:02 »
Looks like NMC still stands for "Not Much Compliance..."

Offline Already Gone

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #121 on: Dec 18, 2006, 08:37 »
Wow!  The stuff you miss in a coupla days is amazing!
Hooker, If I understand correctly, the manifesto you posted was authored by someone other than you.  If so, the question I'd like you to ask him or her for me is: did you sumit any of these items via official channels?  (i.e Condition Reports)  This person seems to have a grasp on procedures.  Logic says that he or she should follow them too.
There are a couple of conceptual errors I'd like to point out, though.
First; A Friskall doesn't work the way you'd expect other contamination detectors to work.  The "HP Lean" has the opposite effect.  If you don't hug those detectors like you love them, the light leaking in will give false alarms.  I, being only 5' 7", have trouble with them because my short body doesn't block out enough light at the top to prevent alarms.  I have actually had larger people stand at the entrance to block incoming light so that I could pass.
So, kicking the pedal and leaning away from the detectors will not help someone who is trying to sneak out a little contamination.
Second: the NLSCA is not unique to PI - just the name is.  Other plants call it a peninsula, a controlled contamination area, or no name at all.  But, almost everywhere you can find an area in the RCA which has been surveyed for loose contamination so that clean items (including trucks) can pass into and out of them without being surveyed.  It saves hundreds of man-hours of needlessly surveying clean items that were never exposed to contamination.  Frisking the tires of a truck that is leaving such an area is just a precaution, and does not magically turn the NLSCA into a contaminated area.  You might think that the theory of the NLSCA (no loose contamination) would make frisking tires unnecessary, but a tire, under the weight of a vehicle, could pick up contamination that was not loose enough for a masslinn mop to pick up.  So, although the area has been surveyed for loose contamination, frisking tires is still necessary.

The bulk of the comments seem to indicate a breakdown in RP at the plant.  Posting these issues here has as much a chance of affecting a change in PI's policies as Jay Leno has of changing government policy with his monologue.  Actually, Jay has a better shot.  I urge the author of the "letter" to use the reporting procedures that are authorized and recognized by the licensee and the regulatory agencies.


Rad Ghost, am I far off the make by guessing that you haven't worked at a commercial nuke for a while?  Honestly, I agree 100% that the things you say should be the way things are done, but it just ain't so.
For example, I believe strongly that a person should not be required to accept internal deposition of airborne activity - PERIOD.  Forget all this hocus pocus about TEDE ALARA.  If I can wear a respirator or otherwise prevent breathing that stuff in I want to do it, and to Hell with some BS TEDE ALARA evaluation.  (Everybody forgets that the R in ALARA stands for Reasonable.)  So, we agree on that.  But the hard reality for several years has been that nobody wants to use respirators anymore, and nobody is going to hold up work just because the air is bad.  (Nobody, in this case, means Nuclear Plant Management)  They are going to give the worker a choice alright!  The choice is going to be; breathe this air or don't have a job.

I never said that RP management has no responsibility for RP department problems.  I said that they can't control some things.  An RPM can't stop airborne activity levels from rising when someone leaves the cavity dry and uncovered.  They could have dealt with the recovery differently, but they aren't going to as long as the entire industry lets them get away with the expedient method as opposed to the responsible one.
Commercial nukes are getting out of control.  PI isn't any different in this regard - it's just a matter of degree.  For decades RP had a stranglehold on the productivity of plants.  Once that hold gets broken, it gets broken totally.  Now that money is the biggest issue, plant management has no qualms about leaving a mess in their wake and having RP clean it up (or having RP to blame if it doesn't get clean).  It wouldn't give me a heart attack to learn that any company (NMC included) had installed an RPM who would allow the schedule to run over the techs like a freight train.  If you are working at a commercial nuke where this hasn't occurred yet, just wait.  Today, we're talking about Prairie Island.  Next year it could be your place.
« Last Edit: Dec 19, 2006, 04:42 by BeerCourt »
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Offline Old HP

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #122 on: Dec 18, 2006, 09:16 »
Beer Court,
Now you are scaring me and I am feerless. When you say management could let thing get out of hand in regard to radiological conditions. I don't know if that has ever happened before. You are starting to sound pessimistic.  So start thinking of Minnesota as in MMPI.

Offline Already Gone

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #123 on: Dec 18, 2006, 10:44 »
C'mon!  You're kidding right?
Think about this from the POV of a middle manager who has a mortgage and kids in college.
The OCC says that (insert high risk job here) is going to happen when the schedule says it will.  They don't care if you're ready or not.
The people are on location - maybe without having the necessary HRA brief.
The crane is hooked up.
The meter is ticking, and your job does NOT depend on whether some contractor HP tech is "comfortable about this".
You can either wave your magic wand and say that they don't need a brief as long as the techs "keep an eye on them", or you can stop the job and look up the number for unemployment right after that.

No, it doesn't always come to that, but middle managers are more concerned with keeping the upper management happy than with placating contract techs.  Most of the time, the consequences are not so bad.  Having been lucky before - and knowing how the techs whine about everything anyway - the risk is usually one they'd prefer over having to explain why the outage schedule has slipped.

You might call me cynical, but I've seen it happen enough times that I think of it as being just realistic.

HP's have screamed that the sky is falling for so long that nobody takes seriously anything we say any more - even when we're right.  They have gotten used to doing things that we had never let them do before and getting away with it.  Even when something does go wrong, they ignore it. Or worse - they'll write it up as OPEX so that everyone who has not suffered from that particular FU can pat themselves on the back while asking themselves, "how could they have been so stupid?"  The commercial nuke industry prides itself on its ability to communicate around the country every single mistake made by anyone other than themselves.  Meanwhile - as they walk over a cliff - they can be thankful that they knew better than to trip over that extension cord.
"To be content with little is hard; to be content with much, impossible." - Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Offline Old HP

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #124 on: Dec 18, 2006, 05:51 »
Okay you caught me on my sarcasm. But I do have a mortgage and a son in college so I must have pressure on me to get my job done just as well as the next guy. Hang in there BC and maybe I'll see you at PI during the Great Reform.

ramdog_1

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #125 on: Dec 19, 2006, 08:08 »
Let Me say this about that the techs that left no one missed them I was there.
those of you making the post about outagemanagement.
 will are you in managment ?
and are you trying to help get the plant back on line?
Safety was the # one  item they talked about in the OCC as will what was being done to fix any problems that may arrive.
there were a few good HP techs there that did a good job the ones that helped with the PZR and SG. as will as the briefs .
the cream rises' the rest will DFR happens it was a path they chose to go. Since most of Atlantic that left will you just put more of a load on your fellow techs.
good luck

Moparmaniac

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #126 on: Dec 19, 2006, 10:09 »
Where's SloGlo when we need him for a translation, and who's will?  Seriously, it's real difficult to read what you're trying to get across man.  Delete me if I'm too far off-topic. 

diliigaf

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #127 on: Dec 19, 2006, 10:13 »
Where's SloGlo when we need him for a translation, and who's will?  Seriously, it's real difficult to read what you're trying to get across man.  Delete me if I'm too far off-topic. 

                  ??? You're right,I couldn't understand what he said at all... It's easier to read SloGlo's writing...

Offline starving_dog

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #128 on: Dec 19, 2006, 01:27 »
Let Me say this about that the techs that left no one missed them I was there.
those of you making the post about outagemanagement.
 will are you in managment ?
and are you trying to help get the plant back on line?
Safety was the # one  item they talked about in the OCC as will what was being done to fix any problems that may arrive.
there were a few good HP techs there that did a good job the ones that helped with the PZR and SG. as will as the briefs .
the cream rises' the rest will DFR happens it was a path they chose to go. Since most of Atlantic that left will you just put more of a load on your fellow techs.
good luck

Here is my interpretation of the message........

Let Me say this about that.  The techs that left, no one missed them, I was there.
Those of you making the posts about outage management.
Well are you in managment ?
Were you trying to help get the plant back on line?
Safety was the number one item discussed in the OCC, as well as what was being done to fix any problems that may arise.
There were a few good HP techs that did a good job.  Mainly the ones that helped with the PZR and SG's as well as the pre-job briefs.
The cream rises to the top and the rest ???will DFR happens??? it was a path they chose to go. Since most of Atlantic that left, well you just put more of a load on your fellow techs.
There are the Habs, and the Hab nots.

diliigaf

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #129 on: Dec 19, 2006, 01:51 »


                   Thank you for the translation Dog, I was lost without it... ::)

BuddyThePug

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #130 on: Dec 19, 2006, 08:19 »
Here is my interpretation of the message........

Let Me say this about that.  The techs that left, no one missed them, I was there.
Those of you making the posts about outage management.
Well are you in managment ?
Were you trying to help get the plant back on line?
Safety was the number one item discussed in the OCC, as well as what was being done to fix any problems that may arise.
There were a few good HP techs that did a good job.  Mainly the ones that helped with the PZR and SG's as well as the pre-job briefs.
The cream rises to the top and the rest ???will DFR happens??? it was a path they chose to go. Since most of Atlantic that left, well you just put more of a load on your fellow techs.

Perhaps it is a new nuclear haiku?

Or Fleegle and Snork (from the avatar) were awfully generous with the "mushrooms" on the pizza?

But seriously, did anyone cut n paste the story to allegation@nrc.gov ??

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #131 on: Dec 20, 2006, 06:08 »
That's funny, since ramdog-1 speaks of his experiences in the OCC, he was more than likely one of those management types!  I think you guys are too critical, after a couple of dozen beers, I understood it perfectly!

Beercourt, you are correct on your assumption, but your point is?  It appears that you have simply accepted the stream line, get it done and overlook the obvious attitude of a few select facilities.  Actually the situations outlined on this thread were easily preventable and addressable with little to no cost!  In all probability the uninformed, reactive and complacent management decisions will cost a few pennies in the long run.  Actually I have to say your evaluation of the commercial industry is a little off the mark.  I've been to a few outages this season and the comparison is night and day.  Of course the others had talent, experience and took their profession seriously!  That statement alone, leads me to conclude that the HP management team of Prairie Island has been measured, by the other facilities departments, and assigned a very low order of responsibility, (other wise known as a speed bump)!

I guess the biggest part of the problem, that keeps getting overlooked, was management’s delivery of the numerous concessions.  We're they there?  NO!  Did they know the conditions?  NO!  Did they assess the data and make an informative decision?  NO!  A manager, from another department, would simply place a phone call to HP management, who would then filter the concession down the line via another phone call.  Reminded me of the sneaker commercial, "Just Do It"! 

By the way, C0-58 & C0-60 could be a gas, but just imagine the temperature!  :o

Prairie Island Frisk All Song:  Does anyone remember that song?

Little Hands,

Little Feet,

Stuck in the Frisk All

can't get a Beep, Beep, Beep!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist!   ::)
« Last Edit: Dec 20, 2006, 06:10 by RAD-GHOST »

HAIRDUDE

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #132 on: Dec 20, 2006, 11:32 »
Okay Folks,

  A good number of you know who I am. I've worked along side many of you in the field over the past couple of decades. I swung a meter for over 20 years before I went over to "The Dark Side", so I feel I have earned the right to speak from either side of the fence. What I'm about to say may have an adverse effect on my popularity rating, but it needs to be said:

  I am the guy who crunches the numbers. I am the guy who analyzes the data at Prairie Island. That's my gig these days. And numbers don't lie. This outage was scheduled for 32 days at the outside. We did it in 30. See ... the longer it takes to 'get 'er done', the longer everybody is in the RCA picking up dose. I set the dose goal for the outage at 55.7 Rem. The end result was 41.856Rem. Do the math. I'm not saying everything went perfectly. I'm not saying every decision was sound. I have limited exposure to that end of things these days. What I AM saying is that the bottom line ... the thing we, as RPs are MOST concerned with: Keeping the exposure to individuals under our auspices As Low As Reasonably Acheivable, ... the bottoom line is that exposure was limited to what I believe to be a stellar low. When I initially put out the dose goal, I was aiming at a best, case in accordance with historical data which said an average good performance for an outage .... going back 10 years ... was between 53Rem and 58 Rem. The goal was considered 'challenging' and had little likelihood of being met. They came in 13.844Rem UNDER this goal.

  Now ... I can't say exactly what every single thing was that went into this unbelievable performance. I CAN say that I saw an awareness of ALARA by all involved, above any I've seen here in the past. Who gets the credit? Everybody as far as I'm concerned. I saw everyone from laborers to Sr Techs chasing down every millirem at every opportunity. I got phone calls on the order of 15 times a night from people concerned with their exposure, dose goals, work scope expansions etc. every night. THEY were letting me know what was going on before the Passport System had a chance to update the data. AWESOME!

  Now ... one of the Techs who chose to leave ... you know who you are Bro ... confided in me the morning he left ... but I asked him to write down all of his issues and bring them to my office and I would personally look into all of them ... never happened. I went back over to that part of the site looking for him a couple of hours later when he hadn't gotten back to me, and he had left site. I wish he'd stayed around and seen it through. I offered my assistance in helping him get resolution and he aparrently either thought I was blowing smoke up his skirt or something else happened that I don't know about. All I can say is, I wish it would have happened differently. The only way to affect change is to participate in the remediation process. Had he hung around, at least some of his issues could have been addressed and perhaps improvements could have come out of it all.

  So yes ... There were issues with the outage. Was it a management thing? I don't know. Not my gig. Bottom line. That's what I deal with for a living folks. And the numbers say, you guys did one hell of a job in the end. Workers, techs, leads and ... yes ... Management too ... all had to be doing at least something right to get that end result. More right than historical data says is probable here.

  So ... Here's the money shot: I would like to thank EVERYONE that took part in our outage. I wish some of you could have had a more enjoyable experience while here and hope things are better in the future. I appreciate all of the hard work and attention to the real issues. I am thankful for a beautiful ALARA bottom line. I have no idea what the outage cost. I don't particularly care. Maybe once I make RPM I'll give a rats keaster about that kind of stuff ... but I doubt it. But ALARA ... the ONLY thing important to RP, was awesome this outage. Schedule? ... that plays into the "Time" part of "Time, Distance and Shielding" ... Like I said, the sooner the outage is over, the sooner I get everyone out of the RCA ... If they ain't in there, they ain't pickin' up no zoomies  8) And as far as I'm concerned, the rest of the issues were just that ... issues. There are issues with every outage ... everywhere. Yup ... Few people like my boss. That has no bearing on ALARA. Yup ... there are procedural issues ... those are being worked on and hopefully will be corrected and complete some time in the near future. The fact that they were identified says something about the program and how road techs help us all improve. Fresh set of eyes and all that. Is PI perfect? Nope. Is anyplace else? If there is a perfect plant, let me know. I'll email them my resume. Was everybody happy? YES ... at some time or another, while at Prairie Island, you were all happy ... even if only for a while.

  In closing, I hope some if not all of you come back to the frozen north to visit again some day. I'll most likely be here and would love to see you again. Thank you for all you did while you were here and Happy Holidays to all of you and your's. ;D

Offline PWHoppe

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #133 on: Dec 20, 2006, 11:38 »
Hairdude,

Well said, and Karma to ya ;D, given that attitude I would be happy to work an outage at PI.

Merry Christmas to you and yours  ;D
« Last Edit: Dec 20, 2006, 11:43 by PWHoppe »
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Offline retired nuke

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #134 on: Dec 20, 2006, 11:59 »
Hairdude - All this kvetching, when PI did a 30 day outage for 42 Rem? over 20% under the dose goal? Any lost itme accidents / recordable injuries?   ::)

You think you got any good fixes for a BWR you wanna share? If invited, do you think you could teach us a few things?

Many pats on the back for a successful outage. You are right, there are always issues with particular jobs that don't work out as well as planned. But a few mR of intake, to achieve the overall numbers you just posted - If I was still a traveler, I'd work on your refuel floor!

Merry Christmas, you guys made your own present.... ;D
Remember who you love. Remember what is sacred. Remember what is true.
Remember that you will die, and that this day is a gift. Remember how you wish to live, may the blessing of the Lord be with you

HAIRDUDE

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #135 on: Dec 20, 2006, 12:11 »
The credit goes to just about everyone but me guys. Thanx for the pats though. As for teaching, I think it all boils down to awareness in the field. At thebeginning of the outage, I was calling around hounding managers about dose and work order status but in short order, they were beating me to the proverbial punch. The staff was awesome and rose above any adversity they were experiencing and let their respective work ethics lead the way. I'd be tickled to help out if the occasion should arise, but as I said, it's the performance of the whole team that made this one go off the way it did.

Merry Christmas to ALL ;D

HAIRDUDE

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #136 on: Dec 20, 2006, 12:20 »
P.S.

1 Lost time accident. It was a back strain.

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #137 on: Dec 20, 2006, 12:39 »
Hairdude,
Well said, and Karma to ya ;D, given that attitude I would be happy to work an outage at PI.
Merry Christmas to you and yours  ;D
Yeah, Floyd is a good guy.  Karma to ya.

Nuclear Hooker

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #138 on: Dec 20, 2006, 03:50 »
PWHoppe,
I agree with you.....too bad Floyd wasn't part of the supv. and management that made the outage what it was.  Maybe I'll go back when Floyd is the RPM ;D ;D ;D

Offline indoprime

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #139 on: Dec 20, 2006, 06:59 »
Well, being one of the last ones out the door of PI, I'll say this....

To me, it wasnt a bad outage, most of the poo-poo happened to go down during dayshift.  It's a shame that Hooker and co. left, but you had your reasons...and you stuck with it!  (Principles....i dig folks w/ principles).  Being a nightshifter, I didn't really have to deal w/ all that stuff.  But I had my own fish to fry too... (like dealing w/ folks that had 32mrad crawlin' around the transfer canal w/ no hood, wrong booties, and the wrong damn face masks.)  I told my lead about this, he let it slide, it came back to bite us. Nuff said.

Just know this, at the end, I let my concerns be known, I was honest and open about my experiences and what could have been done safer, and hopefully, someone will hear it.    I'll be back.  But it'll be on nights (hopefully, my same supervision will be there).
Excuses are tools of the incompetent which create monuments of nothingness, Those who specialize in their uses seldom achieve anything.

richardb52

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #140 on: Jan 22, 2007, 03:35 »
When I heard all the negative things about PI, I was almost sorry I had decided to go.  When I got there and saw the plant, I thought I was back in the mid-eighties.  Access, RWPs, lack of consistency in control, communication, equipment.  I just had to laugh.  I hadn't seen a dot matrix printer in ten years.  But, I was on nights and I worked with some very good techs and rad-workers.  Nobody got overexposed, and everything else was just inconvienences.  They do alot with so little, you know that it will get them someday.  The most inconsistent plant I have ever been to.  So clean the lower cavity is not HCA, yet no way to easily access past survey data.  I could go on and on but most of it has been said.  A lot of management leadership issues.   I was there last outage Fall 2006.  Would I go back again.  Probally, if I were on nights and it wasn't in January.  Did you know they have outlets in the parking lot so you can plug your vehicle into so you can start it in the cold?  Very friendly area of the country. 

Offline retired nuke

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #141 on: Jan 22, 2007, 06:50 »
If you liked PI, come to VY - we have returned to using dose cards...they're unofficial of course. Seems the RWP/ALARA software sux so bad, nobody can figure out what jobs are getting the dose. Of course. now there is this big box of yellow cards that someone has to decipher.....expecting PICs any day now...
Remember who you love. Remember what is sacred. Remember what is true.
Remember that you will die, and that this day is a gift. Remember how you wish to live, may the blessing of the Lord be with you

richardb52

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #142 on: Feb 01, 2007, 06:34 »
Actually, I will be going to VY this spring 2007.  Dose Cards.  Wow.  Oh well. it keeps someone working.   I just hope the rad tech isn't in charge of collecting them and making sure they are filled out correctly before covering the work.  But, then again,  Chaos is cash.

coopster26

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Re: Prarie Island
« Reply #143 on: Dec 14, 2007, 11:14 »
 :) :)Ding dong the witch is dead...which old witch...the wicked witch(NMC)wooooooooo!!
New employee's, new equipment......things are looking up at PI............or not.

LaFeet

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Re: Prarie Island
« Reply #144 on: Jan 08, 2008, 12:37 »
GW  is it really that bad there??????   Or is it realy just come as you are??

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prarie Island
« Reply #145 on: Jan 08, 2008, 05:13 »
Actually the plant isn't bad, reminds me of a real PWR, only smaller!  The area has it's plus's and minus, especially minus degrees in the winter!  The Health Physics Management staff, (both house and outage contractors), can best be described as "UNIQUE"!  Radiological planning seemed to be a little deficient for their past recent outages.  Although they seemed to anticipate the issues and address them with forethought, they seemed to fail on the follow through!  Sort of like......OK, this is what we did and now it's in Gods Hands!   

Their past two outages produced their unique venue of nuclide inventory reduction, (one lung at a time)!  Although the uptake situations can be debate forever, the Health Physics Managers assigned blame, instead of accepting shame!  They seem to have heightened their level criticism of for others, with complete amnesty for themselves!  Their team concept can best be described by the Olympics, one stadium and a hundred competitors!  Of course that's the difference between an experience and inexperienced professional management staff.................solve the problem, don’t be the problem!

The place does make its ALARA goals, like that's a big surprise!  Obviously the Operations and Chemistry group needs a HUGE pat on the back for that!  Run e'm Clean and the Dose is Lean!   

I like the Teflon J. comment, obviously when you spend so much time doing something, you get really good at it!  Actually I liked John Boy, sort of reminded me of David Sutherland in Kelly's Heros!  Wish I could have got him to go "Woof..Woof"!   :o 

I actually got a call, "Your preapproved at Prairie Island".......................CLICK!

Later, RG!
« Last Edit: Jan 08, 2008, 05:17 by RAD-GHOST »

coopster26

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #146 on: Jan 31, 2008, 12:48 »
Does anyone know who Bob Hite is? He is the new RMP at Prairie Island, replacing "Teflon" John Anderson. Couple more changes and the turnover will be complete. ;D

Offline UncaBuffalo

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #147 on: Jan 31, 2008, 01:15 »
Does anyone know who Bob Hite is? He is the new RMP at Prairie Island, replacing "Teflon" John Anderson. Couple more changes and the turnover will be complete. ;D

He's been RPM at Diablo for several years...before that, Duane Arnold.  No complaints from me about anything he's done at either place.  I think you'll like him...
We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them.      - B. Baggins

RAD-GHOST

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #148 on: Jan 31, 2008, 08:12 »
GWB,

Way to Funny, but sadly True!  Johnny boy may have had the pedigree, but Health Physics wasn't part of that Agenda!  I'm hearing that a couple of more changes are in the works, hopefully that number eguals three and the stooges will go back in the can.....Moe, Larry and Mike!

If I'd of known that they decommissioned Teflon John, I probably would have taken the ride!

Lose the other three and I'll sign the line for the next outage, TODAY!

Best of luck to Mr. Hite, if he doesn't show up, he'd still have a better record then the past manager!

RG............ ;D

coopster26

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #149 on: Jan 31, 2008, 10:09 »
.......I'm hearing that a couple of more changes are in the works, hopefully that number eguals three and the stooges will go back in the can.....Moe, Larry and Mike!......... :P

I like that part....Hope it's true, I hear 1/2 the RP group want's to jump ship.........maybe they will change their mind's....unless it's too late. >:(

Offline felchie

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #150 on: Feb 09, 2008, 02:16 »
It's too bad that Teflon J. ran off some of the good ones, Commander Dan and Wally come to mind....Still some good ones to work with up there "don't cha Know"......

Maybe now I will go back, sure miss some of the folks there..

Offline roadhp

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #151 on: Feb 09, 2008, 03:44 »
Us, too.  Still can remember Shooter (best plant services I've worked with up there) coming out of the shower, pointing a finger at Bruno, and going, "You're the greatest!"
Brave, brave Sir Robin, set forth from Camelot!!!!

Offline MercTech

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #152 on: Aug 10, 2008, 12:10 »
Headed for Prairie Island for the first time the beginning of September.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Steven
Steven Jerkins
Have dose records, will travel

Offline UncaBuffalo

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #153 on: Aug 18, 2008, 01:26 »
Someone was asking me whether a moped/scooter would be adequate transportation at PI during this fall's outage.  I've driven thru Red Wing in the spring and it seemed nice enough, but...

Anyway, how will it be?  ...weather-wise?  ...traffic-wise?  ...tolerance-of-slow-scooter-wise?  ....?
« Last Edit: Aug 18, 2008, 01:28 by UncaBuffalo »
We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them.      - B. Baggins

JohnK87

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #154 on: Aug 18, 2008, 01:36 »
It would be OK if you are staying at the casino or the casino RV park.  It's a little long for anywhere else.  Weather should be good, we don't get first frost until late October or so and the really hot weather is gone, most days will be 60's to 80's for highs.  It's really a good time of year.  Red Wing and Hastings are each about 15 miles away.

Offline UncaBuffalo

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #155 on: Aug 18, 2008, 01:38 »
It would be OK if you are staying at the casino or the casino RV park.  It's a little long for anywhere else.  Weather should be good, we don't get first frost until late October or so and the really hot weather is gone, most days will be 60's to 80's for highs.  It's really a good time of year.  Red Wing and Hastings are each about 15 miles away.

Excellent!  I'll pass that along!  :)
We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them.      - B. Baggins

Offline Dustball

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #156 on: Jul 25, 2009, 02:07 »
What are the dates for the fall outage?

klsas

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #157 on: Jul 25, 2009, 08:32 »
Hey Dustball,

I just had my staff date pushed back to the 24th of August. They are saying outage will start around 9/15 with expected first layoff's around 10/02.

Keith

Offline Dustball

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #158 on: Jul 26, 2009, 06:34 »
thanks keith.
You'd think we'd know that stuff up here!  Someone like Oly probably knows, but this is the weekend.
Wonder if they're staffed up.  We were so short last outage.  Did they change the pay at all or hand out any incentives?

klsas

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #159 on: Jul 26, 2009, 07:49 »
Dusty,

I'm pretty sure PI is staffed. The early start dates usually fill up pretty fast. Package is a little better, but the best thing is MN in September. It will be slightly warmer than it was at Monti. If I get Mondays off, I may try to get up to Monti for Sunday night wings if Kruse still does it during non-outage. They do feed pretty well at PI on night shift. Hopefully the new RPM has been working wonders since last year. I still don't see the California to MN switch, but to each their own. Later.

Keith

sammoyers

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #160 on: Mar 05, 2010, 03:45 »
ALL RIGHTY THEN!!!!!

I'll be heading up to the frozen lands on MINI-O-POLIS in April. Let's hear about this place, and what's it's like to work there... ;D

longbow55

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #161 on: Mar 05, 2010, 01:53 »
School is in......!

12Bravo

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #162 on: Apr 10, 2010, 11:37 »
Should be an interesting outage considering I just heard the house techs rejected their contract and are currently working without one....
« Last Edit: Apr 10, 2010, 11:43 by JoeBob »

Offline AARPSHP

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #163 on: Apr 11, 2010, 08:25 »
I am working at PI.  When we left work on Friday they told us that the House RP techs would work 40's when the outage starts.  That is what happened last outage when I/C voted down their contract.  This place has a long way to go before you can start saying positive things about working there.  I go to PI because the working people who work at the plant are good people.  The utility that runs the place does not want to pay them for a fair wages and benefits.  Sometimes I wonder why I come back...LOL

12Bravo

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #164 on: Apr 11, 2010, 07:31 »
I&C just turned down an outage agreement, RP voted to reject their contract...
« Last Edit: Apr 11, 2010, 07:32 by BigFeetSmallTelepole »

JohnK87

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Re: Prairie Island
« Reply #165 on: Apr 13, 2010, 09:58 »
Maintenance (including I&C) did vote in a new outage agreement, as did Operations.  RP may still be waiting.  We're on our way to 80% for SG safety testing, outage starts in a few days!

 


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