Glossary of Transportation/Packaging Terms

A₁:

The maximum activity of special form radioactive material [see radioactive material definition] permitted in a Type A package [ see Type A package definition]. This value is listed in Table A-1 of 10CFR71 and 49CFR173.431-435. (49CFR173.403)

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A₂:

The maximum activity of radioactive material, other than special form radioactive material [see radioactive material definition], permitted in a Type A package [see Type A package definition]. This value is listed in Table A-1 of 10CFR71 and 49CFR173.431-435. (49CFR173.403)

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Absorbed dose (D):

Energy absorbed by matter from ionizing radiation [see ionizing radiation definition] per unit mass of irradiated material at the place of interest in that material. The absorbed dose is expressed in units of rad [see rad definition] (or gray) (1 rad = 0.01 gray). (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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Accident:

A deviation from normal operations or activities associated with a hazard which has the potential to result in an emergency [see emergency definition]. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Accident Response Group (ARG):

A group of technical and scientific experts composed of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE contractor personnel assigned responsibility for providing DOE assistance to a peacetime accident [see accident definition] and significant incidents [see significant incidents definition] involving nuclear weapons anywhere in the world. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Acute effect:

Symptom of exposure to a hazardous material [see hazardous material definition]; normally the result of a short-term exposure which comes quickly to a crisis. (40CFR370)

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Acute exposure:

A single, brief exposure to a toxic substance. (40CFR370)

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Advance notification:

The process whereby a specified party is notified in advance of a shipment. For spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] or high-level radioactive waste [see high-level radioactive waste definition], that party is the governor of the state of entry or his/her designee. (10CFR71.97) There are no Nuclear Regulatory Commission provisions to notify Indian tribes of Nuclear Waste Policy Act shipments.

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Affected persons:

Individuals who have been exposed and/or injured as a result of an accident (see definition, this page) involving any type of hazardous material [see hazardous material definition], to a degree requiring special attention (i.e., decontamination [ see decontamination definition], first aid, or medical service). (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Affected unit of local government:

The unit of local government with jurisdiction over the site of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility [see repository and monitored retrievable storage facility definitions]. Such term may, at the discretion of the Secretary [of Energy], include units of local government that are contiguous with such unit. (The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982)

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Agency:

Any organization that acts in the place of a government and by its authority (e.g., The Federal Emergency Management Agency) is an agency of the federal government. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Agreement state:

A state that has entered into an agreement under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, in which Nuclear Regulatory Commission has relinquished to such states the majority of its regulatory authority over source material [ see source material definition], by-product [ see by-product definition], and special nuclear material [see special nuclear material definition] in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass. (Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Title 42)

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Alert:

An emergency class [see emergency class definition] within the Operational and Energy categories of emergency. Within the Operational Emergency category, an Alert represents events in progress or having occurred which involve an actual or potential substantial reduction of the level of facility safety and protection. Any environmental releases of hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] are expected to be limited to small fractions of the appropriate Protection Action Guideline (PAG) or Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) onsite. During an Energy Emergency, an Alert represents an event which has occurred or is in progress that is noteworthy; the potential impacts are not expected to be serious; and a negligible long-term supply impact is anticipated. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Alpha:

Radiation emitted from radionuclides [see radionuclides definition] that travel short distances in air before being absorbed. Alpha particles are easily shielded with materials such as paper. (FEMA- Rep-5, 1992)

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Alpha particle:

A positively charged particle emitted by certain radioactive materials [ see radioactive materials definition]. It is made up of two neutrons [see neutrons definition] and two protons [see protons definition] bound together and, hence, is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom. It has low-penetrating power and short range. The most energetic alpha particle will generally fail to penetrate the skin. (Health Physics and Radiological Health Handbook. Nuclear Lectern Associates, 1984.)

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Annual limit on intake (ALI):

The derived limit for the amount of radioactive material taken into the body of an adult worker by inhalation or ingestion in a year. ALI is the smaller value of intake of a given radionuclide [see radionuclide definition] in a year by the reference man (International Commission Radiological Protections Publication 23) that would result in a committed effective dose equivalent [see dose equivalent definition] of 5 rems [see definition, page 36] (0.05 sievert) or a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems (0.5 sievert) to any individual organ or tissue. (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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As low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA):

Means keeping radiation exposure as low as is reasonably achievable, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to the benefits to public health and safety, other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and the utilization of atomic energy in the public interest. (10CFR72.3)

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Assessment:

See consequence assessment.

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Assessment actions:

Those actions taken during or immediately after an incident [ see incident definition] or emergency [see emergency definition] to gather and process the information necessary to make decisions and to implement specific emergency measures. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Association of American Railroads (AAR):

An organization advocating the interests of railroads in the public policy arena. The AAR works to enhance the productivity of the railroad industry through research and development, and other support programs. The organization facilitates a seamless intermodal interchange by electronically exchanging information among railroads, their customers, and their suppliers. Although AAR's most visible activity is representation of its members before Congress, regulatory agencies, and the courts, most of AAR's employees and budget are focused on operations, maintenance, safety, theoretical and applied research, economics, finance, accounting, communications, electronic data exchange, and public affairs. (Association of American Railroads)

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Barge:

A non-self-propelled vessel. (49CFR171.8)

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Beta particle:

A charged particle emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay [ see radioactive decay definition], having a single electrical charge and a mass equal to 1/1837 that of a proton [ see proton definition]. A negatively charged beta particle is identical to an electron [see electron definition]. A positively charged beta particle is called a positron. Large amounts of beta radiation may cause skin burns, and beta emitters are harmful if they enter the body. Beta particles are easily stopped by a thin sheet of metal or plastic. (Health Physics and Radiological Health Handbook. Nuclear Lectern Associates, 1984.)

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Boiling water reactor:

A light-water reactor in which water, used as both coolant and moderator, is allowed to boil in the core. The resulting steam can be used directly to drive a turbine. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Burnup:

The reduced reactivity of spent fuel that occurs from the net depletion of fissile [see fissile definition] nuclides [ see nuclides definition] and the net increase in fission and activation product neutron [see neutron definition] absorbers (poisons) is considered. (Sandia National Laboratories. Overview of Burnup Credit Issues. SAND91-2841C, 1992.)

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By-product material:

Any radioactive material (except special nuclear material) yielded in or made radioactive by exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing special nuclear material. (10CFR50.2)

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Campaign:

The activities required to prepare for and execute a consecutive set of shipments from a single origin over a fixed period of time. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Canister:

The metal receptacle surrounding the waste form that facilitates handling, storage, transportation, and/or disposal. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Carrier:

A person engaged in the transportation of passengers or property by land or water as a common, contract, or private carrier, or by civil aircraft. (10CFR71.4)

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Cask:

A container for shipping or storing radioactive material of greater than A₁ or A₂ [see A₁ and A₂ definitions] quantities. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Cask Maintenance Facility (CMF):

A facility to provide for the servicing, testing, maintenance, repair, modification, storage, and configuration control of transportation cask [ see cask definition] system elements. (Transportation System Requirements Document, DOE/RW-0425.)

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Category of emergency:

One of the three types of emergencies [see definition, page 12]: Operational, Energy, and Continuity of Government (COG). The purpose of these groupings is to further divide emergencies by the cause of the occurrence. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Certificate of Compliance (CoC):

A certificate approving for use, with identified limitations, a specific packaging for quantities of radioactive materials exceeding A₁ and A₂ [see A₁ and A₂ definitions] quantities as defined in 10CFR71 and 49CFR173. A CoC may be issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, or the Department of Energy. (DOE Order 1540.3 Section 4.a) (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC):

A clearinghouse maintained by the chemical industry for information and assistance on hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] characteristics. When the material has radioactive properties, the Center activates the Department of Energy regional coordinating office having jurisdiction. (DOE Order 1540.1A)

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Chronic effect:

Effect of exposure to a hazardous material [see hazardous material definition] that develops slowly after many exposures or that recurs often. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Chronic exposure:

Repeated exposure or contact with a toxic substance over a long period of time. (40CFR370)

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Civilian nuclear activity:

Any atomic energy activity other than an atomic energy defense activity. (Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982)

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Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System (CRWMS):

The composite of sites, facilities, systems, equipment, materials, information, activities, and personnel required to perform those activities necessary to manage spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] and high-level radioactive waste disposal. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Commercial motor vehicle:

Any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on public highways in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property where the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating 10,001 or more pounds; or the vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or the vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations issued by the Secretary [of Transportation] under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. (49CFR390.5)

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Common carrier:

The most accepted characteristics:
availability of service to anyone seeking a transportation movement, publication of rates, provision of the service on schedule, service to designated points or a designated area, and service of a given class of movement and commodity. (Cavinato, J. L. Transportation-Logistics Dictionary. 1982.)

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Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) program:

Program developed by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) to assist chemical plant managers in taking the initiative in cooperating with local communities to develop integrated (community/industry) plans for responding to releases of hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition]. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA):

This act (Public Law 96-510) is legislation passed in 1980 which created the first comprehensive federal law to respond to releases of hazardous substances in the environment. CERCLA is commonly referred to as Superfund. It was substantially amended in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Information System (CERCLIS):

The Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive data base and management system that inventories and tracks releases addressed or needing to be addressed by the Superfund program. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Condition:

Any as-found state, whether or not resulting from an event, which may have adverse safety, health, quality assurance, security, operational, or environmental implications. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Conduct of operations:

Quality and uniformity of operations at Department of Energy (DOE) facilities (and under DOE Order 5500.1B, transportation activities are included in the definition of a facility) managed through a consistent and auditable set of requirements, standards, and responsibilities consistent with DOE order 5480.19. (DOE Order 5480.19)

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Conduct of the exercise:

Control and evaluation of an exercise [see definition, page 14] in a manner which will safely, fairly, and accurately allow participants to demonstrate the adequacy of their response capabilities. (DOE. Workshop on Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Onsite Operational Emergency Response Exercises. May 1991.)

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Consequence:

The result or effect (especially projected doses [see doses definition] or dose rates) of a release of radioactive or hazardous materials [see radioactive and hazardous materials definitions] to the environment. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Consequence assessment:

The evaluation and interpretation of radiological or other hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] measurements and other information to provide a basis for decision making. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Consolidation:

The process whereby fuel rods are removed from an assembly and placed into a container in which a minimum of space is left unoccupied by the rods. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Contact-handled:

Waste containers that can be handled without shielding. (DOE/EM-0013P.)

Contact-handled transuranic waste:

Packaged transuranic waste whose external surface does rate does not exceed 200 millirem [see millirem definition] per hour. (DOE 5820.2A)

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Container:

Any portable device in which a material is stored, transported, treated, disposed of, or otherwise handled. (40CFR260.10)

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Containment:

• A protective action that prevents an adversary force from escaping from and/or removing a Department of Energy (DOE) safeguards and security interest from DOE or DOE contractor control. A protection strategy of the same name.
• An enclosure designed to retain fission products accidentally released from a reactor core (e.g., containment structure for a nuclear power plant or production reactor).
• Barriers or other physical confinements of airborne or liquid material released or which could be released into the environment. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Containment system:

The components of the packaging intended to retain the radioactive material during transport. (10CFR71.4)

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Contamination:

A hazardous substance dispersed in materials or places where it is undesirable. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Contingency Planning Zone (CPZ):

Provides precautionary emergency planning for prompt and effective actions beyond the emergency planning zone. ((DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Contract carrier:

A carrier, whatever mode, that provides service according to contractual agreement. The contract specifies charges to be applied, the character of the service, and the time of performance. There are no specified rates under regulation, but the charges applied must be made public. (Cavinato, J. L. Transportation-Logistics Dictionary. 1982.)

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Contractor:

A non-federal party to a Department of Energy contract, engaging in activities or operations involving hazards which could potentially affect the health and safety of employees or the public or the quality of the environment. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Control cell:

In an exercise, participants responsible for providing simulated telephone responses for non-participating organizations or individuals; the control cell also documents player actions and makes post-exercise corrective action recommendations, in addition to providing post-exercise critiques. (DOE. Workshop on Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Onsite Operational Emergency Response Exercises. May 1991.)

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Controlled copy:

A document that is maintained on a current basis by means of a formal transmittal and filing system. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Controller:

A trained individual responsible for controlling aspects of a drill [ see drill definition] or exercise [see exercise definition] by distributing information (messages, indications, or data) to players. Controllers are also responsible for ensuring players adhere to established safety precautions and limitations. (DOE. DOE Guidelines for Emergency Response Drills and Exercises. Draft. June 1991.)

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Conveyance:

Any vehicle, aircraft, vessel, freight container, or hold, compartment, or defined deck area of an inland waterway craft or seagoing vessel. (10CFR71.4) For transport by public highway or rail, any transport vehicle or large freight container; by vessel, any vessel, or any hold, compartment, or defined deck area of a vessel; and by aircraft, any aircraft. (49CFR173.403)

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Corrective actions:

Those measures taken to terminate or mitigate the consequence of an emergency at or near the source of the emergency. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Corrosive material:

A liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human skin tissue at the site of contact, or a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel or aluminum, in accordance with 49CFR171.136.

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Critical mass:

The smallest mass of fissionable material that will support a self-sustaining chain reaction under specified conditions. (FEMA. Technical Guidance for Hazards Analysis:

Emergency Planning for Extremely Hazardous Substances. December 1987.)

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Criticality:

A term used in weapon and reactor physics to describe the state of a given fission system when the specified conditions are such that the mass of active material present is precisely a critical mass [see critical mass definition]. Thus, the fission neutron [see definition, page 26] production rate is a constant and is exactly balanced by the combined rate of neutron loss and utilization so that the neutron population remains a constant. Supercriticality occurs when a greater than critical mass of active material is present and the neutron population increases rapidly. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Curie (Ci):

A measure of the radioactivity [see radioactivity definition] of 1.0 gram of radium, equal to 37 billion disintegrations per second. (OCRWM Transportation Program Reference. DOE/RW-0193.)

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Custody:

The point at which the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) assumes responsibility and control of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) [see definition, page 40] from the Purchaser (10CFR961). License accountability for SNF remains with the Purchaser until the SNF is received and accepted at a waste management facility. For high-level radioactive waste [ see radioactive waste definition], custody will be defined in a Memorandum of Agreement between OCRWM and the Producers. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Decay:

The decrease in activity of any radionuclide [see radionuclide definition] over time, due to spontaneous emission of radiation from its atomic nuclei of either alpha particles [ see alpha particles definition], beta particles [ see definition] or gamma rays [see definition]. The rate of decay for a radionuclide is related to its half-life [see half-life definition]. (FEMA- Rep-5, 1992.)

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Decommission:

To remove (as a facility) safely from service and reduce residual radioactivity [see radioactivity definition] to a level that permits release of the property for unrestricted use and termination of license. (10CFR50.2)

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Decontamination:

The removal of hazardous substances from employees and their equipment to the extent necessary to preclude the occurrence of foreseeable adverse health effects. (29CFR1910.120)

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Dedicated train:

See special train.

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Denial:

1. A protective action that denies an adversary access to the intended target.
2. A protection strategy of the same name. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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DOE Emergency Operations Center (DOE EOC):

The center located at the Department of Energy (DOE) headquarters through which DOE's emergency management team coordinates the Departmental response to an emergency. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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DOE field element:

Department of Energy (DOE) Field Offices, and where applicable, DOE Area Offices subordinate to a Field Office. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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DOE Orders:

Written, permanent, and temporary Departmental directives affecting more than one Department of Energy (DOE) organization which establish or change policies, organization, methods, standards, or procedures; guide, instruct, and inform employees in their work; require action or impose workload; give information essential to the administration or operation of the Department; or transmit other information to employees or contractors of the Department when use of DOE publications would not be practicable. Issuances used for permanent or long-lasting directives. (DOE Order 1321.1B)

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Depleted uranium:

Uranium [see uranium definition] containing less uranium-235 than the naturally occurring distribution of uranium isotopes [see isotopes definition]. (49CFR173.403)

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Design Basis Accidents (DBAs):

Accidents that are postulated for the purpose of establishing functional requirements for safety significant structures, systems, components, and equipment. (DOE Order 5480.23)

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Domestic transportation:

Transportation between locations within the United States other than through a foreign country. (49CFR171.8)

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Dose:

The amount of energy deposited in body tissue due to radiation exposure. Various technical terms, such as dose equivalent [see dose equivalent definition], effective dose equivalent [see effective dose equivalent definition] and collective dose, are used to evaluate the amount of radiation an exposed worker receives. These terms are used to describe the differing interactions of radiation with tissue as well as to assist in the management of personnel exposure to radiation. (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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Dose equivalent (H):

The product of the absorbed dose (D) (in rad [see rad definition] or gray) in tissue, a quality factor (Q), and all other modifying factors (N). Dose equivalent is expressed in units of rem [ see rem definition] (or sievert) (1 rem = 0.01 sievert). (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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Dosimeter:

A device to measure accumulated radiation dose [see dose definition]. This could be a film badge, thermoluminescent dosimeter, or an electrostatic pocket dosimeter. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Dosimetry:

The theory and application of the principles and techniques involved in measuring and recording radiation doses [see doses definition]. (Carnes, S.A. and United States Department of Energy. Site-specific Emergency Concept Plans for the Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program: A Corporation Summary. Oak Ridge, TN: Oak Ridge National Laboratory. December 1989.)

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Drill:

A drill is a supervised instruction session for the purpose of developing, testing, and/or maintaining skills in a particular area of emergency response capability. The supervised instruction includes the conduct, evaluation and critique of the drill by a person(s) trained in these activities. A scenario, usually of limited scope, is utilized to identify the simulated emergency conditions or information which necessitate emergency response actions. (DOE. DOE Guidelines for Emergency Response Drills and Exercises. December 1991.)

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Dry storage facilities:

Shielded mobile or stationary containers, silos, modules, vaults, or dry wells filled with an inert gas or with air, as appropriate, in which spent fuel assemblies [see assemblies definition] or canisters [see canisters definition] of highly radioactive material may be stored. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Effective dose equivalent (H_E):

The summation of the products of the dose equivalent received by specified tissues of the body (H_T) and the appropriate weighting factors (W_T) - - that is (H_E = SW_TH_T). It includes the dose [see dose definition] from radiation sources internal and/or external to the body. The effective dose equivalent is expressed in units of rem [see rem definition] (or sievert). (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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Effective half-life:

The time required for a radionuclide [see radionuclide definition] contained in a biological system, such as in humans, to reduce its activity by half, as a combined result of radioactive decay [ see decay definition] and biological elimination. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Electron:

A negatively charged atomic particle. Electrons surround the atom's positively charged nucleus and determine the atom's chemical properties. (DOE/EM-0013P)

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Emergency:

An emergency is the most serious event and consists of any unwanted operational, civil, natural-phenomenon, or security occurrence which could endanger or adversely affect people, property, or the environment. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Action Levels (EAL):

Specific, predetermined, observable criteria used to detect, recognize, and determine the emergency class [see emergency class definition] of Operational Emergencies. An EAL can be: an instrument reading; an equipment status indicator; a measurable parameter, onsite or offsite; a discrete, observable event; results of analyses; or another observed phenomenon that indicates entry into a particular emergency class. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency actions:

A collective term encompassing the assessment, corrective, and protective actions taken during the course of an emergency. (Coleman, R.J. and K.H. Williams. Hazardous Materials Dictionary. Lancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing Co. 1988.)

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Emergency class:

A subset under the categories of emergency (Operational, Energy, Continuity of Government). The class further differentiates an emergency by the degree of severity, depending on the actual or potential consequences of the emergency situation. For the Operational and Energy Emergency subcategories, the classes are: Alert, Site Area Emergency, and General Emergency. For the Continuity of Government subcategory, the four classes are: Pre-Attack, Transattack, Immediate Post-Attack, and Post-Attack (Reconstitution or Recovery). (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency management:

The development, coordination, and direction of planning, preparedness, and readiness assurance activities. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Management Advisory Committee (EMAC):

A select committee which supports the Department of Energy (DOE) in the development of specific policy and technical recommendations affecting Departmental emergency preparedness. Its membership parallels that of the Secretary's [of Energy] Executive Committee, with representatives appointed by departmental Assistant Secretaries, Directors, and Administrators. In addition, the General Counsel and the heads of DOE Field Elements also appoint representatives to the EMAC. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Management Team (EMT):

A Department of Energy (DOE) team designated to manage response actions during emergencies involving DOE facilities or requiring DOE assistance. EMTs are formed at the Contractor, Field Element, and DOE Headquarters (HQ) levels. The HQ EMT consists of the Executive Team and the Technical Operations Cadre. EMTs are formed in response to Operational (OEMT), Energy (EEMT), and Continuity of Government (COGEMT) Emergencies. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Operations Center (EOC):

A facility from which management and support personnel carry out coordinated emergency response activities. The EOC may be a dedicated facility or office, conference room, or other predesignated location having appropriate communications and informational materials to carry out the assigned emergency response mission and located, where possible, in a secure and protected location. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency plan:

A brief, clear, and concise description of the overall emergency organization, designation of responsibilities, and procedures, including notifications, involved in coping with any or all aspects of a potential credible emergency. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency planning:

The development and preparation of emergency plans [see definition, page 12] and procedures and the identification of necessary personnel and resources to provide an effective response. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ):

A geographic area surrounding a specific Department of Energy facility for which special planning and preparedness efforts are carried out to ensure that prompt and effective protective actions can be taken to reduce or minimize the impact to onsite personnel, public health and safety, and the environment in the event of an Operational Emergency. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency preparedness:

The training of personnel, acquisition and maintenance of resources, and exercising of the plans, procedures, personnel, and resources essential for emergency response [see emergency response definition]. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Readiness Assurance Plan (ERAP):

A plan to ensure that emergency plans [see emergency plans definition], implementing procedures, and resources are adequate and sufficiently exercised and evaluated. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency response:

The implementation of planning and preparedness during an emergency involving the effective decisions, actions, and application of resources that must be accomplished to mitigate consequences and recover from an emergency. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Response Organization (ERO):

The designated group(s) of personnel responsible for coping with and minimizing or mitigating the effects of any emergency. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG):

A hazardous material [see definition, page 18] personnel exposure level or range which, when exceeded by a short term or acute exposure, will cause adverse reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects in humans. The ERPGs are approved by a committee of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Enhanced North American Standard Inspection Procedures:

Uniform roadside inspection standards and procedures developed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for the pilot test inspection program of commercial motor vehicles transporting transuranic [see transuranic definition], spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition], and high-level radioactive waste [see high-level radioactive waste definition]. This standard is patterned after the North American Standard, but at a much higher defect free level. (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance letter, September 28, 1994.)

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Enriched uranium:

Uranium [see uranium definition] containing more uranium-235 than the naturally occurring distribution of uranium isotopes [see isotopes definition]. (49CFR173.403)

Environmental Assessment (EA):

A concise public document for which a federal agency is responsible. It briefly provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a finding of no significant impact. It aids an agency's compliance with National Environmental Policy Act requirements when no EIS is necessary, and facilitates preparation of a statement when one is necessary. An EA includes brief discussions of the need for the proposal, alternatives, environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives, and a listing of agencies and persons consulted. (40CFR1508.9)

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Environmental Impact Statement (EIS):

Detailed written statements as required by National Environmental Policy Act Section 102(2)(C). (40CFR1508.9) A document required for major projects or legislative proposals significantly affecting the environment.

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Evacuation:

The orderly withdrawal of individuals from a hazardous or threatened area until such time as the area is again deemed safe for use. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Evaluator:

A trained individual assigned to monitor aspects of a drill [see drill definition], or exercise [see exercise definition] and responsible for observing, evaluating, documenting, and critiquing the performance of players and the effectiveness of procedures and equipment. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Event:

Any real-time occurrence or significant deviation from planned or expected behavior that could endanger or adversely affect people, property, or the environment. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Exclusive use:

The sole use of a conveyance by a single consignor and for which all initial, intermediate, and final loading and unloading are carried out in accordance with the direction of the consignor or consignee. (49CFR173.403)

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Exercise:

A comprehensive performance test of the integrated capability of most aspects in the emergency management program associated with the facility. Exercises test the adequacy and effectiveness of organizational command and control; implementation procedures; notifications and communications networks; emergency equipment; response organization personnel performance; and the overall emergency response program performance. Exercises must be designed and conducted for maximum realism and attempt to duplicate the sense of stress inherent in an actual emergency situation. (DOE Emergency Management Guide: Drills and Exercises. December 1991.)

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Exercise evaluation criteria:

Standards used by evaluators to determine when an objective has been adequately demonstrated. Evaluation criteria are developed for each exercise objective. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Exercise objectives:

Specific, measurable performance objectives selected by the exercise planning committee that are used for exercises. The objectives are designed to demonstrate or test specific response procedures and/or capabilities. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Extremely hazardous substance (EHS):

Any substance on the list of substances in Title III Regulations of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 that could cause serious health effects following short-term exposure. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Extremely hazardous waste (EHW):

Any dangerous waste which will persist in a hazardous form for several years or more at a disposal site. It presents a significant environmental hazard, may be concentrated by living organisms through a food chain, or may affect the genetic makeup of humans or wildlife. It is highly toxic to humans or wildlife if disposed of in such quantities as would present an extreme hazard to humans or the environment. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Facility:

Any equipment, structure, system, process, or activity that fulfills a specific purpose. Examples include accelerators, storage areas, fusion research devices, nuclear reactors, production or processing plants, coal conversion plants, magnetohydrodynamics experiments, windmills, radioactive waste disposal systems and burial grounds, testing laboratories, research laboratories, transportation activities, and accommodations for analytical examinations of irradiated and unirradiated components. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

The federal government agency which has been tasked to coordinate Council of Government (COG) planning for the entire domestic federal government. In this sphere, FEMA provides the physical facilities for the COG program and arranges for and conducts training and exercises. In addition, FEMA provides administrative and logistical support for COG activities. (DOE Order 5500.9A)

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Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP):

A comprehensive, coordinated plan broadly describing the entire federal government response to radiological emergencies in support of federal, state, and local government agencies. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC):

A facility established by Department of Energy usually at an airport near the scene of a radiological emergency, from which the offsite Technical Director conducts the Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Plan [ see Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Plan definition] response. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Plan (FRMAP):

A plan contained in the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP) [see Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan definition] for coordinating federal offsite radiological monitoring and assistance with that of the affected states. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee (FRPCC):

An interagency advisory group established by the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP) [see Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan definition]. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Field monitoring:

The use of sensitive detection equipment by trained personnel to perform measurements to determine the presence and levels of radioactive or other hazardous substance contamination [see contamination definition] at selected geographic locations in the off-site environment. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Fissile:

Radioactive materials that are capable of undergoing or sustaining nuclear fission and thus require controls to assure nuclear criticality [ see criticality definition] safety during transport. Fissile materials [see fissile materials definition] include plutonium-238, plutonium-239, plutonium-241, uranium-233, and uranium-235. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Fissile classification:

Categorization of fissile material [see fissile material definition] packages into one of three classes (i.e., Fissile Class I, Fissile Class II, and Fissile Class III) according to the controls needed to provide nuclear criticality [see criticality definition] safety during transportation. (10CFR71.4)

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Fissile material:

Any material consisting of or containing one or more fissile radionuclides [see radionuclides definition]. Fissile radionuclides are plutonium-238, plutonium-239, plutonium-241, uranium-233 and uranium-235. Neither natural nor depleted uranium [see depleted uranium definition] are fissile material. (49CFR173.403)

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Fission products:

The nuclei (fission fragments) formed by the fission of heavy elements plus the nuclides [see nuclides definition] formed by the fission fragment in radioactive decay [see radioactive decay definition]. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Free play:

The standard practice during drills [see drills definition] and exercises [see exercises definition] of allowing the players to go as far as possible in their respective response actions to the simulated emergency events without jeopardizing personnel safety or plant/facility safety, exceeding established limitations on utilization of resources, or compromising the established objectives. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Freight forwarder:

A person holding itself out to the general public (except as a carrier) to provide transportation services for compensation in interstate commerce, which in the ordinary course of its business acts as a common carrier in assembling, consolidating, break-bulk, and distributing shipments using a for-hire carrier regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission. (49CFR1084.1)

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Full-scale exercise:

An emergency exercise that tests all (or major) aspects of the facility, state, and local emergency plans [see emergency plans definition], tests emergency equipment and communications networks, tests the notification systems, and ensures that emergency organization personnel are capable of assuming their responsibilities and emergency duties. (Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Emergency Preparedness Drills and Exercise Manual. INPO 88-019. November 1988.)

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Gamma rays:

High energy, short wavelength electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus. Gamma radiation frequently accompanies alpha [see alpha definition] and beta [see beta definition] emissions and always accompanies fission. Gamma rays are very penetrating and are best stopped or shielded against by dense materials, such as lead or depleted uranium [see depleted uranium definition]. Gamma rays are essentially similar to x-rays but are usually more energetic and are nuclear in origin. (Health Physics and Radiological Health Handbook. Nuclear Lectern Associates, 1984.)

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General emergency:

One of the classes of emergencies [see emergencies definition] in the Operational and Energy Emergency categories. Within the category of Operational Emergency, a General Emergency represents events which are in progress or have occurred that involve actual or imminent catastrophic failure of facility safety systems with potential for loss of confinement integrity, catastrophic degradation of facility protection systems, or catastrophic failure in safety or protection systems threatening the integrity of a weapon or test device which could lead to substantial offsite impacts. Any environmental release of hazardous materials [see definition, page 18] can reasonably be expected to exceed the appropriate Protective Action Guide (PAG) [see Protective Action Guide definition] offsite. Within the category of Energy Emergency, a General Emergency is an event which has occurred that has major energy supply impacts. Examples of such events are a major electrical energy system outage affecting consumers in more than two states or an earthquake affecting the United States or a United States territory that measures over 7.1 on the Richter Scale. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Generator:

Any person who is licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to use a utilization or production facility under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. (10CFR961.3)

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Greater-than-Class-C low-level radioactive waste:

Waste from commercial sources with radionuclide [see radionuclide definition] concentrations that exceed Nuclear Regulatory Commission limits for Class-C low-level radioactive waste as defined in 10CFR61.55.

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Half-life:

The time required for the activity of radionuclide [see radionuclide definition] to decrease to half of its initial value due to radioactive decay [see decay definition]. (FEMA-Rev-5, 1992)

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Hazard:

A process, condition, or asset which has the potential to adversely impact the health and safety of personnel, the public, the environment, or national security. Hazards are divided into three classes:

a)	Low: hazards which present minor onsite and negligible offsite impacts to people, the environment, or national security. (DOE Order 5500.1B)
b)	Moderate: hazards which represent considerable potential onsite impacts to the people or the environment, but at most only minor offsite impacts to people, the environment, or national security. (DOE Order 5500.1B)
c)	High: hazards with the potential for onsite and offsite impacts to large numbers of persons or with the potential for major impacts to the environment or national security. (DOE Order 5500.1B) Back to Top

Hazard analysis:

The procedure for identifying potential sources of a hazardous materials [ see definition] release, determining the vulnerability of an area to a hazardous materials release, and comparing hazards to determine risks to a community. Also referred to as hazard assessment. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Hazardous chemical:

Any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard as defined under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29CFR1910.1201. For Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III, Section 311, the term is defined the same with certain named exceptions. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Hazardous material (HAZMAT):

Any solid, liquid, or gaseous material that is toxic, flammable, radioactive, corrosive, chemically reactive, or unstable upon prolonged storage in quantities that could pose a threat to life, property, or the environment (this definition is applicable to Department of Energy orders and is not to be confused with the term "hazardous material substance" defined in Section 101(14) of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and in [40CFR300.6]). Also defined by 49 Code of Federal Regulations 171.8 as a substance or material designated by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce and which has been so designated. See definition of hazardous substance. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act of 1990 (HMTUSA):

Reauthorization of the 1974 Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to provide national direction and guidance to enhance hazardous materials [ see definition] emergency preparedness activities at state and local levels. (Public Law 101-615)

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Hazardous substance:

As defined by Section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, any substance designated pursuant to Section 311(b) (2) (A) of the Clean Water Act; any element, compound, mixture, solution or substance designated pursuant to Section 102 identified under or listed pursuant to Section 3001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (but not including any waste listed under Section 307[a] of the Clean Water Act); any hazardous air pollutant listed under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act; and any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture pursuant to Section 7 of the Toxic Substances Control Act. The term does not include petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, which is not otherwise specifically listed or designated as a hazardous substance in the first sentence of this paragraph, and the term does not include natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Hazardous waste:

Those solid wastes designated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration 40CFR261 due to the properties of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. (DOE Order 5500.2A) Any material that is subject to the Hazardous Waste Manifest requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency specified in 40 CFR Part 262. (49CFR171.8)

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Hazards assessment:

Used as a foundation for emergency planning purposes; includes identification of any hazards and targets unique to a facility, analyses of potential accidents [see accidents definition] or events, and evaluation of potential accident or event consequences. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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HAZMAT employee:

A person who is employed by a HAZMAT employer and who in the course of employment directly affects hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] transportation safety. This term includes an owner-operator of a motor vehicle which transports hazardous materials in commerce. (49CFR171.8)

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Health physics (HP):

The science concerned with recognition, evaluation, and control of health hazards from ionizing radiation [see ionizing radiation definition]. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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High-level [radioactive] waste (HLW):

The highly radioactive waste material that results from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] in a commercial or defense facility, including liquid waste produced directly in reprocessing and any solid waste derived from the liquid, that contains a combination of transuranic waste [see transuranic waste definition] and fission products in concentrations requiring permanent isolation. (DOE Order 5820.2A)

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Highly enriched uranium (HO):

Nuclear Material that contains greater than 20 percent of uranium-235. (DOE Integrated Spent Nuclear Fuel Technology Integration Plan, Vol. 1. February 1994.)

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HIGHWAY:

an interactive computer code that is used to calculate routes in accordance with HRCQ regulations (49 CFR 397.101) for spent-fuel shipment in the United States. (ORNL/TM-12124. HIGHWAY 3.1-An Enhanced Highway Routing Model: Program Description, Methodology, and Revised User's Manual. 1993.)

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Highway route controlled quantity (HRCQ):

A Type B quantity package [see package definition] that has additional constraints imposed during transportation. The HRCQ quantity is 3,000 times a Type A quantity or 30,000 curies [see curies definition], whichever is less. Regulatory cites: (1) Definition, 49CFR173.403(l); (2) shipper requirements for HRCQ shipments, 49CFR173.22(c); and (3) carrier requirements for HRCQ shipments, 49CFR177.825. (FEMA-Rev-5, 1992)

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Highway routing [of HRCQ]:

Refers to those routes which must be selected by the carrier or that person operating a motor vehicle containing a highway route controlled quantity of radioactive materials to reduce time in transit and minimize radiological risk. The route is limited to a preferred route [see route definition] or a state designated alternative route [see definition, page 40] whenever possible, and must be in writing with a copy supplied to the driver and shipper, the latter being notified in writing of any deviations. (49CFR397.101)

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Incident:

Any deviation from normal operations or activities which has the potential to result in an emergency [see emergency definition]. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Incident analysis:

The initial assessment of a hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] emergency threat to people, property, and systems. (National Fire Academy. The Incident Command System. NFA-ICS-SM. August 1989.)

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Incident Command Post (ICP):

The location at which the primary command functions are executed, usually collocated with the incident base. (National Fire Academy. The Incident Command System. NFA-ICS-SM. August 1989.)

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Incident Command System (ICS):

The combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure with responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives pertaining to an incident [see incident definition]. (National Fire Academy. The Incident Command System. NFA-ICS-SM. August 1989.)

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Incident Commander (IC):

The individual responsible for the management of all operations at a particular hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] emergency. (National Fire Academy. The Incident Command System. NFA-ICS-SM. August 1989.)

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Indian tribe:

Any Indian tribe, band nation, or other organized group or community of Indians recognized as eligible for the services provided to Indians by the Secretary of the Interior because of their status as Indians, including any Alaska Native village, as defined in Section 3(c) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1602(c)]. (Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982)

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Ingestion exposure pathway:

A geographic zone with approximately 50 miles radius centered at a nuclear power plant for which plans are developed to protect the public from exposure to radiation principally from the ingestion of water or foods such as milk or fresh vegetables that are contaminated as a result of a nuclear power plant accident [see accident definition] (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Interim storage:

The temporary holding of wastes on or away from the generator's site when disposal space is not available. Monitoring and human control are provided, and subsequent action involving treatment, transportation, or final disposition is expected. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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INTERLINE:

An interactive computer code used to predict rail routes for radioactive waste [see radioactive waste definition] shipments in the United States. (ORNL/TM-12090. INTERLINE 5.0-An Expanded Railroad Routing Model: Program Description, Methodology, and User's Manual. 1993.)

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Intermodal transfer:

The physical transfer of a package of cargo from one mode of transportation (e.g., highway, rail, or barge) to another to effect continuous movement of the shipment to destination without releasing the contents. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Ionizing radiation:

Any radiation that causes displacement of electrons [see electrons definition] from atoms or molecules, thereby producing ions. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Isotopes:

One of two or more atoms with the same atomic number (the same chemical element) but with different atomic weights. An equivalent statement is that the nuclei of isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes usually have the very nearly the same chemical properties, but somewhat different physical properties. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Joint Information Center (JIC):

A centralized facility where organizations responding to an emergency coordinate the release of accurate and timely information to the public and the media and provide a central source for all instructions. A JIC is operated cooperatively by all responding levels of federal, state, and local governments and organizations, and the involved facility. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Labeling:

Each person who offers for transportation or transports a hazardous material [see hazardous material definition] in any packages or containment [see containment definition] devises listed in 49CFR172.400 shall label the package or containment device with labels specified for the material in the table listed in 49CFR172.101. (49CFR172.400)

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Lead Federal Agency (LFA):

The federal agency that owns, authorizes, regulates, or is otherwise deemed responsible for ameliorating an emergency and that has the authority to take whatever action is necessary to stabilize the situation. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Legal-weight truck (LWT):

Refers to the total gross-weight of a motor vehicle, together with its cargo, which is within the prescribed maximum limits of the state, and not requiring overweight permits. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Lethal dose of radiation:

The amount of ionizing radiation [see radiation definition] exposure required to cause death. A brief (within four days) whole body gamma [see gamma definition] exposure of 600 roentgens would be a lethal dose for most people. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Level of concern:

The concentration of an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) in the air above which there may be serious irreversible health effects or death as a result of a single exposure for a relatively short period of time. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Licensed radioactive material:

Source material, special nuclear material [see source material and special nuclear material definitions] or by product material [see material definition] received, possessed, used, transferred, or disposed of under a license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Transportation System Requirements Document, DOE/RW-0425)

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Licensed storage capacity:

Maximum number of spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] assemblies and canisters [see canisters definition] to be stored at a given site or spent nuclear fuel pool, as licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Licensee:

The holder of a license issued under Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing requirements to operate a facility. (10CFR61)

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Limited quantity:

When specified as such in a section applicable to a particular material, means the maximum amount of a hazardous material [see definition] for which there is a specific labeling or packaging exception. (49CFR171.8)

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Limited quantity of radioactive material:

A quantity of radioactive material not exceeding the materials package limits specified in 49CFR173.423 and which conform with requirements specified in 49CFR173.421. (49CFR173.403)

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Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC):

A committee appointed by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), as required by Title III of Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), to formulate a comprehensive emergency plan for its district. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Local government:

Any county, city, village, town, district, or political subdivision of any state, Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or organization, including any rural community or unincorporated town or village or any other public entity. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Low enriched uranium (LEU):

Uranium [see uranium definition] material that has had uranium-235 concentration increased above natural levels but less than 20 percent. (DOE Integrated Spent Nuclear Fuel Technology Integration Plan, Vol. 1. February 1994.)

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Low-level [radioactive waste] (LLW):

Radioactive material that is not high-level radioactive waste [ see high-level radioactive waste definition], spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition], or byproduct material (as defined in Section IIe(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, [42 U.S.C. 2014(e)(2)]) [see Atomic Energy Act of 1954 definition]; and (2) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission consistent with existing law classifies as low-level radioactive waste. (10CFR62.3)

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Low specific activity (LSA) materials:

Means the following:

(1)	Uranium [see uranium definition] or thorium ores and physical or chemical concentrates of those ores.
(2)	Unirradiated natural or depleted uranium [see depleted uranium definition] or unirradiated natural thorium.
(3)	Tritium oxide in aqueous solutions provided the concentration does not exceed 5.0 millicurie per milliliter.
(4)	Material in which the radioactivity [ see radioactivity definition] is essentially uniformly distributed and in which the estimated average concentration of contents does not exceed amounts listed in 49CFR173.403.
(5)	Objects of nonradioactive material externally contaminated with radioactive material, provided that the radioactive material is not readily dispersible and the surface contamination [ see contamination definition] when averaged over an area of 1 square meter, does not exceed 0.0001 millicurie per square centimeter of radionuclides [see definition, page 34] for which the A2 quantity is not more than .05 curies, or 0.001 millicurie per square centimeter for other radionuclides. (49CFR173.403) Back to Top

Marking:

A descriptive name, identification number, instructions, cautions, weight, specification, or United Nations marks, or combinations thereof, required by this Department of Transportation on outer packaging of hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition]. (49CFR171.8)

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Master Sequence of Events List (MSEL):

A listing of the key emergency exercise sequence of events contained in the detailed narrative exercise scenario, usually appearing in a concise, tabular form. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):

Information on hazardous chemicals required to be submitted by facility owners and operators under 1910.1200(g) of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Millirem:

A unit of radiation dosage equal to one-thousandth of a rem [see definition, page 36]. According to federal standards, an individual is allowed to receive up to 500 millirem per year from nuclear fuel cycle activities. (OCRWM Transportation Program Reference. DOE/RW-0193.)

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Mixed waste:

Waste containing both radioactive and hazardous components as defined by the Atomic Energy Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, respectively. (DOE Order 5820.2A)

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Monitored retrievable storage (MRS) facility:

A complex designed, constructed, and operated by Department of Energy for the receipt, transfer, handling, packaging, possession, safeguarding, and storage of spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] aged for at least one year and solidified high-level radioactive waste [see high-level radioactive waste definition] resulting from civilian nuclear activities, pending shipment to a high-level waste repository [see waste repository definition] or other disposal. (10CFR72.3)

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Monitoring:

The use of sampling and detection equipment to determine the levels of radiation or other toxic materials. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Motor carrier:

A motor common carrier and a motor contract carrier. (49CFR387.27)

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Motor common carrier:

A person holding itself out to the general public to provide motor vehicle transportation of passengers for compensation over regular or irregular routes. (49CFR387.27)

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Motor contract carrier:

A person, other than a motor common carrier, providing motor vehicle transportation of passengers for compensation under continuing agreement with a person or limited number of persons. (49CFR387.27)

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Multi-purpose canister (MPC):

Sealed, metallic containers maintaining multiple spent fuel assemblies [ see spent fuel assemblies definition] in a dry, inert environment and overpacked separately and uniquely for the various system elements of storage, transportation, and disposal. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Multi-purpose canister (MPC) overpack:

A structural component that provides the confinement, radiation shielding, impact resistance, and environmental protection for an MPC to meet the requirements of 10CFR60 for disposal, or 10CFR71 for transportation, or 10CFR72 for storage.

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Mutual Assistance Agreement (MAA):

Agreement between contractors and Department of Energy (DOE) and/or DOE and other government agencies or municipalities to share emergency response and techniques. Also known as a Mutual Aid Agreement. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Observer (visitor):

An individual participating in a drill [see drill definition] or exercise [see exercise definition] solely for the purpose of observing the activities for official and/or educational reasons. An observer's participation is limited to passive observation of the activities and an observer has no interface with any of the players. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Occurrence report:

A written evaluation of an event or condition that is prepared in sufficient detail to enable the reader to assess its significance, consequences, or implications, and to evaluate the actions being proposed or employed to correct the condition or to avoid recurrence. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Officially reportable event:

An event that requires official notification to both the state and federal governments as outlined in Section 103(c) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980; 40CFR117, Determination of Reportable Quantities for Hazardous Substances; 33CFR153.201, Notice of Discharge of Oil or Hazardous Substances; and 40CFR110 and 112. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Off-normal occurrence:

An abnormal or unplanned event or condition, as described in DOE Order 5000.3B, that adversely affects, potentially affects, or is indicative of degradation in the safety, security, environmental or health protection performance, or operations of a facility. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Offsite:

The area beyond the boundaries of the site. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Onscene:

The area surrounding an accident [see accident definition] or incident [see incident definition] site that is, or potentially could be, affected by the accident or incident. This area could include both the onsite and offsite [see offsite definition] areas. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Onsite:

The facility, site, or area over which the cognizant federal agency has access control authority. The onsite area includes any area that has been established as a National Defense Area or National Security Area. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Operational emergency:

One of the three categories of emergencies. Operational emergencies are significant accidents [see accidents definition], incidents [see incidents definition], events, or natural phenomena which seriously degrade the safety or security of Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. Operational emergencies apply to DOE reactors and other DOE facilities (nuclear and nonnuclear) involved with hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition]; DOE-controlled nuclear weapons, components, or test devices; DOE safeguards and security events; and transportation accidents involving hazardous material. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Operational emergency event classes:

Characterization of operational emergencies involving or affecting Department of Energy (DOE) facilities as Alert, Site Area Emergency, or General Emergency in accordance with DOE Order 5500.2B as determined by emergency action levels [see emergency action levels definition]. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Operational Emergency Management Team (OEMT):

A Department of Energy (DOE) team predesignated at DOE Headquarters to manage activities during operational emergencies involving DOE or requiring DOE assistance. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Operational Emergency Response Levels:

Response levels to hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] incidents, natural phenomena occurring at nuclear and nonnuclear facilities, safeguards and security incidents, Radiological Assistance Program requests for assistance, and nuclear weapon accidents or significant incidents. For hazardous material emergencies the response levels are: unusual event, alert, site emergency, and general emergency. For safeguards and security emergencies, response levels are: Alert III (Charlie), Alert II (Bravo), and Alert I (Alpha). For Radiological Assistance Program emergencies, the response levels are radiological Assistance Program alert and Radiological Assistance Program emergency. Nuclear weapons accident or significant incident [see significant incident definition] emergencies include all responses by the Accident Response Group, and there are no specific response levels. (DOE Order 5480.5)

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Package:

The packaging together with its radioactive contents as presented for transport. (49CFR173.403)

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Packaging:

For radioactive materials, the assembly of components necessary to ensure compliance with the packaging requirements of 49CFR173. It may consist of one or more receptacles, absorbent materials, spacing structures, thermal insulation, radiation shielding, and devices for cooling or absorbing mechanical shocks. The conveyance, tie-down system, and auxiliary equipment may sometimes by designated as part of the packaging. (49CFR173.403)

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Performance-based training:

A systematic approach to training that is based on the actual tasks performed by the worker and the related knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent job performance. (Training and Management Systems Division, Oak Ridge Associated Universities. TRADE/EMI SIG Emergency Management Training Program: Guide To Good Practice. ORAU 91/G-52. July 1991.)

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Permissible exposure limit:

The exposure, inhalation or dermal permissible exposure limit specified in 29CFR1910 subparts G and Z. (29CFR1910.120)

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Person:

Any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, group, government agency other than the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or Department of Energy (DOE) (except DOE is considered a person within the meaning of the regulations in 10CFR61 to the extent that its facilities and activities are subject to the licensing and related regulatory authority of the NRC pursuant to law), any state or any political subdivision of or any political entity within a state, any foreign government or nation or any political subdivision of any such government or nation, or other entity; and any legal successor, representative, agent or agency of the foregoing. (10CFR61.2)

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Physical protection during transit:

Procedures for the safeguarding of shipments of radioactive materials [see definition, page 33] from acts of theft and sabotage. These procedures are established by Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations. (10CFR73)

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Physical protection system - unclassified irradiated reactor fuel:

An integrated system for the protection of the public health and safety while shipments of unclassified irradiated reactor fuel are in transit. The system consists of type of reactor fuel (irradiated), type of packaging (massive, breach resistant), escort surveillance, tracking, notification to concerned parties, and emergency response. (DOE Order 5632.11)

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Placard:

Represents the hazard class(es) of the material(s) contained within the freight container, motor vehicle or rail car. A warning sign made of a durable material and placed on the exterior sides of a transport vehicle. (DOT Chart 9)

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Player:

An individual participating in a drill [see definition, page 11] or exercise [see definition, page 14] responsible for responding in accordance with operational procedures and/or the emergency plan and implementing procedures as if the simulated emergency event were real. (Department of Energy. DOE Guidelines for Emergency Response Drills and Exercises. December 1991.)

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Plume:

Airborne material spreading from a particular source. Used to denote dispersal of particles, gases, vapors, and aerosols in the atmosphere. Occasionally referred to as a cloud (for example, a "radioactive cloud"). A release of material into the atmosphere for a short duration may also be denoted as a "puff." (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Plume exposure pathway:

The principal exposure sources for this pathway are:

1. Whole body external exposure (gamma radiation) and/or contact exposure to skin or eyes (hazardous substances) from contact with materials from the plume and from deposited material.
2. Inhalation and absorption of constituents in the passing plume. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Potassium iodide:

Thyroid blocking agent that may be used in radiological events involving releases of radioiodine. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Precautionary zone:

The outermost Emergency Planning Zone [see definition, page 13] which extends conceptually to a distance where no adverse impacts to humans would be experienced in the case of a maximum release under virtually any conditions. (Carnes, S.A. and United States Department of Energy. Site-specific Emergency Concept Plans for the Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program: A Corporation Summary. Oak Ridge, TN: Oak Ridge National Laboratory. December 1989.)

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Preferred route:

A preferred route consists of either or both: (1) an interstate system highway for which an alternative route is not designated by a state routing agency [see state routing agency definition], and/or (2) a state-designated route selected by a state routing agency in accordance with the Department of Transportation Guidelines for Selecting Preferred Highway Routes for Highway Route Controlled Quantity Shipments of Radioactive Materials, or an equivalent routing analysis. (49CFR397.101)

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Prenotification:

See advance notification.

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Pressurized water reactor:

A nuclear reactor in which heat is transferred from the core to a heat exchanger via water kept under high pressure so that high temperatures can be maintained in the primary system without boiling the water. Steam is generated in a secondary circuit. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Price-Anderson Act:

The legislation outlining the methods for compensating nuclear powerplants or nuclear transportation accident [see definition, page 1] victims. Passed as Subsection 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, the Price-Anderson Act established a system in which a combination of government guarantees and private insurance coverage would pay claims for personal injury and property damage caused by nuclear accidents. The legislation limits the liability any one utility must sustain by requiring all nuclear utilities to assist in damage payments should an accident occur. Amendments in 1965 and 1975 included 10-year extensions to the Act. (OCRWM Transportation Program Reference. DOE/RW-0193.)

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Private carrier:

Provides a service for the movement of goods owned by the vehicle operator. (Cavinato, J. L. Transportation-Logistics Dictionary. 1982.)

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Program Secretarial Office (PSO):

Department of Energy offices that have responsibility for specific facilities. These include the Assistant Secretaries for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Nuclear Energy, Defense Programs, Fossil Energy; and the Directors of Energy Research, Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, New Production Reactors, and Environmental Management. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Protective action (protective response):

Physical measures, such as evacuation or sheltering, taken to prevent potential health hazards resulting from a release of hazardous materials [ see hazardous materials definition] to the environment from adversely affecting employees or the offsite [ see offsite definition] population. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Protective Action Guide [or Guideline] (PAG):

A radiation personnel exposure level or range beyond which protective action should be considered. PAG values should reflect a balance of risks and costs to onsite personnel, public health and safety, and the environment weighed against the benefits obtained from protective actions. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Proton:

An elementary particle with a single positive electrical charge and a mass approximately 1837 times that of the electron [see electron definition]. The nucleus of an ordinary or light hydrogen atom. Protons are constituents of all nuclei. The atomic number (Z) of an atom is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Rad:

Unit of absorbed dose [see dose definition]. One rad is equal to an absorbed dose of 100 ergs per gram or 0.01 joules per kilogram (0.01 gray). (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS):

A multi-purpose medical facility located in Oak Ridge, TN, prepared to deal with all types of radiation exposure emergencies and provide medical and health physics advice and assistance in radiological emergencies. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Radiation level:

The radiation dose-equivalent rate [see dose-equivalent rate definition] expressed in millirem [see millirem definition] per hour (mrem/h). (49CFR173.403)

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Radioactive material:

Any material having a specific activity greater than 0.002 microcuries per gram (uCi/g). (49CFR173.403)

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Radioactive waste:

Solid, liquid, or gaseous material that contains radionuclides [ see radionuclides definition] regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and of negligible economic value considering costs of recovery. (DOE 5820.2A)

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Radioactive waste disposal:

The isolation of radioactive wastes [see radioactive wastes definition, this page] from the biosphere inhabited by man and containing his food chains by emplacement in a land disposal facility. (10CFR61.2) The isolation of radioactive wastes from the accessible environment and emplacement in a repository [see repository definition] with no foreseeable intent of recovery, whether or not such emplacement permits the recovery of such waste.

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Radioactivity:

The property possessed by some atoms of spontaneously emitting radiation in the form of rays and particles from its nucleus. Radioisotopes of elements lose particles and energy through this process and decay [ see decay definition] or transform into other elements. (OCRWM Transportation Program Reference. DOE/RW-0193.)

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Radiological Assistance Program (RAP):

A Department of Energy program which provides for radiological assistance to federal, state and major Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees in the event of an incident [see incident definition] involving radioactive materials. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Radiological Assistance Team (RAT):

Experienced Department of Energy (DOE) and/or DOE contractor professionals who are adequately equipped to conduct offsite [see offsite definition] radiological emergency monitoring. Radiological Assistance Teams are at all DOE Field Offices, all national laboratories, and most area offices and associated contractors. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Radiological sabotage:

Any deliberate act directed against a site or transport in which an activity licensed pursuant to the regulations in 10CFR171 is conducted, or against a component of such a site or transport which could directly or indirectly endanger the public health and safety by exposure to radiation. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Radionuclide:

See nuclide.

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RADTRAN:

A FORTRAN 77 computer code for analysis of the consequences and risks of radioactive material [see radioactive material definition] transportation. RADTRAN is used to estimate radiological risks associated with incident-free transportation of radioactive materials and with accidents that might occur during transportation. (RADTRAN 4, Vol. II - Technical Manual)

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Railroad:

Classifications based on traffic density/utilization measures which are indicative of the level of maintenance and investment applied to various rail line classes. All common carrier railway lines are subject to the Federal Railway Administration regulations intended to promote safety on the rail network.

1. Mainline - Class A: A traffic density measure of 20 million gross tons or more per year per route or route segment.
2. Mainline - Class B: A traffic density measure of at least 5 to less than 20 million gross tons per year per route or route segment.
3. Branchline - Class A - A traffic density measure, 5 million gross tons or more per year per route or route segment.
4. Branchline - Class B - A traffic density measure of at least 1 to less than 5 million gross tons per year per route or route segment. (Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, PL 94-210)
5. Main track: A track, other than an auxiliary track, extending through yards or between stations, upon which trains are operated by timetable or train order, or both, or the use of which is governed by a signal system. (49CFR218.5)
6. Class of track: The maximum allowable operating speeds for freight and passenger trains as established by the Federal Railroad Administration. There are six such classes of track. (49CFR213.9)

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Recovery:

Actions taken after a plant (facility) has been brought to a stable or shutdown condition to return the plant (facility) to normal operation. (DOE Order 5500.1B) (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Regional Coordinating Office (RCO):

Department of Energy site operations Offices located at Oak Ridge, Savannah River, Albuquerque, Chicago, Idaho, Richland, and Oakland which provide radiological assistance coordination, national contingency planning, and regional preparedness committee coordination. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Release:

As defined by Section 101(22) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed receptacles containing any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant), but excludes: Any release which results in exposure a to person solely within a workplace, with respect to a claim which such persons; emissions from the engine exhaust of a motor vehicle, rolling stock, aircraft, vessel, or pipeline pumping stations engine; release of source, byproduct, or special nuclear material from a nuclear incident, as those terms are defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, if such release is subject to requirements with respect to financial protections established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under Section 170 of such Act, or, for the purposes of Section 104 of CERCLA or any other response action, any release of source, byproduct, or special nuclear material [see special nuclear material definition] from any processing site designated under Section 102(a)(1) or 302(a) of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978; and the normal application of fertilizer. For purposes of the National Contingency Plan [see National Contingency Plan definition], release also means threat of release. (40CFR300.5)

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Rem:

Unit of dose equivalent [see dose equivalent definition]. Dose equivalent in rem is numerically equal to the absorbed dose in rad [ see rad definition] multiplied by the quality factor, distribution factor, and any other necessary modifying factors (1 rem = 0.01 sievert). (DOE. Radiological Control Manual. DOE/EH-0256T, Rev. 1. April 1994.)

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Remote-handled transuranic waste:

Packaged transuranic waste [see transuranic waste definition] whose external surface dose [see dose definition] rate exceeds 200 millirem [see millirem definition] per hour. Test specimens of fissionable material irradiated for research and development purposes only and not for the production of power or plutonium may be classified as remote-handled transuranic waste. (DOE Order 5820.2A)

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Reportable occurrence:

Events or conditions to be reported in accordance with the criteria defined in DOE 5000.3B. Emergencies, unusual occurrences, and off-normal [ see off-normal definition] occurrences are reportable occurrences. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Reportable quantity (RQ):

That quantity of a hazardous substance set forth in 40CFR302, the release of which requires notification to the National Response Center [ see National Response Center definition]. If a quantity has not been established by 40CFR302, the reportable quantity is one pound. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Repository:

Any system licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that is intended to be used for, or may be used for, the permanent deep geologic disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, whether or not such system is designed to permit the recovery, for a limited period during initial operation, of any materials placed in such system. Such term includes both surface and subsurface areas at which high-level radioactive waste [see high-level radioactive waste definition] and spent nuclear fuel handling activities are conducted. (Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982)

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Reprocessing:

The process by which spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] is separated into waste material for disposal and material such as uranium [see uranium definition] and plutonium for reuse. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Reservation:

Any Indian reservation or dependent Indian community referred to in clause (a) or (b) of Section 1151 of title 18, United States Code; or any land selected by an Alaska Native village or regional corporation under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). (Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982)

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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA):

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Public Law 94-580) regulates all solid waste disposal, with emphasis on the control of hazardous wastes. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Risk:

A quantitative or qualitative expression of possible loss that considers both the probability that a hazard will cause harm and the consequences of that event. (DOE Order 5480.5)

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RISKIND:

Computer code developed by Department of Energy for analyzing radiological consequences and health risks to individuals and the collective population from exposures associated with the transportation spent nuclear fuel [ see spent nuclear fuel definition]. (DOE. RISKIND- -A Computer Program for Calculating Radiological Consequences and Health Risks from Transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel. ANL/EAIS-6, Rev. 0.)

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Safeguards information:

Information which specifically identifies measures taken for the physical protection of special nuclear material (spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste), or measures taken for the physical protection of equipment vital to the safety of operations at fixed sites and in transit. Safeguards information includes: the transportation physical security plan; schedules and itineraries for specific shipments; details of vehicle immobilization features, intrusion alarm devices, and communication systems; arrangements with, and capabilities of, local police response forces; locations of safe havens; details regarding limitations of radio-telephone communications; and procedures for response to safeguards emergencies. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Safeguards system:

An integrated system of physical protection, material accountability, and material control measures that have capabilities for the protection of spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition] and high-level waste [see high-level waste definition] at fixed sites and in-transit. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Safety analysis:

A documented process to systematically identify the hazards of a Department of Energy operation; to describe and analyze the adequacy of the measures taken to eliminate, control, or mitigate identified hazards; and to analyze and evaluate potential accidents [see accidents definition] and their associated risks. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Safety analysis report (SAR):

The document that contains all safety analyses pertinent to the authorization of facility operations. (DOE Order 5480.23)

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Safety analysis report for packaging (SARP):

A comprehensive technical description of the design and test results, the operational and maintenance procedures, and the contractor's quality assurance program for each package type. A comprehensive report meeting the requirements of an application for package approval under 10CFR71 and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 7.9. (GAO/RCED-88-195)

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Scenario:

The comprehensive information prepared for a drill or exercise which depicts the simulated emergency. A scenario includes the narrative scenario, overall sequence and timing of events, the detailed messages, technical data tables, illustrations, maps, and/or additional information necessary to realistically depict events. (Department of Energy. DOE Guidelines for Emergency Response Drills and Exercises. December 1991.)

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Scenario development group:

A multi-discipline group of individuals responsible for developing the key sequence of events of the scenario and all necessary data sheets and messages. (Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Emergency Preparedness Drills and Exercise Manual. INPO 88-019. November 1988.)

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Scenario package:

A package prepared for drill [see drill definition] or exercise [see exercise definition] controllers and evaluators that contains the necessary information to understand the scope and conduct of the drill or exercise. Typical information contained in the scenario package includes objectives and scope, narrative descriptions of the scenario, time line of key scenario events, player messages, operations and radiological protection data, and logistics information. (Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Emergency Preparedness Drills and Exercise Manual. INPO 88-019. November 1988.)

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Scenario time:

The hypothetical time for the sequence of events. It can be set up to go for many days and still correspond to a few hours on the clock (real time). This allows for a more realistic analysis by the players of the scenario events. (Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Emergency Preparedness Drills and Exercise Manual. INPO 88-019. November 1988.)

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Sheltering:

An in-place, immediate protective action which calls for people to go indoors, close all doors and windows, turn off all sources of outside air, listen to radio or television for emergency information, and remain indoors until official notification that it is safe to go out. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Shipment:

Refers to the cargo entered as the load on a shipping paper, moving from one origin to one destination, and the associated regulated shipping activities. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Shipper:

The person (or his or her agent) who tenders a shipment for transportation. The term includes persons who prepare packages for shipment, and offer packages to a carrier for transportation by signature on the shipping paper. (DOE Order 1540.1A)

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Short-term exposure limit (STEL):

The maximum concentration allowed for a continuous 15-minute exposure period. There may be no more than four such exposures each day with at least one hour between exposures. The daily threshold limit value - time weighted average (TLV-TWA) may not be exceeded. (40CFR370)

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Simulation:

As defined for drills [see drills definition] and exercises [see definition, page 14], the fabrication of events. Simulation applies only to the overall emergency or event being staged. Emergency response actions, i.e., the actual procedural actions, utilization of emergency equipment, checking instrument and meter readings, etc., is to actually be performed, not simulated. (DOE. DOE Guidelines for Emergency Response Drills and Exercises. December 1991.)

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Site Area Emergency:

One of the classes of emergency [see emergency definition] in the operational and energy categories. Within the context of an operational emergency, a site area emergency represents events which are in progress or have occurred involving actual or likely major failure(s) of facility safety or safeguards systems needed for the protection of onsite personnel, the public health and safety, the environment, or national security. Any environmental releases of hazardous materials [see hazardous materials definition] are not expected to exceed the appropriate Protective Action Guide [ see Protective Action Guide definition] offsite. Within the energy emergency category, a site area emergency represents an event in which a substantial supply impact is anticipated. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Site characterization:

The program of exploration and research undertaken to establish the geologic conditions and the ranges of those parameters of a particular site. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Solid waste:

Any discarded material that is not excluded by 40CFR261.4(a) or that is not excluded by variance granted under 40CFR260.30 and 260.31. (40CFR261.2)

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Source material:

This includes: (1) uranium [see uranium definition] or thorium, or any combination thereof, in any physical or chemical form, or (2) ores which contain by weight one-twentieth of one percent (0.05%)f or more of: (i) uranium, (ii) thorium, or (iii) any combination thereof. Source material does not include special nuclear material [see special nuclear material definition]. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Source term:

The amount of material available for release. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Special form radioactive material:

This is radioactive material which satisfies the following conditions: (1) it is either a single solid piece or is contained in a sealed capsule that can be opened only by destroying the capsule; (2) the piece or capsule has at least one dimension not less than 5 millimeters; (3) it satisfies the test requirements of 49CFR173.469. (49CFR173.403)

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Special nuclear material (SNM):

Plutonium 239, uranium [see uranium definition] enriched in isotope 233 or 235; any material artificially enriched by any of these elements; or any other material which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, pursuant to the provisions of Section 51 of the Atomic Energy Act, determines to be special nuclear material, not including source material [see source material definition]. (DOE Order 5500.1B and 10CFR50.2)

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Special train (dedicated train):

Train service, as opposed to regular train service, that may include certain restrictions such as consisting of a locomotive, caboose, buffer cars, one or more cars of radioactive, and no other freight; may not travel at any time faster than 35 miles per hour; and must stop when it meets, passes, or is passed by another train. Special routing restrictions may also apply in which the railroad will attempt to avoid highly populated areas. As a separately operating train with its own crew, the special train will avoid some rail yards and sidings that are engaged in railcar switching, e.g., train make-up. (SAIC-88/1077 Guide, Goodman, Leonard S. Guide to Documents on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials in Regular Freight Trains. March 1989.)

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Spent fuel assemblies:

Nuclear fuel is fabricated into small pellets. These pellets are encased into strong cylindrical rods. An assembly is a group of these rods fastened together. Referred to as a "bundle" for some boiling water reactors [see boiling water reactors definition]. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Spent fuel storage pool:

A water-filled basin used by reactors for the temporary or interim storage of spent fuel before it is transported for reprocessing or disposal. (OCRWM Transportation Program Reference. DOE/RW-0193.)

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Spent nuclear fuel (SNF):

Fuel that has been withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following irradiation, the constituent elements of which have not separated by reprocessing. SNF includes (1) intact, non-defective fuel assemblies; (2) failed fuel assemblies in canisters [see definition, page 4]; (3) fuel assemblies in canisters; (4) consolidated fuel rods in canisters; (5) nonfuel components inserted in pressurized water reactor [see pressurized water reactor definition] fuel assemblies; (6) fuel channels attached to boiling water reactor [see boiling water reactor definition] fuel assemblies; and (7) nonfuel components and structural parts of assemblies in canisters. (40CFR191.02 and DOE Order 5820.2A)

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Standard operating procedure (SOP):

A set of instructions having the force of a directive, covering those features of operations which lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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State-designated route:

A preferred route [see preferred route definition] selected in accordance with Department of Transportation Guidelines for Selecting Preferred Highway Routes for Highway Route Controlled Quantities of Radioactive Materials or an equivalent routing analysis which adequately considers overall risk to the public. (49CFR171.8)

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State Emergency Response Commission (SERC):

Commission appointed by each state governor according to the requirements of Title III of Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA); duties of the commission include designating emergency planning districts, appointing Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), supervising and coordinating the activities of planning committees, reviewing emergency plans, receiving chemical release notifications, and establishing procedures for receiving and processing requests from the public for information. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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State routing agency:

An entity (including a common agency of more than one state such as one established by an interstate compact) which is authorized to use state legal process pursuant to 49CFR177.825 to impose routing requirements, enforceable by state agencies, on carriers of radioactive materials without regard to intrastate jurisdictional boundaries. This term also includes Indian tribal authorities which have police powers to regulate and enforce highway routing requirements within their lands. (49CFR171.8)

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Storage:

Retention of high-level radioactive waste [see high-level radioactive waste definition], spent nuclear fuel [ see spent nuclear fuel definition], or transuranic waste [see transuranic waste definition] with the intent to recover such waste or fuel for subsequent use, processing, or disposal. (Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982)

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Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA):

This act (Public Law 99-499) is legislation passed in 1986 which amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. SARA more stringently defines hazardous waste cleanup standards and emphasizes remedies that permanently and significantly reduce the mobility, toxicity, or volume of wastes. Title III of SARA, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, mandates establishment of community emergency planning programs, emergency notification, reporting of chemicals, and emissions inventories. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Tabletop training activity:

An emergency preparedness training activity, which takes place in a classroom environment or emergency response facility, during which emergency response personnel are presented with simulated events and the participants "talk-through" the response actions. A tabletop uses a discussion format to provide training, development, and team building, as differentiated from an exercise in which the players actually respond to the simulated event to demonstrate their performance. (Department of Energy. DOE Guidelines for Emergency Response Drills and Exercises. December 1991.)

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Threshold limit value - time weighted average (TLV-TWA):

Concentration of toxic materials for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek to which nearly all workers may be exposed day after day without adverse effect. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Timeline:

Sequential framework upon which a scenario [see scenario definition] is constructed. The scenario time has two components: scenario time and clock (real time). The scenario can be set up to run many days (scenario time) and still correspond to a few hours on the clock time (real time). This time compression allows for a realistic exercise. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Toxic chemicals:

A chemical or chemical category listed in 40CFR372.65. (40CFR372.3)

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Train:

Except as context require, means a locomotive, or more than one locomotive coupled, with or without cars. (A locomotive is a self-propelled unit of equipment which can be used in train service.) (49CFR219.6)

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Train accident:

A passenger, freight, or work train accident described in 49CFR225.19(c) (a "rail equipment accident" involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold, $5,700 in 1989 and 1990), including an accident involving a switching movement. (49CFR219.6)

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Train incident:

An event involving the movement of railroad on-track equipment that results in a casualty but in which railroad property damage does not exceed the reporting threshold. (49CFR219.6)

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Transport index:

The dimensionless number placed on radioactive labels to designate the degree of control to be exercised by the carrier during transportation of a radioactive material [see radioactive material definition] package. (10CFR71.4)

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Transportable storage cask:

Any cask [see cask definition] certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the purposes of transporting spent nuclear fuel as described in 10CFR71, and storing spent nuclear fuel in accordance with 10CFR72, Subpart L. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program (TEPP):

A Department of Energy (DOE) coordinated emergency preparedness plan concentrating on non-weapons transportation activities and involving DOE shipments and DOE capabilities to carry out responsibilities under the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan [ see National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan definition] , the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan [see Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan definition], and other regulations. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Transportation Routing Analysis Geographic Information System (TRAGIS):

Transportation Routing Analysis Geographic Information System a web based computer code that is used to calculate routes in accordance with HRCQ regulations (49 CFR 397.101) for spent-fuel shipment in the United States. TRAGIS can calculate rail, truck, and waterway routes. TRAGIS replaces the legacy HIGHWAY and INTERLINE models. (ORNL/TM-2000/86. Transportation Routing Analysis Geographic Information System (WebTRAGIS) User's Manual. 2000.)

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Transportation Tracking and Communications System (TRANSCOM):

A 24-hour, satellite based shipment tracking and communications system used to monitor the progress of unclassified shipments of radioactive materials [see radioactive materials definition] including spent nuclear fuel [see spent nuclear fuel definition], high-level radioactive waste [see high-level radioactive waste definition], transuranic waste [ see transuranic waste definition] and other high visibility shipments, as determined by the Department of Energy. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Transuranic elements:

Elements above uranium [see uranium definition] in the periodic table; that is, with an atomic number greater than 92. All thirteen known transuranic elements are radioactive. Examples are neptunium, plutonium, americium, and curium. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Transuranic (TRU) Radioactive Waste:

Waste containing more than 100 nanocuries of alpha [see alpha definition] emitting transuranic isotopes, with half-lives [see half-lives definition] greater that twenty years, per gram of waste. (40CFR191.02)

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Transuranic (TRU) waste:

Without regard to source or form, waste that is contaminated with alpha-emitting transuranium radionuclides [see radionuclides definition] with half-lives greater than 20 years and concentrations greater than 100 nCi/g at the time of assay. Heads of Field Elements can determine that other alpha [see alpha definition] contaminated wastes, peculiar to a specific site, must be managed as transuranic waste. (DOE Order 5820.2A)

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Tribal governing body:

A tribal organization as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450). (10CFR61.2)

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Type A package:

A Type A packaging [see Type A packaging definition] along with its limited radioactive contents which are limited to A₁ or A₂ value. (49CFR173.403)

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Type A packaging:

A packaging designed to retain the integrity of containment [ see containment definition] and shielding required by regulation under normal conditions of transport as demonstrated by the required test. (49CFR173.403)

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Type B package:

A Type B packaging [see Type B packaging definition] together with its radioactive contents. (49CFR173.403)

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Type B packaging:

Packaging designed to retain the integrity of containment [see definition, page 7] and shielding by regulation when subjected to the normal conditions of transport and hypothetical accident [see accident definition] test conditions as required. (49CFR173.403)

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Unusual occurrence:

An unusual or unplanned event, as defined by Department of Energy Order 5000.3B, having programmatic significance such that it adversely affects, or potentially affects, the performance, schedule, reliability, security, or safety of a facility. (DOE Order 5500.1B)

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Uranium (U):

A heavy, naturally radioactive, metallic element (atomic number 92). Its two principally occurring isotopes [see isotopes definition] are uranium-235 and uranium-238. Uranium-235 is indispensable to the nuclear industry because it is the only isotope existing in nature to any appreciable extent that is fissionable by thermal neutrons. Uranium-238 is also important because it absorbs neutrons [ see neutrons definition] to produce a radioactive isotope that subsequently decays to plutonium-239, an isotope that also is fissionable by thermal neutrons. (Energy Information Administration, DOE. Spent Nuclear Fuel Discharges from U.S. Reactors 1991. SR/CNEAF/93.01. February 1993.)

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Uranium hexafluoride:

A colorless, water insoluble corrosive chemical compound in the nuclear fuel cycle. With the application of heat, uranium hexafluoride (UF6) becomes a gas used to separate uranium-235 (the uranium isotope required for reactor fuel) from uranium. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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Uranium mill tailings:

Naturally occurring radioactive rock and soil that are the result of uranium mining and milling. Tailings may also contain other minerals or metals not extracted in the process of mining uranium from ore. (DOE/EM-0013P)

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Vitrification:

The process of immobilizing waste by producing a glass-like solid that permanently captures the radioactive materials [see radioactive materials definition]. (DOE/EM-0013P)

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Waste form:

Radioactive waste [see radioactive waste definition] material, and any encapsulating or stabilizing matrix. (Transportation System Requirements Document. DOE/RW-0425.)

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Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP):

Research and demonstration facility located at Carlsbad, NM, intended to demonstrate safe disposal of radioactive waste in a deep geologic environment. A decision on whether to convert WIPP to a disposal facility for transuranic waste [see transuranic waste definition] will be made after successful testing is demonstrated. (DOE/EM-0013P)

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Whole body dose:

The dose [see dose definition] of radiation received by the body in its entirety, as distinct from a dose to a limited area of the body. (DOE. TRADE Glossary and Acronyms of Emergency Management Terms. ORAU 91/K-37. November 1991.)

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WIPP corridor:

The designated route for overland transport of hazardous materials [ see hazardous materials definition] from Department of Energy facilities to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

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