Glossary of Transportation/Packaging Terms

A

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:

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. 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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F

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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