DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 5
5.4 Conclusions
The analyses in this chapter provide a detailed review of the potential hazards associated with RH TRU
waste handling operations. The methodologies used in this process included qualitative hazard analysis
and a quantitative evaluation of the potential consequences of postulated accidents. The hazard analysis
process indicated that seven potential accident scenarios required further review and quantitative
evaluation. Based on bounding canister inventory and release estimates, the calculated accident
consequences were compared to accident risk evaluation guidelines for the public and found to be
significantly below the guidelines.
Additionally, (1) the analysis indicated safety class or safety significant SSCs are not required for the
WIPP to mitigate any accident radiological and non-radiological consequence to below risk evaluation
guidelines, and (2) per the discussion in Section 4.4.1, secondary confinement is not required. Defensein-depth
SSCs while not required to prevent or to mitigate the consequences of an accident from
exceeding the risk evaluation guidelines support the WIPP defense-in-depth philosophy.
5.4-1 January 22, 2003