Bruce Power collaborated with NPO to design a custom Low Dose Waiting Area (LDWA) Shield Booth to assist with reducing worker exposure leading up to a Major Component Refurbishment (MCR) project. The lead-in phase of the MCR project includes activities such as fuel removal, water removal from the primary heat transport system and moderator system, and installation of large bulkhead panels to separate the unit from the shared containment system. These activities can take up to 6 months to complete and require 2-3 RP personnel in the area. The LDWA booth would provide RP personnel with a shielded space to sit during waiting periods while supporting the project.
Bruce Power and NPO engineered a 60” x 24” x 80” tall modular LDWA shield booth. The shield booth walls were manufactured with 1” thick lead encased in coated steel, providing approximately 85% attenuation from a Co-60 source. The booth bench was designed to easily fit 2-3 personnel. To aid in maneuvering the booth, high-capacity casters, swivel hoist rings, and forklift pockets were incorporated.
The LDWA Shield Booth was a success and effectively lowered RP personnel exposure. By prioritizing the principle that every millirem counts, the team successfully achieved dose savings. Given this success, Bruce Power will use the LDWA Shield Booth in the next refurbishment project to continue lowering exposure.
