NRC agrees to relax work-hour control regulations

摘要

On March 28, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission informed the industry via letter that nuclear plant operators can apply for 60-day exemptions from the agency's work-hour control regulations-found in 10 CFR 26.205-to address workforce issues arising from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The pandemic has compelled some operators to limit the number of employees physically present at plants to "essential" personnel. In the letter, Ho K. Nieh, director of the NRC's Office of Nuclear Regulation, stated, "The objective of the exemptions ... is to ensure that the control of work hours and management of worker fatigue do not unduly limit licensee flexibility in using personnel resources to most effectively manage the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency on maintaining the safe operation of these facilities." Recipients of the letter included Jennifer Uhle, the Nuclear Energy Institute's vice president of generation and suppliers; Chris Bakken, Entergy Nuclear's chief nuclear officer; and Don Moul, Florida Power & Light Company's CNO.