Web-based training course for evaluating radiological dose assessment in NRC's license termination process

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Regulatory Science
• Environmental Health and Safety
• Radiation Protection

Background:

• License termination plans (LTPs) and decommissioning plans (DPs) are required for nuclear facility license termination.
• Consistent review of radiological dose assessments in LTPs and DPs is crucial for regulatory oversight.
• Knowledge management challenges within the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) necessitated a standardized training approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a uniform and consistent review process for dose modeling aspects of LTPs and DPs.
• To address NRC-wide knowledge management issues related to license termination reviews.
• To provide NRC staff with effective training on reviewing radiological dose assessments for license termination.

Main Methods:

• Commissioned Argonne National Laboratory to develop a web-based training course in 2006.
• Evolved from a 2005 live classroom course to a flexible, web-based format.
• The course utilizes commercially available Articulate software with multimedia features and is divided into 16 modules (9 core, 7 advanced).

Main Results:

• A comprehensive web-based training course was implemented on an NRC system.
• The system allows for staff registration, course selection, record tracking, and self-administered quizzes.
• Training modules are tailored to various NRC staff job functions, covering basic and complex topics in dose modeling review.

Conclusions:

• The web-based training provides modern, flexible access to essential knowledge for NRC staff.
• It ensures consistent and effective review of radiological dose assessments in accordance with NRC guidance (e.g., NUREG-1757).
• This initiative enhances the NRC's capacity to manage the license termination and decommissioning processes efficiently.