Headquarters Daily Report MARCH 15, 1996 *************************************************************************** REPORT NEGATIVE NO INPUT ATTACHED INPUT RECEIVED RECEIVED HEADQUARTERS û REGION I û REGION II û REGION III û REGION IV û PRIORITY ATTENTION REQUIRED MORNING REPORT - REGION I MARCH 15, 1996 Licensee/Facility: Notification: Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. MR Number: 1-96-0022 Vermont Yankee 1 Date: 03/15/96 Vernon,Vermont Dockets: 50-271 BWR/GE-4 Subject: Fire Dampers not Properly Installed - Amplifying Information Reportable Event Number: 30104 Discussion: On 3/13 Vermont Yankee (VY) made a 50.72 notification identifying that 11 fire dampers installed in the ventilation ductwork of the control room, cable vault, switchgear rooms, turbine lube oil room, and high pressure coolant injection room were found to be installed contrary to the vendor's installation instructions. These dampers were all installed subsequent to original construction and in response to fire protection program enhancements and 10 CFR 50, Appendix R upgrades made in the late 1970's and early 1980's. The resident inspector determined that the specific installation deficiencies all potentially impact the closure capability due to thermal expansion during a fire, and include: improper caulking material; damper sleeves improperly installed or not installed around the damper in the fire barrier; and, dampers installed directly in ventilation ductwork which is of insufficient gage to prevent potential collapse during a fire. Two fire dampers were identified which may not close under design conditions, in that, they are gravity drop vice spring assist and the ventilation flow rate may potentially inhibit damper closure. The VY engineering staff is actively pursuing resolution of the identified damper problems. Compensatory fire watches have been implemented in the interim. The effectiveness of impacted area fire suppression systems (carbon dioxide suppression systems, in particular) have been evaluated against the potential damper closure concerns and determined by VY engineering to still satisfy deep-seated fire suppression design specifications. Regional Action: Routine resident staff follow-up. Contact: William Cook (802)257-4319 Richard Conte (610)337-5138 _