[devodave]

Not to go too off topic here, but the methods Jeff outlined work well. Performed refueling of a nuclear reactor back in the late 80's. Same process was used, everything was accounted for. Clean suits were required for everyone not already in Anti-Cs. Every radiological survey swipe (1-1/2" paper disc) was listed in a log by its sequential number with time it went in the containment and when it came out. Every tool, procedure folder, ink pen, even our eyeglasses, were attached via a lanyard to some fixed point. Rigging equipment could not be galvanized due to the risk of the coating flaking off and getting into the system! Eyeglasses had to have molded ear pads (no floating pads with screws) and the temple screws were covered with tape. Even the tape was cut clean and cross hatched with a Sharpie to make sure it could be 100% accounted for. The ink pens were gutted to remove the spring and button and then reassembled with shrink wrap to increase it's chance of not coming apart (lanyard replaced button). There was even a heated discussion on whether the ball at the tip of the ink pen posed any issue should it become dislodged from the pen (it does happen). Entry into the refueling enclosure required a complete pat down by one of the nuclear inspectors - nothing in your pockets under your suit-up, only jewelry allowed was wedding bands under your gloves, etc.

So all of this and you would expect things to proceed great? Well, not so fast! During one entry, one of the riggers needed to extend his body a bit to retrieve some of the rigging equipment and change began to rain down into the pit where the removal cask sat. Seems he left some change in his pants pocket that was not felt during the pat down. The entire team had to sit through a stern discussion after that instance!

All this might seem like overkill, but it why you don't read about many issues with that particular nuclear program!