TH18 Quality Assurance: The Foundation for the Safe Operation of Nuclear Power Plants
Quality Assurance (QA) is key to the NRC’s statutory mission of protecting public health and safety, promoting the common defense and security, and protecting the environment. However, the implementation of the QA requirements from Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 continues to be a challenge for current licensees, applicants for advanced and small modular reactors, and suppliers of basic components. This session will provide guidance and clarification to some of the most challenging concepts in the area of QA.
This session will cover the following topics: (1) the application of graded QA for the regulatory treatment of nonsafety systems, and systems classified as non-safety related with special treatment, including risk and procurement requirements; (2) Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's classification and clarification of important to safety and safety-related systems; (3) current challenges faced by the industry when implementing QA requirements and the truths and myths when implementing the NQA-1 QA standard; and (4) the role of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 in the licensing process and pathways for meeting Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50.
Learning objectives include an increased awareness and more thorough understanding on the implementation of QA requirements and the current technical and regulatory challenges faced by licensees, applicants, and suppliers in an ever-changing nuclear world. Session attendees will gain insights in how to successfully continue to implement their QA programs to provide adequate confidence that structures, systems, and components continue to perform satisfactorily in service.
This session will cover the following topics: (1) the application of graded QA for the regulatory treatment of nonsafety systems, and systems classified as non-safety related with special treatment, including risk and procurement requirements; (2) Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's classification and clarification of important to safety and safety-related systems; (3) current challenges faced by the industry when implementing QA requirements and the truths and myths when implementing the NQA-1 QA standard; and (4) the role of Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50 in the licensing process and pathways for meeting Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50.
Learning objectives include an increased awareness and more thorough understanding on the implementation of QA requirements and the current technical and regulatory challenges faced by licensees, applicants, and suppliers in an ever-changing nuclear world. Session attendees will gain insights in how to successfully continue to implement their QA programs to provide adequate confidence that structures, systems, and components continue to perform satisfactorily in service.
SESSION CHAIR(S):
- Kerri Kavanagh, Chief, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
SPEAKER(S):
- Kerri Kavanagh, Chief, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
- Aixa Belen, Senior Reactor Operations Engineer, Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
- Brandon Johnston, Director, Management System Division, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
- Taunia Jean Sandquist, Chair of NQA-1, ASME NQA-1
- Yamir Diaz-Castillo, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC
SESSION COORDINATOR(S):
- Yamir Diaz-Castillo, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, 1/7/25 e-mail: Yamir.Diaz-Castillo@nrc.gov
- Frankie Vega, Reactor Operations Engineer (QA Inspector) Quality Assurance and Vendor Inspection Branch, Division of Reactor Oversight, NRR/NRC e-mail: Frankie.Vega@nrc.gov
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, January 7, 2025
