Purpose - STD301520040007

DOE-STD-3015-2004

1. PURPOSE

This technical standard provides specific information regarding nuclear explosive safety

studies (NESSs), operational safety reviews (OSRs), and nuclear explosive safety change

evaluations (NCEs) and is in accordance with DOE O 452.2, Safety of Nuclear Explosive

Operations.

2. SCOPE

This technical standard describes the responsibilities and requirements for conducting a

NESS, OSR, and NCE. This standard does not apply to response to unplanned events (e.g.,

Accident Response Group activities), which are addressed in DOE 5500-series Orders and

DOE O 151.1A, Comprehensive Emergency Management System. DOE O 452.2 defines the

boundaries between planned and unplanned events that may require a different approach for

a nuclear explosive safety (NES) evaluation. NES concepts and procedures contained in

DOE O 452.2, and this standard may be tailored to meet unique disposition requirements for

a specific damaged nuclear explosive/weapon or improvised nuclear device.

3. BACKGROUND

Nuclear explosives, by their design and intended use, require collocation of high explosives

and fissile material. The design agencies are responsible for designing safety into the nuclear

explosive. The design and production agencies are responsible for designing safety into

processes involving the nuclear explosive, including considerations of facility interfaces. In

addition, safety is assured through comprehensive, independent safety reviews involving the

DOE/NNSA national laboratories, Headquarters (HQ), Service Center (SC) and applicable

Site Offices and Management and Operating (M&O) contractors with NES expertise.

The Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG) evaluates NEOs to determine whether

the NES Standards specified in DOE O 452.2 are met.