Verifying Operational Processes

DOE-STD-1036-93

verify discharge pressure would not prove that the main flow-path valves

were correctly positioned, and may not prove that external cooling or

backup lubrication pumps are properly aligned.

Surveillance testing may be used to satisfy independent verification

requirements ONLY if it is shown conclusively that the test proves the

required position of the components in question. Because surveillance

testing involves operation of equipment, the operations supervisor should

approve any performance of surveillance tests.

4.3.6

Verifying Operational Processes

Sometimes verification is required for an operational process or proper

completion of a series of procedural steps. Concurrent dual verification

is one method for accomplishing this. The following is an example of

independent verification of an operational process, in this case

performing a calculation:

A calculation of the estimated critical position (ECP) for reactor

control rods is required before a reactor startup. In at least two

recent incidents, errors in this calculation went undetected until the

reactor startup was in progress. When the discrepancy was

discovered, the reactors in question were shut down in accordance

with procedures, and further investigation revealed errors in the

calculations. As a result of these incidents, DOE has directed all

reactor facilities to perform two independent ECP calculations when

required for reactor startup. If a computer code is used to calculate

the ECP, two independent determinations of input parameters are

required. The responsible manager must reconcile any differences in

the calculations prior to startup.