Inspections - Continued

DOE-STD-3013-2000

verification of contents through NDA measurements, and any other information

deemed desirable and attainable through non-destructive measurements such as

radiography. This initial inspection may be part of the quality program for

verifying package integrity.

2) Early failures are caused by mistakes, missteps, or other problems in the

manufacturing, stabilizing or packaging processes that result in flawed or

defective packages that are not detected during the initial inspection. To detect

these types of failures, the initial program plan should consider alternatives such

as: 1) provisions to inspect each package at least once during the first few years

of storage; 2) an inspection of each package as it is put into storage;

3) inspection of all "high risk" packages identified based on their material

contents, whether the container was among the first manufactured, whether it

was non-conforming and accepted "as-is", etc. and inspection of only a pre-

determined sample of other packages; and 4) inspections appropriate to the

"random failure" approach, but with a higher frequency or larger sample size.

During most or all of the storage period, mechanical failures, if any, are likely to

be random. Uniform changes in the storage package population, such as a

potential gradual pressure generation in oxide containers, may also occur.

Surveillance during this period may include sampling to monitor the behavior of

the population. If a "shelf-life" program is established, it may be used to

evaluate changes in the contents so that corrective action can be taken in

advance of package failure. It should also be used to assess corrosion effects

over the long term, particularly stress corrosion cracking in containers containing

chlorides. The program plan should include provisions to assess the failure rate

and to detect any changes that might signal an end to the "early failure" period,

or the onset of an "end of life" period.

4. Inspection/surveillance methods must be documented to assure consistency.

Delineation of responsibilities is needed to assure a consistent management

approach and awareness of responsibilities.

5. No further basis is provided