Assessing Independent Verification.

DOE-EM-STD-5505-96

6.10 Assessing Independent Verification.

6.10.1 Discussion. Independent Verification is the act of checking that a given operation

conforms to established operational criteria, as well as checking a component position

independent of activities related to establishing the component's position. A comprehensive

Independent Verification Program will identify components to be included in the program, define

when Independent Verification is required, and prescribe the methods to be used when performing

Independent Verification. If implemented effectively, Independent Verification reduces the

chance that human error will cause an operational failure. Independent auditing of operations

should confirm that established operational requirements are met.

6.10.1.1 Approach. As discussed in Assessing Control of Equipment and System Status,

Independent Verification is an integral part of equipment control. This combined approach of

assessing Independent Verification with Control of Equipment and System Status is presented in

that section. Since it may be necessary to assess Independent Verification separately, the

following sections discuss how this could be accomplished.

Independent verifications are conducted in a manner such that each check constitutes an actual

identification of the component and a determination of both its required and actual positions.

Checks are performed minimizing interaction between the personnel operating components and

those performing the independent verifications.

6.10.2 Preparing to Assess Independent Verification. To develop an assessment plan for

Independent Verification, assessors should first review the activity-specific graded-approach

document for conduct of operations and determine which guidelines are applicable at the

activity. This will allow them to determine the scope of the assessment and which applicable

activity policies and procedures to review when developing the assessment plan. Sections 5.4

and 5.8 provide a detailed explanation of assessment planning and the use of assessment