Inspection programmes

The onus for the organisation of any inspection programme beyond that required by Class rests with the owner or operator of the ship. Under certain circumstances, for example, when the propagation of cracks could lead to pollution through the loss of cargo, an owner of an oil tanker operating in US coasted waters may spend a considerable amount of money on preventative inspections. 

It is possible that much of the inspection in future years will be focused on areas identified from databases which collate corrosion and damage history in similar ships. The validity of any conclusions derived from assessment programmes or databases can only be accepted if the quality of the original product is known. This would suggest that the NDE inspection programmes applied by some yards will have to be expanded. 

Audits may differ. Some concentrate on particular facets, e.g. waste minimization, energy conservation. A management audit will probably cover organizational structures and relationships, communications, procedures acceptance and implementation, training and quality assurance. A technical audit will consider the performance of plant and equipment, monitoring and inspection programmes. Items for inclusion in auditing are listed in Table 17.12. 

The inspection programme is measured by results (i.e., reduction in accidents and costs). Inspection results are followed up by top management... 

Distribute the programme to the team members. In the case of an annoimced inspection, inform the company of the proposed inspection programme. 

This Regulation also requires fabricators, packagers/labeliers, distributors, wholesalers and importers to maintain a programme of self-inspection. The purpose of self-inspection is to evaluate the compliance with GMP in all aspects of production and quality control. The self inspection programme is designed to detect any shortcomings in the implementation of GMP and to recommend the necessary corrective actions. 

A self-inspection programme appropriate to the type of operations of the company, in respect to drugs, ensures compliance with Division 2, Part C of the Food and Drug Regulations. 

A comprehensive written procedure is available and describes the functions of the self-inspection programme. 

From 1983 until its shutdown in 1994 PFR experienced cracking in type 321 stainless steel components in its secondary circuits, some cracks leading to sodium leaks. As a result a substantial repair and inspection programme was required in the final seven years of PFR operation. Although the two earliest leaks were in pipework (in 1983 and 1986) the majority were in steam generator vessels. The pipework leaks were only retrospectively identified as being caused by the same mechanism. 

The inspection programme took into account the indications noted during the examination of the radiographic images at the end of the mam vessel fabrication... 

INSPECTION PROGRAMME - RE-QUALIFICATION OF THE REACTOR COVER AND THE PRIMARY ARGON CIRCUIT ON WHICH THE OXIDE SPRAY COULD HAVE DEPOSITED... 

Site/plant/project implementing audit programmes might consider rolling, independent or selfaudit and inspection programmes. 

Whenever the operator makes use of the services or products of a contractor, the regulatory body should include the contractor s activities in its inspection programme in all stages of the authorization process. This may comprise inspection and surveillance of the design and manufacturing of components, including, where appropriate, activities performed in other States. 

The regulatory body shall establish a planned and systematic inspection programme. The extent to which inspection is performed in the regulatory process will depend on the potential magnitude and nature of the hazard associated with the facility or activity. (Ref. [1], para. 5.14.)... 

Different methods may be used in establishing or modifying an inspection programme, with associated priorities, to achieve the objectives of regulatory inspections. The regulatory body should consider the following ... 

The inspection programme of the regulatory body should incorporate and use a variety of methods ... 

The inspection programme of the regulatory body should include provision for direct monitoring of SSCs, human factors significant to safety (performance of operating personnel, managerial attitudes), tests and other safety related activities carried out by the operator. 

Whatever its inspection programme may be, the regulatory body should be able to carry out tests and measurements as necessary or should obtain the capability by using consultants. 

A.2. Before the construction of a nuclear facility is begun, the regulatory body should monitor as appropriate, by means of its inspection programme, site preparation activities undertaken by the operator, including verification of site characteristics and authorized excavation and earthwork. 

A.4. The chief objectives of the regulatory inspection programme in the design and construction of the facility are to verify that ... 

A. 8. The inspection area of testing before the introduction of fissile and radioactive material encompasses those activities and tests performed before the introduction of such material by the operator in order to demonstrate that SSCs function properly and conform to design requirements. It also covers the inspection and acceptance criteria for the receipt at the facility of fissile and radioactive material. The regulatory inspection programme should include ... 

A. 11. In the regulatory inspection programme, close attention should be paid to operator activities relating to the preparation for and actual introduction of fissile and radioactive material. Regulatory inspection personnel should be present at the facility site to observe some of these activities directly. 

A. 17. Once the facility has attained the authorized operation stage, the regulatory body shall implanent an inspection programme to verify systematically the operator s comphance with regulatory requirements and achievement of general safety objectives, and to detect potential safety problons. This verification shonld consist of a balanced approach to monitoring and direct observation of activities ... 

A. 19. Operating procedures. A sampling review of operating procedures should be performed, including all the procedures for normal operations, anticipated operational occurrences and accident conditions. Inspections should be focused on the operating personnel s adherence to procedures, including operational limits and conditions. The usability and adequacy of the procedures should also be evaluated. This may necessitate sustained observations in the control room. The inspection programme in this area may necessitate sustained observation to cover 24 hour operation as necessary, in particular shift turnovers. The inspectors should check the availability of safety systems and the presence of alarm systems, and the way in which they are handled by the operations staff... 

A.27. Effluents. The inspection programme should include verification that any releases of effluents are within the authorized discharge limits. This should include the review of systems for the treatment of radioactive waste and for the monitoring of effluents. Training and qualifications for technicians and workers anployed in the areas concerned should also be reviewed. 

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