1 This inspection procedure does not address the calibration of

measuring and test equipment against recognized standards.

Issue Date: 03/23/05 - 1 - 56700

NRC INSPECTION MANUAL HICB

INSPECTION PROCEDURE 56700

CALIBRATION

PROGRAM APPLICABILITY: 2515 

SALP FUNCTIONAL AREA: MAINTENANCE (MAINT)

56700-01 INSPECTION OBJECTIVE

To ascertain whether the licensee has developed and implemented a

program for the calibration of plant instrumentation that is in

conformance with license requirements, technical specifications,

licensee commitments and industry guides and standards.1

56700-02 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

02.01 Verification of Frequency of Calibration. Through review

of licensee records, verify that the frequency of calibration

specified in the technical specifications has been met for the

following systems:

a. Channel Functional Tests and Calibrations. Review frequency

of calibration as specified in the technical specifications

for 50% of the channel functional tests and channel

calibration of instrumentation in the following systems:

1. Reactor protection

2. Emergency core cooling activation

3. Isolation activation (BWR)

b. Selected Systems. Review frequency of calibration as

specified in the technical specifications for 20% of the

instrumentation in each of the following systems:

1. Reactivity control

2. Plant auxiliary
56700 - 2 - Issue Date: 03/23/05 

3. Reactor coolant

4. Emergency core cooling (LWR)

5. Liner cooling (HTGR)

6. Containment

7. Electrical distribution

02.02 Completed Test Documentation Review. Sample completed

test documentation from the systems of 02.01, above and establish

whether the following has occurred:

a. The test documentation is complete.

b. Acceptance criteria have been met.

c. The proper, approved test procedure was used.

d. For two systems, the personnel performing the procedure were

properly qualified.

02.03 Technical Content Review. Examine the technical content

of procedures utilized to conduct the following tests and

calibrations:

a. Reactor protection system, one channel functional test.

b. Isolation activation system, one channel functional test

(BWR).

c. Emergency core cooling activation system, one channel

functional test.

d. Reactor protection system, one channel calibration.

e. Isolation activation system, one channel calibration (BWR).

f. Emergency core cooling activation system, one channel

calibration.

g. Reactor protection system, one time response test.

h. Isolation activation system, one time response test (BWR).

I. Emergency core cooling activation system, one time response

test.

j. Calibration of one instrument each from three of the systems

listed in 02.01b, above.

02.04 Calibration of Components Not Addressed in Technical

Specifications. The licensee's system for calibration of components

associated with safety-related systems or functions, but not
Issue Date: 03/23/05 - 3 - 56700

addressed in technical specifications, should be reviewed regarding

the following:

a. Check if there is a backlog of past due calibrations.

b. Sample 5 components used to make technical

specification-related measurements.

c. Sample 5 components that provide automatic control or

activation of a process, or that are used by an operator

during normal operations or post-accident conditions.

d. For the components selected in 02.04b and 02.04c, above:

1. Verify that the range and accuracy of the component is

consistent with its application and/or specified range

and accuracy.

2. Verify that reviewed and approved procedures are

available for calibration of the component.

e. For three of the procedures identified in 02.04d2, above

examine their technical content.

02.05 Calibration Witnessing. By witnessing two components

actively undergoing calibration, verify that the procedures used

have been reviewed and approved and that the calibration is in

accordance with these procedures.

56700-03 INSPECTION GUIDANCE

03.01 Verification of Frequency of Calibration. No inspection

guidance provided.

03.02 Completed Test Documentation Review

a. The following characteristics indicate the test or calibration

documentation is complete:

1. Prerequisites indicated as achieved and as-found

conditions recorded.

2. Procedural steps initialed or signed off and all

necessary values entered. All attachment sheets

included.

3. Post-test/calibration reviews conducted.

4. Post-test/calibration valve and switch lineups completed

and as-left conditions recorded.

5. Where components were found to be out of calibration, or

where functional tests were unsatisfactory, do licensee

procedures address the possible safety significance of

the situation (i.e., possible instances of out of

specification conditions or periods of time where
56700 - 4 - Issue Date: 03/23/05 

limiting conditions for operation were exceeded)? Do

licensee procedures address the potential need for rework

using recalibrated components? Do licensee procedures

address potentially required reports under the provisions

of 10 CFR 50.73, Licensee Event Report System?

b. No inspection guidance provided.

c. No inspection guidance provided.

d. ANSI N18.1 provides qualification standards for personnel

conducting calibrations. Although such standards are

typically referenced in technical specifications, inspectors

should consult the FSAR for the facility under inspection to

ascertain the licensee's commitment to training in this area.

03.03 &

03.04e Procedures should address the following criteria:

a. Are limiting conditions for operation normally recognized and

met during the procedure?

b. Will calibration be to the accuracy required by technical

specifications or made necessary by the application for which

the component is utilized? Consider:

1. Tolerances of test instruments

2. Necessary corrections and signal compensation for

elevation, temperature, etc.

3. Correctness of conversion factors

c. Are the test instruments utilized referenced by serial number?

d. Are proper controls placed on the processes by which

components are removed and returned to service (e.g., tags,

log entries, lineup sheets)? Are the valve and switch lineups

correct?

e. Are the points of signal insertion and signal readout

specified?

f. Are readings taken at selected cardinal points over the full

operational range of the component?

g. Are calibrations conducted at selected cardinal points over

the full operational range of the component?

03.04 Calibration of Components Not Addressed in Technical

Specifications. Technical specifications do not establish

requirements for calibration of all instruments that perform

safety-related functions; however, a regulatory basis for this

exists in 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, Section XII. Many local or remote

indicating instruments serve as the bases for assuring that a system

or subsystem is in conformance with the limiting condition for
Issue Date: 03/23/05 - 5 - 56700

operation (LCO) of technical specifications. For example, the LCO

for the borated water storage tank at a PWR establishes minimum

limits for solution temperature and tank volume. Typically, the

instruments that provide these indications are not identified in the

technical specifications for calibration at a specific periodicity.

Therefore, the licensee should develop a plan and schedule for such

calibrations and incorporate this program into plant procedures.

56700-04 REFERENCES

(Plant specific) facility operating license

Technical Specifications of the facility operating license

ANSI N18.1

END