Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a5cfec96-8785-464b-ada8-dc4424b90606
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Quality Assurance for Radiological Monitoring Programs
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0630/ML063060429.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.15
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
nd correct deficiencies in the sampling and measurement processes and to obtain a known measure of confidence in the resulting data and subsequent decisions. Quality assurance should be applied to all steps of the sampling and monitoring process, which may include sampling, shipment of samples, receipt of samples in the laboratory, preparation of samples, measurement of radioactivity, data reduction, data evaluation, and reporting of the monitoring results. The NRC subscribes to a GRADED APPROACH11 for QA, under which performance criteria are tailored to meet the anticipated end uses of the data, thus avoiding unnecessarily expensive methods or resulting in indefensible results. The proposed revision updates Regulatory Guide 4.15 with current sampling and radioanalytical laboratory practices and will provide consistency with current industry guidance and standards. The revision also updates references to NRC regulations, addresses more recently promulgated regulations, and provides a contemporary approach to environmental QA and QC practices consistent with NRC regulations and industry standards. 3. Alternative Approaches The NRC staff considered three alternative approaches to the problem of outdated guidance regarding QA for radiological monitoring programs: (1) Do not revise Regulatory Guide 4.15 (i.e., do nothing). (2) Revoke the guide and rely solely on current industry standards, without elaboration and expansion to specific programs for NRC-licensed facilities. (3) Update Regulatory Guide 4.15 to reflect current information and practices. 3.1 Alternative 1: Do Not Revise Regulatory Guide 4.15 The current guide, even with its inconsistencies and outdated references and guidance, does offer valid and pertinent guidance in many of the topic areas. It is possible that the guide could remain useful, provided the user is selective in its application and relies more on the discussed principles and not the specific applications. For example, the guidance related to