Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a5ee4c78-1135-4bb6-8d54-e974a3402f87
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: An Approach for Plant-Specific, Risk-Informed Decisionmaking: Graded Quality Assurance
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1221/ML12216A017.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.176
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
n evaluation of basic event importance measures augmented by a limited deterministic review. The purpose of such a study is not to estimate a new plant CDF and LERF, but to understand the potential or bounding impact of the proposed change and to assess the risk impact through bounding evaluations. The results should be compared to the acceptance guidelines in Regulatory Guide 1.174 and contrasted with aspects of the GQA program implementation that are expected to provide an unquantifiable safety benefit. If, during the categori- zation process, it becomes apparent that the initial categorization is modified to such an extent that the bounding results may be non-conservative (that is, SSCs that were high during the bounding analysis are being placed in lower categories), a new bounding calculation should be performed. If the original results are exceeded, the licensee should adjust the category of selected SSCs categorized or adjust the categorization criteria. 2.3 Integrated Assessment Generally, the performance of, and integration of, the above described evaluations should be performed by a number of technically knowledgeable personnel. One acceptable approach to accomplish this function is to utilize a multi-disciplinary review group of technically proficient plant personnel, referred to here as an expert panel. If the integrated assessment function is performed by an expert panel, the expert panel determines safety significance and considers QA program adjustments for SSCs accordingly. The panel would normally include experienced representatives from various disciplines such as operations, maintenance, engineer- ing, safety analysis and licensing, and PRA. The composition of the expert panel should be augmented, if necessary, to support the purpose of the safety- significance ranking and the grading of QA controls. For example, because of the emphasis on QA considerations in the GQA process, QA and procurement engineering personnel may be assigned to the panel.