Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 74c49394-8dbf-46e7-b62a-b85de93b47d8
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Initial Test Programs for Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Plants + HISTORY - HISTORY 11/2012 – DG-1259 , Proposed Revision 4 11/2006 – DG-1166 , Proposed Revision 3 (Rev. 4)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1229/ML12298A071.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.68
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
0 1. conduct dynamic and static load tests (see footnote 14) of cranes, hoists, and associated lifting and rigging equipment (e.g., slings and strong backs used during refueling or the preparation for refueling); 2. static testing of cranes, hoists, and associated lifting and rigging equipment should be at 125 percent of rated load, and full operational testing should be at 100 percent of rated load; 3. demonstrate operability of protective devices and interlocks; 4. demonstrate operability of safety devices on equipment; 5. demonstrate clearance for safe movement of heavy loads through designated paths; and 6. demonstrate operability of reactor component handling equipment in the refueling cavity, the refueling transfer canal and the spent fuel pool. A-2. Initial Fuel Loading and Pre-Critical Testing Licensees should conduct initial fuel loading cautiously to preclude inadvertent criticality. Licensees should establish and follow specific safety measures, such as (1) ensuring that all applicable TS requirements and other prerequisites have been satisfied, (2) establishing requirements for continuous monitoring of the neutron flux throughout core loading so that all changes in the multiplication factor are observed, (3) establishing requirements for periodic data taking, and (4) independently verifying that the fuel and control components have been properly installed. Predictions of core reactivity should be prepared in advance to aid in evaluating the measured responses to specified loading increments. Comparative data on neutron detector responses from previous loadings of essentially identical core designs may be used in lieu of these predictions. Licensees should establish criteria and requirements for actions to be taken if the measured results deviate from expected values. Shutdown margin verifications should be performed at appropriate loading intervals (for BWRs), including full core shutdown margin tests. In addition, licensees should establish that the