ML18142A465
| ML18142A465 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/23/2018 |
| From: | Michael Benson NRC/NRR/DMLR/MPHB |
| To: | |
| Rezai A, NRR-DMLR 415-1328 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML18142A465 (6) | |
Text
NRC Engagement with ASME Code Activities Michael Benson Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Annual Materials Technical Exchange May 23, 2018
Overview
- NRC uses the Code to develop regulations related to design, inservice inspection, and inservice inspection
- Open and transparent
- Efficient use of resources
- Rigorous independent reviews of Code actions
- NRC sends representatives to a variety of ASME Code committee meetings
- Section III
- Section XI
- Operation and Maintenance
- NRC management is engaged with Code activities
- Management level meetings
- Newly-formed internal Executive Steering Committees on codes and standards May 23, 2018 Annual Materials Technical Exchange 2
Role of NRC Representatives
- Attends committee meetings and actively participate
- Understands goals and objectives of the various committees
- Organizes staff reviews of Code actions
- Engages the committees in open dialogue to resolve technical disagreements
- Engages NRC staff in the same manner (i.e., encourage fairness)
May 23, 2018 Annual Materials Technical Exchange 3
NRC Management Roles
- Newly-developed steering committees on codes and standards issues
- Reviews staff negative votes
- Ensures consistent, fair staff positions
- Reviews policy, procedure, and priorities
- Management-level meetings
- Bi-annual teleconference with ASME management (face-to-face every two years)
- Focuses on efficiency and effectiveness of the Code process and NRC involvement
- Does not focus on regulatory positions, which are determined in an open, transparent manner May 23, 2018 Annual Materials Technical Exchange 4
Examples of Successes
- NRC agreement to include the 2017 Edition of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code into the upcoming proposed rulemaking
- ASME facilitation of the rulemaking process by making Code materials available for public inspection
- 2017 ASME letter to NRC suggesting Code Cases to be included in rulemaking May 23, 2018 Annual Materials Technical Exchange 5
Conclusions
- ASME codes and standards are an important part of NRCs regulatory framework
- Active staff involvement
- Facilitates incorporation of standards into NRC regulations
- Minimizes conditions
- Provides points of contact for resolution of technical disagreements
- NRC management is actively overseeing codes and standards activities May 23, 2018 Annual Materials Technical Exchange 6