NRC Generic Letter 81-01, Qualification of Inspection, Examination, Testing and Audit Personnel

text

May 4, 1981

TO ALL LICENSEES OF OPERATING PLANTS AND HOLDERS OF CONSTRUCTION PERMITS

Gentleman:

SUBJECT: QUALIFICATION OF INSPECTION, EXAMINATION, AND TESTING AND AUDIT PERSONNEL (Generic Letter 81-01)

Appendix B, "Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reporcessing Plants," to 10 CFR Part 50 establishes overall quality assurance requirments for nuclear power plants. Two Regulatory Guides, discussed below, have been issued which provide guidance on an acceptable way to meet Appendix B requirments. Enclosed for your information and use is a copy of Regulatory Guide 1.58, Revision 1, dated September 1980, "Qualification of Nuclear Power Plant Inspection, Examination, and Testing Personnel." Regulatory Guide 1.58 endorses ANSI N45.2.6 with certain exceptions. The NRC staff has determined that the intent of regulatory positions C.5, 6, 7, 8 and 10, which provide additional guidance concerning the qualifications of nuclear power plant inspection, examination, and testing personnel, should be implemented by all operating nuclear plants and those under construction.

Also enclosed for your information and use is a copy of Regulatory Guide 1.146, dated August 1980, "Qualification of Quality Assurance Program Audit Personnel for Nuclear Power Plants." This guide endorses ANSI/ASME N45.2.23-

1978 with certain exceptions. The NRC staff has determined that the intent of this guide should be implemented by all operating nuclear plants and those under construction.

Therefore, you are requested to furnish the following by 90 days from the date of this letter:

1. Commitments to meet regulatory positions C.5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 of Regulatory Guide 1.58, Revision 1, and Regulatory Guide 1.146, and your planned date for doing so; or

2. If you elect not to adopt the methods given in Regulatory Guides 1.58, Revision 1, and 1.146 describe your alternative methods of complying with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B regarding qualification of nuclear power plant inspection, examination, and testing personnel, and qualification of audit personnel, and your schedule for implementing the alternative methods.

.

-2-

In your response please refer to this letter by title and number. Any questions regarding this matter may be addressed to your project manager.

Sincerely,

Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director Division of Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosures:

1. Regulatory Guide 1.58, Revision 1, dated September 1980

2. Regualtory Guide 1.146, dated August 1980