The role of third party independent support in providing additional assurance on repair quality

摘要

The Sizewell A boiler repairs represented a unique challenge to BNFL Magnox Generation in that such extensive repairs, following a prolonged period of service, had not previously been attempted. In support of the Boiler Repair Project, Independent Review and Verification Bodies ("Third Party" organisations) were appointed for the following reasons:-* This approach was consistent with the requirements of the ASME codes with which the repairs were compliant.* The Third Parties provided the Regulator with additional assurances on the likelihood of success.This paper describes which organisations were selected to provide Third Party independent support and their roles and contributions towards achieving a successful outcome to the repairs. The Third Parties have contributed significantly to the Project inthe areas of: design appraisal, technical assessment, quality control, code compliance, site surveillance and inspection qualification. As a result of their work, additional confidence has been provided to the Regulator and to Magnox's own internalassessors on the quality of the repairs and the safety of the boilers on their return to service. For the Boiler Repair Project, the Third Party process has been considered to be cost effective in that little rework has been necessary, few delays havebeen incurred throughout the Project and the boilers have been returned to service immediately following completion of their recommissioning.