Improving Quality and the Assurance of Quality in the Design and Construction of Nuclear Power Plants: A Report to Congress

摘要

At the request of Congress, NRC conducted a study of existing and alternative programs for improving quality and the assurance of quality in the design and construction of commercial nuclear power plants. A primary focus of the study was to determine the underlying causes of major quality-related problems in the construction of some nuclear power plants and the untimely detection and correction of these problems. The study concluded that the root cause for major quality-related problems was the failure or inability of some utility managements to effectively implement a management system that ensured adequate control over all aspects of the project. These management shortcomings arose in part from inexperience on the part of some project teams in the construction of nuclear power plants. As a corrollary, NRC's past licensing and inspection practices did not adequately screen construction permit applicants for overall capability to manage or provide effective management oversight over the construction project. The study recommends a number of improvements in industry and NRC programs.