scope:

This Standard defines minimum requirements for a supplier's quality assurance program (hereafter referred to as "QA program") for existing nuclear power plants - Category 3.

Notes:

1) This Standard does not include a separate implementation guide; instead, relevant guidance is found throughout the Standard as notes, or within the relevant annex (see Annexes B through E).

2) This Standard may be used by other nuclear facilities.

The QA program is aimed primarily at verifying production processes, as well as planning inspection and test verifications, and corrective actions that

a) ensure items or services conform to specified requirements; and

b) readily detect and control the disposition of nonconformances and prevent their recurrence.

This Standard applies to suppliers and subsuppliers when specified by the customer.

Note: Other QA program standards or management system standards may be used provided that the requirements of this Standard are met.

The requirements of this Standard apply to the control of the use of software employed in the operation of process, production, inspection, and test equipment.

This Standard does not apply to the design, use, development, or coding of analytical software.

Note: When a QA program is needed for these aspects, then a standard written specifically for them should be used.

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.