scope:

FOREWORD

In 1971, the ANSI N45.8 Committee was organized to develop standards for high reliability air cleaning equipment for nuclear facilities and corresponding tests to confirm performance of the equipment. Two standards, ASME N509 and ASME N510, were published in 1975 and 1976.

In 1976, under the accredited organization rules, the Committee was reorganized as the ASME Committee on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment. The scope of responsibility increased to include the development of codes and standards for design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of air cleaning and conditioning components and appurtenances used in safety-related systems in nuclear facilities. ASME AG-1 is the new Code resulting from the increased scope.

This Code contains mandatory requirements, specific prohibitions, and non mandatory guidance for construction activities. Construction, as used in this Foreword, is an all-inclusive term relating to material, design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification. The Code does not address all aspects of these activities and those not specifically addressed may be considered. The Code is neither a handbook nor a replacement for education, experience, and the use of engineering judgment. The phrase "engineering judgment" refers to technical judgments made by knowledgeable designers experienced in the application of the Code. Engineering judgments must be consistent with Code philosophy and such judgments shall never be used to overrule mandatory requirements or specific prohibitions of the Code. The user is cautioned to carefully review these Code requirements for suitability to specific applications other than nuclear power and nuclear fuel cycle facilities.

The Code requirements established by the Committee shall not be interpreted as approving, recommending, or endorsing any proprietary design.

The Committee on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment meets regularly to consider revisions of the Code requirements, new Code requirements as dictated by technological development, Code Cases, and requests for interpretations. Only the Committee on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment has the authority to provide official interpretations of this Code. Requests for revisions, new Code requirements, Code Cases, or interpretations shall be addressed to the Secretary in writing and shall give full particulars in order to receive consideration and action. (See Mandatory Appendix covering preparation of technical inquiries.)

The first edition of this Code was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on April 30, 1985, and issued on February 28, 1986. This sixth Edition was approved by ANSI on April 10, 2003.