Design basis documentation program-a critical overview

A large number of nuclear power plant, owners have undertaken a massive effort of reviewing and reconstituting the design basis documentation (DBD) for the safety-related systems, components, and structures of their plants. The author discusses the salient features of the Nuclear Management and Resources Council (NUMARC) guidelines on this issue, and presents a critical overview of the industry practices. A well-thought-of DBD program, developed on the basis of the plant´s unique design, licensing, and operation history, can be very cost-effective and can pay back the investment within a short time. Ingredients necessary for developing such a program are discussed. A critical overview of the various parameters, both technical and programmatic, affecting the DBD issue is included