Guidance for Determination of Risk-Informed Safety Classification for Light Water Reactor Nuclear Facility Pressure Retaining Components

The goal of this publication is to provide guidance for determination of risk-informed safety classification for light water reactor nuclear facility pressure retaining components. The action discussed in this NTB takes advantage of the significant gains in the understanding of pressure boundary component integrity, factors that impact component reliability, the impact of inspections and the and the type of inspection, as well as risk assessment insights related to operating nuclear power reactors, and proposes a balanced action that reduces undue burden while ensuring plant safety. This action builds upon the work done at ASME Sections III and XI and OM Code, the industry and the NRC and represents the next step in the use of risk-informed technology for defining ASME Section III requirements.