Information to Licensees Regarding Two NRC Inspection Manual Sections on Resolution of Degraded and Nonconforming Conditions and on Operability (Generic Letter 91-18)
November 7, 1991
TO: ALL NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR LICENSEES AND APPLICANTS
SUBJECT INFORMATION TO LICENSEES REGARDING TWO NRC INSPECTION MANUAL
SECTIONS ON RESOLUTION OF DEGRADED AND NONCONFORMING CONDITIONS
AND ON OPERABILITY (GENERIC LETTER 91-18)
The NRC staff has issued two sections to be included in Part 9900, Technical
Guidance, of the NRC Inspection Manual. The first is, "Resolution of
Degraded and Nonconforming Conditions." The second is, "Operable/
Operability: Ensuring the Functional Capability of a System or Component."
Copies of the additions to the NRC Inspection Manual (enclosure) are
provided for information only. No specific licensee actions are required.
The additions to the NRC Inspection Manual are based upon previously issued
guidance. However, because of the complexity involved in operability
determinations and the resolution of degraded and nonconforming conditions,
there have been differences in application by NRC staff during past
inspection activities. Thus, the purpose of publishing this guidance is to
ensure consistency in application of this guidance by the NRC. Regional
inspection personnel have been briefed on this guidance. The NRC will
conduct further training on these topics to ensure uniform staff
understanding.
The use of this guidance by inspectors may raise backfitting issues for
specific licensees. The NRC backfitting procedures apply in such cases.
Licensees should consult with the Regional office regarding the application
of specific staff positions in the guidance.
Please contact the appropriate NRC Project Manager if you have any questions
regarding this matter.
James G. Partlow
Associate Director for Projects
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosure: As stated
9111040293
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