Introduction to NQA-1:2022

The ASME Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) Certification Program reflects industry experience and understanding of QA requirements while providing centralized, independent, third-party certification for quality assurance programs in conformance with the ASME NQA-1:2022 standard, “Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications”.

Part I of the NQA-1 Standard provides requirements that prescribe the extent of controls needed in specific areas of a nuclear quality program (an ASME NQA program).

Part II contains supplemental quality assurance requirements – specifically, how to perform specific activities under a program developed to Part I.

Additionally, Parts III and IV of the Standard provide non-mandatory subparts that contain further guidance and more in-depth discussion on certain aspects (e.g., commercial grade dedication).

Which Companies or Industries Does This Standard Apply To?

The ASME NQA-1 Certification Program seeks to meet the needs of the nuclear industry by expanding the supply chain with organizations who are committed to understanding quality and providing high quality products and services to nuclear facilities.

Examples of nuclear facilities can include nuclear power plants (NPP), small modular reactors (SMR), microreactors, and advanced reactors, and the handling of radioactive and/or fissionable materials for fuel processing, and fuel recycling.

What are the benefits of being certified in this standard?

The NQA-1 Quality Program Certificate is available to organizations implementing the ASME NQA-1 Standard, Part I and Part II, or portions thereof. An NQA-1 Quality Program Certificate is not available to an organization for activities pertaining to weaponry and for Owners of facilities handling and/or utilizing nuclear material.

Key Requirements, Features of the NQA-1:2022

Organizational Requirements Include:

Quality Assurance Program; Design Control; Procurement Document Control; Instructions, Procedures, and Drawings; Document Control; Control of Purchased Items and Services; Identification and Control of Items; Control of Special Processes, Inspection, Test Control, Control of Measuring and Test Equipment, Handling, Storage, and Shipping, Inspection, Test, and Operating Status, Control of Nonconforming Items; Corrective Action; Quality Assurance Records, Audits

Part I of the NQA-1 Standard provides requirements that prescribe the extent of controls needed in specific areas of a nuclear quality program (an ASME NQA program). The 18 requirements found in NQA-1 are derived from the 18 Criteria found NRC 10CFR50 Appendix B Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants and are as follows:

Requirement 1 Organization

Requirement 2 Quality Assurance Program

Requirement 3 Design Control

Requirement 4 Procurement Document Control

Requirement 5 Instructions, Procedures and Drawings

Requirement 6 Document Control

Requirement 7 Control of Purchased Items and Services

Requirement 8 Identification and Control of Items

Requirement 9 Control of Special Processes

Requirement 10 Inspection

Requirement 11 Test Control

Requirement 12 Control of Measuring and Test Equipment

Requirement 13 Handling, Storage and Shipping

Requirement 14 Inspection, Test and Operating Status

Requirement 15 Control of Nonconforming Items

Requirement 16 Corrective Action

Requirement 17 Quality Assurance Records

Requirement 18 Audits

Part II contains supplemental quality assurance requirements – specifically, how to perform specific activities under a program developed to Part I.

Additionally, Parts III and IV of the Standard provide non-mandatory subparts that contain further guidance and more in-depth discussion on certain aspects (e.g., commercial grade dedication).

Editions of NQA-1 and related documents

The historical editions of ASME NQA-1 Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications are as follows:

NQA-1-2022

NQA-1-2019

NQA-1-2017

NQA-1-2015

NQA-1-2012

Certification Process

The NQA-1 certification process is a systematic approach that organizations follow to demonstrate their commitment to quality, efficiency, and compliance with international standards.

NQA certification adheres to the following steps:

Application

Assessment

Initial certification audit

Stage 1

Stage 2

Certification

Companies often hire expert consultants to simplify the NQA-1 certification process and reduce the burden on existing management teams in leaning new standards, ensuring compliance, developing documentation and more. This makes it more cost effective for companies to hire consultants to support them through the process than pursuing it on their own.

Quality Systems Enhancement is the only company that offers guaranteed certification through our 10-Step Approach™ to ISO (or any) certification. QSE ISO consultants emphasize developing simplified, documented Management Systems which meet or exceed the requirements of any ISO standard requirements. This 10-Step Approach™ has a built-in discipline to involve all employees, including top management, right from the beginning to achieve long-term, desired results. Our approach is so complete that we have helped over 800 companies obtain certification, of which, the majority have obtained certification with zero deficiencies.

Other Comparable Standards

10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B (NRC)

10 CFR Part 71, subpart H

10 CFR Part 72, subpart G

DOE O 414.1D (DOE)

ASME Section III Quality Requirements Articles NCA 3800 and NCA 4000 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)

N45.2 (predecessor standard of NQA-1[4])

Support Services Offered by QSE

NQA-1 Training:

• QSE offers comprehensive training programs to help organizations understand and implement the NQA-1 Standard effectively.
• Our training sessions are tailored to suit your specific needs, whether you are new to the standard or looking to enhance your existing knowledge.
• Our experienced trainers provide practical insights and real-world examples to make the learning process engaging and informative.

NQA-1 Consulting:

• QSE’s team of expert consultants specializes in guiding organizations through the process of achieving compliance with NQA-1 Standard.
• We offer customized consulting services that address your unique challenges and objectives.
• Our consultants work closely with your team to develop a tailored strategy for successful implementation and certification.

NQA-1 Auditing:

• QSE conducts thorough audits to assess your organization’s conformity with the NQA-1 Standard.
• Our auditors have extensive experience in evaluating compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
• We provide detailed audit reports and actionable recommendations to help you continually improve your quality management system.

About QSE

Quality Systems Enhancement (QSE) was founded in 1992 by Baskar Kotte in Roswell, Georgia. Throughout the years, QSE has grown to include consultants from all over the world including the United States, Canada, Mexico, India, and more.

QSE has helped over 800 companies to achieve registration in very diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, packaging, telecommunications and more. QSE is also a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) throughout the following states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky.

Our proprietary 10-Step Approach™ to certification addresses each element in the standard and includes a mix of specialized training, consulting, and auditing. We have used this approach successfully registering over 800 companies. Our approach has provided a one hundred percent success rate the first time through. Many of these successes were “zero deficiency” audits.

When utilizing this approach, we guarantee registration in as little as seven to eight months.

Of course, a variety of options are available to you based on your particular needs or budget requirements. We provide a no-obligation visit to assess your needs and offer a program that is customized to your company.

Documentation is at the core of every Quality System. We believe in a one-level documentation system as opposed to the two / three / four level documentation structures preferred by many others. Our documentation rarely exceeds 200 pages, including all attachments. One of the intangible benefits of our simplistic one-of-a-kind documentation is that it is easy to maintain – and that is a great advantage when it comes to maintaining your certification through surveillance audits. We guarantee that our documentation addresses all the requirements of the ISO standard and once implemented, will work for your company. Guaranteed!