NUMBER ESS-QA-9.0
REV. 0
DATE: 05/20/96

CONTROL OF PROCESSES

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     I.  PURPOSE

         This standard identifies the requirements for controlling processes
         that affect the quality of items and services as well as requirements
         for special processes such as those used in welding, heat treating,
         and nondestructive examination to verify that procedures, codes, and
         work practice standards are effectively implemented.

    II.  REQUIREMENT REFERENCES

         A.  DOE Order 5700.6C, Quality Assurance

         B.  Y/QD-15, "LMES Quality Program Description"

   III.  SCOPE/LIMITATIONS

         This standard applies to all ORNL research, design,
         development, procurement, testing, operations, maintenance, and
         decommissioning activities that use processes or special processes
         for controlling or verifying quality.

    IV.  DEFINITIONS

         A.  Instructions - approved temporary or special written criteria
             that provide guidance or augment existing written procedures.

         B.  Process - one or more operations, methods, functions, procedures,
             or other specified actions (or series of actions) that produce a
             desired end product or result.

         C.  Special Process - a process, the results of which are highly
             dependent on the control of the process, on the skill of the
             operators, or both, and of which the specified quality cannot be
             readily determined by inspection or test of the product.

             NOTE:   Special processes include but are not limited to those
                     used in performing welding, heat treating, protective
                     coating, and nondestructive examinations.

     V.  REQUIREMENTS

         A.  Processes shall be controlled and shall conform to the following
             conditions:

             1.  Processes affecting the quality of items and services shall
                 be identified and controlled for all ORNL programs,
                 projects, or activities.

             2.  Quality processes, process parameters, and specified
                 environmental conditions shall be controlled and maintained
                 by instructions, procedures, drawings, checklists, travelers,
                 or other appropriate means.

             3.  Equipment qualification requirements shall be included in
                 procedures or instructions and shall include all equipment
                 setup, operations, process controls, maintenance, and
                 calibration requirements.

             4.  Requirements of applicable codes and standards, including
                 acceptance criteria for processes, shall be incorporated into
                 all written procedures or instructions for performing the
                 process.

         B.  Special processes such as welding and heat treatment and
             verification processes such as nondestructive examination and
             radiography shall meet the following requirements in addition to
             the requirements for "Process Control" in Sect. V.A:

             1.  Procedures or instructions for special processes shall be
                 prepared and shall include appropriate technical, personnel,
                 and equipment qualification requirements.

             2.  ORNL organizations performing special processes are
                 responsible for adhering to the appropriate procedures and
                 instructions.  In addition,

                 a.  the qualification of personnel, programs, processes, and
                     equipment shall be in compliance with the specified
                     requirements; and

                 b.  the conditions for accomplishing the special processes
                     shall be incorporated into procedures and instructions
                     (including the use of proper equipment, the identification
                     of control parameters for the process, and the calibration
                     requirements).

             3.  Special processes that control or verify quality shall be
                 performed only by qualified personnel using approved written
                 procedures in accordance with specified requirements. These
                 requirements will include or will reference the procedural,
                 personnel, and equipment qualifications.

             4.  Records for each special process shall identify the personnel
                 performing the special process and their qualifications,
                 process parameters, and equipment qualifications. The records
                 shall be maintained in a designated file location.

             5.  For special processes not covered by existing codes and
                 standards and for items with quality requirements exceeding
                 those of existing codes or standards, the necessary
                 requirements for qualification of personnel, procedures, or
                 equipment shall be specified in the related procedures or
                 instructions.

             6.  Special processes shall be performed in accordance with
                 equipment and procedures that comply with specified
                 requirements. Only qualified and certified personnel shall
                 conduct special processes, and their compliance with the
                 specified requirements shall be verified and documented.



Approved by: [J. H. Swanks]                              
             Associate Director
             Operations, Environment, Safety, and Health
             Oak Ridge National Laboratory

PIC - M. L. Gildner FPM - P. B. Hoke Directives Coordinator
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Updated:Wednesday, 12-Feb-97 13:02:59 EST(npn)