DOE M 452.2-1, Nuclear Explosive Safety
Functional areas: Defense Nuclear Facility Safety and Health Requirement, Work Processes
The directive provides supplemental details to support the requirements of DOE O 452.2C, Nuclear Explosive Safety, dated 6-12-06.
Canceled by DOE M 452.2-1A.
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
http://www.directives.doe.gov Office of Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality
MANUAL
Approved: 06-12-06
Review: 06-12-08
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
MANUAL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality
DOE M 452.2-1
DOE M 452.2-1 i (and ii)
06-12-06
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY MANUAL
1. PURPOSE. This Department of Energy (DOE) Manual provides supplemental details to
support the requirements of DOE O 452.2C, Nuclear Explosive Safety, dated 06-12-06.
2. CANCELLATIONS. None.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Elements. This Manual applies to all Departmental elements listed
in DOE O 452.2C, Attachment 1 that are involved in performing, managing,
overseeing, or directly supporting nuclear explosive operations (NEOs) or
associated activities.
The Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) will
assure that NNSA employees and contractors comply with their respective
responsibilities under this Manual.
b. DOE Contractors.
(1) The Contractor Requirements Document (CRD) of DOE O 452.2C sets
forth requirements of this Manual, if applicable.
(2) This CRD, attached to DOE O 452.2C, must be included in all contracts
that involve performing, managing, overseeing, or directly supporting
NEOs or associated activities.
c. Exclusions. None.
4. SUMMARY. This Manual is composed of five chapters that provide supplemental
information to ensure adequate nuclear explosive safety for NEOs conducted by DOE,
NNSA, and DOE/NNSA contractors. These chapters address mandatory procedures and
management processes. Chapter I provides an introduction and assigns management
responsibilities for the administration of this Manual. Chapter II discusses two-person
concept requirements. Chapter III discusses electrical equipment requirements.
Chapters IV and V establish nuclear explosive-like assembly requirements and marking
requirements.
5. CONTACT. Questions concerning this Manual should be addressed to the Office of
Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality at 202-586-0377.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
CLAY SELL
Deputy Secretary
DOE M 452.2-1 iii
06-12-06
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................I-1
2. Manual Administration and Responsibilities....................................................................I-1
CHAPTER II. TWO-PERSON CONCEPT
1. Basic Requirements ........................................................................................................ II-1
2. Implementation Options.................................................................................................. II-1
a. Person-to-Person Coverage................................................................................. II-1
b. Zone Coverage .................................................................................................... II-1
3. Application of Person-to-Person Coverage .................................................................... II-1
a. Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Conventional
High Explosive ................................................................................................... II-2
b. Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Insensitive
High Explosive ................................................................................................... II-2
Section 2
4. Person-to-Person Coverage Requirements ..................................................................... II-2
CHAPTER III. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
1. Basic Requirements ....................................................................................................... III-1
2. Category 1 Electrical Equipment ................................................................................... III-1
a. General Requirements........................................................................................ III-1
b. Two-Person Control........................................................................................... III-2
3. Category 2 Electrical Equipment ................................................................................... III-2
a. General Requirements........................................................................................ III-2
b. Positive Electrical Isolation ............................................................................... III-2
c. Records .............................................................................................................. III-3
4. Category 3 Electrical Equipment ................................................................................... III-3
5. Change Control .............................................................................................................. III-3
iv DOE M 452.2-1
06-12-06
CONTENTS (continued)
CHAPTER IV. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS
1. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Definition............................................................... IV-1
2. Assembly/Disassembly of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies................................... IV-1
3. Verification of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Components
Before Assembly............................................................................................................ IV-1
a. Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies ......................................................... IV-1
b. High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies........................................ IV-2
c. Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies .................................. IV-3
4. Offsite Transportation of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies..................................... IV-3
a. Identification Requirements............................................................................... IV-4
b. Permission to Ship Between DOE Agencies ..................................................... IV-4
c. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Before Transfer ............................. IV-4
d. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Upon Receipt................................. IV-4
CHAPTER V. MARKING REQUIREMENTS
1. Permanent Marking Legends .......................................................................................... V-1
a. Nuclear Explosives ............................................................................................. V-1
b. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies................................................................... V-1
2. Permanent Marking Location ......................................................................................... V-1
3. Permanent Markings ....................................................................................................... V-1
4. Permanent Marking Obliteration .................................................................................... V-2
Section 3
a. Methodology....................................................................................................... V-2
b. Authentication..................................................................................................... V-2
c. Components That Will Be Reassembled ............................................................ V-2
5. DOE Authentication Stamp ............................................................................................ V-3
DOE M 452.2-1 I-1 (and I-2)
06-12-06
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. INTRODUCTION. The nuclear explosive safety (NES) supplemental information
elaborated in this Manual establishes a formalized approach to ensuring the NES of all
nuclear explosive operations (NEOs) conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE),
including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and DOE/NNSA
contractors.
2. MANUAL ADMINISTRATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The Director, Office of
Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality, is responsible for updating and maintaining this
Manual.
DOE M 452.2-1 II-1
06-12-06
CHAPTER II. TWO-PERSON CONCEPT
1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. The two-person concept is implemented to ensure no lone
individual has unrestricted access to a nuclear explosive. Site offices may also require
two-person concept protection for other operations.
Each person on a two-person concept team must—
a. be certified in the Human Reliability Program,
b. have authorized access to the nuclear explosive area (NEA),
c. have technical knowledge of the task being performed,
d. be knowledgeable of pertinent safety and security requirements, and
e. be in a position to detect incorrect or unauthorized acts and take appropriate
action.
2. IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS. The two-person concept may be implemented using
either person-to-person coverage or zone coverage.
a. Person-to-Person Coverage. Person-to-person coverage is the more stringent
form of the two-person concept. Person-to-person coverage is designed to protect
configurations that are particularly vulnerable to inadvertent acts (errors of
omission or commission) or deliberate unauthorized acts. Configurations
requiring person-to-person coverage include the following.
(1) Exposed conventional high explosive (CHE) main charge in an NEA.
(2) Main charge high explosives (HEs) [both CHE and insensitive HE (IHE)]
with accessible detonator cable assemblies in an NEA.
(3) Nuclear explosives connected to Category 1 electrical equipment.
(Category 1 electrical equipment is described in Chapter III, paragraph 2,
of this Manual.)
b. Zone Coverage. Zone coverage is designed to protect configurations that do not
require person-to-person coverage. Zone coverage requires a two-person concept
team in an NEA when a nuclear explosive is not protected by a dual-lock system
or other NES-approved security system.
3. APPLICATION OF PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE. Configurations requiring
person-to-person coverage must be determined based on specific system characteristics.
The application of person-to-person coverage allows recognition of the protection
provided by design safety features (such as IHE, coded-signal-controlled detonators, and
II-2 DOE M 452.2-1
06-12-06
unique-signal-operated strong-link devices) and physical protection (such as closed
shipping and storage containers and specially designed covers).
a. Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Conventional High Explosive.
Section 4
(1) For assembly operations involving CHE main charge, person-to-person
coverage of the CHE components must begin when the CHE container is
opened in an NEA.
(2) Coverage continues until the nuclear explosive is in a configuration in
which the application of design-specific environmental stimuli or unique
or coded signals is necessary for nuclear detonation or detonation of the
main charge HE.
(3) For disassembly operations, this requirement applies in reverse.
b. Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Insensitive High Explosive.
(1) For assembly operations involving IHE main charge, person-to-person
coverage must be provided for main charge components located in an
NEA, and assemblies containing these components, that have accessible
detonator cables attached.
(2) Coverage continues until the nuclear explosive is in a configuration in
which the application of design-specified environmental stimuli or unique
or coded signals is necessary for nuclear detonation or detonation of the
main charge HE.
(3) For disassembly operations this requirement applies in reverse.
For purposes of person-to-person coverage, systems with installed and unactuated
(safe/reset) mechanical safe and arm devices are not considered to have accessible
detonator cables. Configurations with physical protection that precludes immediate and
unrestricted access to the configuration by a lone individual are not considered to be
exposed. When such physical protection is in place, zone coverage provides adequate
protection for configurations that would otherwise require person-to-person coverage.
4. PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS. When a configuration
requires person-to-person coverage, a qualified two-person concept team must be either
working on or observing the configuration. Specific person-to-person coverage
requirements are as follows.
a. No lone individual must be allowed within the immediate vicinity (approximately
6 feet) of a configuration that requires person-to-person coverage.
b. The two people providing person-to-person coverage must each be responsible for
the safe conduct of the operations.
DOE M 452.2-1 II-3 (and II-4)
06-12-06
c. During the performance of operations on a configuration requiring
person-to-person coverage—
(1) the two-person concept team must be in the immediate vicinity of the
configuration;
(2) each person on the two-person concept team must observe all operations,
ensure that only authorized operations are performed, and ensure that
operations are performed correctly; and
(3) a reader-worker process that includes the following must be incorporated.
(a) The procedure must be read aloud, the operation must be
performed, and the completion of the operation must be
documented in the stated sequence.
(b) One of the two people performing the operation may read the
procedure aloud to the other person provided that both people can
move away from the immediate vicinity of the configuration while
the reading is accomplished.
(c) If both people cannot move away from the immediate vicinity of
the configuration while the reading is accomplished, then a third
person must read the procedure aloud to the other people.
d. When operations are not being performed on a configuration requiring
person-to-person coverage—
(1) the two-person concept team must be in the immediate vicinity of the
configuration when another individual is in the immediate vicinity of the
configuration;
Section 5
(2) the two-person concept team is not required to be in the immediate
vicinity of the configuration when other individuals are not in the
immediate vicinity of the configuration. However, team members must
remain in a position to directly observe the approach of any individual to
the configuration.
e. Only one configuration requiring person-to-person coverage is allowed in a
vacated bay or cell. This requirement does not apply to emergency evacuations.
DOE M 452.2-1 III-1
06-12-06
CHAPTER III. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. For purposes of defining electrical equipment requirements,
this Manual categorizes electrical equipment used in NEAs as Category 1, Category 2, or
Category 3. Electrical equipment categorization is intended to ensure that controls are
implemented commensurate with the various levels of potential electrical threat.
2. CATEGORY 1 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical equipment intended for
connection to an electrical circuit of a nuclear explosive or HE subassembly is referred to
as “Category 1 electrical equipment.” Category 1 electrical equipment must meet the
following minimum requirements.
a. General Requirements.
(1) Category 1 electrical equipment must use the lowest practical values of
internal and output currents and voltages.
(2) Category 1 electrical equipment must not apply unacceptable stimuli as
the result of a single-point failure.
(3) Each item of Category 1 electrical equipment must have safety
characteristics independent of the nuclear explosive’s safety features.
(4) Each item of Category 1 electrical equipment and its interface with a
nuclear explosive require the performance and documentation of a
comprehensive safety analysis, including consideration of relevant
abnormal environments.
(5) Each drawing issue of Category 1 electrical equipment and its interface
with a nuclear explosive requires a completed NES evaluation.
(6) Computer-controlled Category 1 electrical equipment must have controls
that preclude inadvertent or unauthorized actuation of NES critical
components (e.g., strong-link switches).
(7) Software for computer-controlled Category 1 electrical equipment that
could affect the state of components essential to NES must be identified as
NES critical software. NES critical software must be evaluated for
designation as safety software (See DOE O 414.1C, Quality Assurance,
dated 6-17-05).
(8) NES critical software must be subjected to an independent vulnerability
analysis.
III-2 DOE M 452.2-1
06-12-06
(9) Accepted or reaccepted NES critical software must be protected by a
two-person concept team.
(10) Procedures must be established to operate, control, calibrate, maintain,
and store Category 1 electrical equipment.
(11) A record of approved Category 1 electrical equipment must be established
and maintained.
(12) Category 1 electrical equipment must have a safety requirements
document that identifies the safety features.
b. Two-Person Control. Calibration and maintenance of Category 1 electrical
equipment require protection by a two-person concept team.
(1) Person-to-person coverage is required during calibration and all operations
that afford internal access to Category 1 electrical equipment and
associated cables and adapters.
(2) Zone coverage is required for fully assembled Category 1 electrical
equipment and associated cables and adapters when that equipment is not
protected by a dual-lock system or other NES-approved security system.
Section 6
3. CATEGORY 2 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical equipment that is not intended
for connection to an electrical circuit of a nuclear explosive or HE subassembly but
makes mechanical connection to, or could come in contact with, a nuclear explosive or
HE subassembly is referred to as “Category 2 electrical equipment.” Category 2
electrical equipment must be clearly identified and meet the following minimum
requirements.
a. General Requirements.
(1) Category 2 electrical equipment must not be connected to the electrical
circuitry of a nuclear explosive.
(2) Category 2 electrical equipment must be positioned in a manner to
preclude contact with a nuclear explosive except when a mechanical
connection is required to perform its intended and authorized function.
(3) The potential for inadvertent connection between the Category 2 electrical
equipment and the nuclear explosive circuitry must be minimized.
b. Positive Electrical Isolation. Positive electrical isolation must be established and
demonstrated for Category 2 electrical equipment and its mechanical connection
to a nuclear explosive. Electrical isolation must account for both normal and
credible abnormal conditions (such as equipment faults or lightning strikes). The
DOE M 452.2-1 III-3
06-12-06
electrical isolation scheme used must be clearly identified and documented using
one of the following subcategories, listed in priority order.
(1) Path-on isolation reducing leakage or fault current, from electrical energy
sources associated with the equipment, to a defined safe value. This must
be verified annually.
(2) Path-off isolation reducing leakage or fault current, from electrical energy
sources associated with the equipment, to a defined safe value. This must
be verified annually.
(3) An electrical isolation scheme requiring at least two independent failures
before exposing the nuclear explosive to unacceptable leakage or fault
current from electrical energy sources associated with the equipment.
Each failure mechanism must be identified.
c. Records. A record of approved Category 2 electrical equipment must be
established and maintained.
4. CATEGORY 3 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Moveable and facility electrical
equipment used in an NEA that is not intended for connection to an electrical circuit of a
nuclear explosive or HE subassembly and does not make mechanical connection to, and
cannot come in contact with, a nuclear explosive or HE subassembly is referred to as
“Category 3 electrical equipment.”
5. CHANGE CONTROL. Proposed changes to electrical equipment, procedures, and
interfaces with a nuclear explosive are subject to the NEO change control process
required by DOE O 452.2C, paragraph 4b(4).
DOE M 452.2-1 IV-1
06-12-06
CHAPTER IV. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements support the NELA standards defined in DOE O 452.2C.
1. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY DEFINITION. An assembly with
components representing the main charge HE and pit that has the potential for component
substitution resulting in accidental, inadvertent, or deliberate unauthorized assembly or
transfer of a nuclear explosive may be considered a NELA.
a. A NELA represents a nuclear explosive in the U.S. nuclear weapons program,
including assemblies for development, testing, training, or other purposes.
b. A NELA contains one of the following.
(1) Mock HE and high-fidelity dummy pit—referred to as an “Inert NELA.”
Section 7
(2) Live HE and high-fidelity dummy pit—referred to as a “High Explosive
NELA.”
(3) Mock HE and live pit—referred to as an “Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.”
2. ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLIES.
NELAs must not be assembled or disassembled in close proximity to nuclear explosives
where components may be interchanged. A two-person concept team is required to
perform all assembly/disassembly operations on Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs.
3. VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
BEFORE ASSEMBLY.
a. Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Repeated compliance with the
verification requirements of this section is not necessary for repeated disassembly
and reassembly training operations provided the mock HE and high-fidelity
dummy pit remain in a training area where main charge HE and live pits are not
authorized.
(1) Mock High Explosive Verification Requirements.
(a) All mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be
nondetonable and must be clear or colored pink. Where possible,
preference must be given to noncombustible formulations. Live
main charge HE must not be colored pink.
(b) Pink mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be
chemically verified before assembling the NELA. Clear mock HE
refers to LEXAN or similar inert substances and does not require
chemical verification.
IV-2 DOE M 452.2-1
06-12-06
(c) An auditable record of chemical verification of the mock HE must
be available.
(2) High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
(a) The pit must be verified by radiation detection means before
assembly into an Inert NELA to verify the absence of radioactive
material. If radiation is detected, the pit must be assayed by using
gamma spectrometry/multichannel analyzer to verify the absence
of fissile material. This verification must be either performed or
observed using person-to-person coverage.
(b) After dummy pit verification, the pit must be controlled until the
pit is assembled into the basic NELA configuration or until the pit
is delivered into an assembly area where live pits are not
authorized. This control must be achieved by a two-person
concept team or a dual-lock or other NES-approved security
system.
(c) An auditable record of radiation detection verification of the
high-fidelity dummy pit must be available.
b. High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. High Explosive NELAs and
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs must not be assembled or disassembled in close
proximity where components may be interchanged.
(1) High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
(a) The pit must be verified by radiation detection means before
assembly into a High Explosive NELA to verify the absence of
radioactive material. If radiation is detected, the pit must be
assayed by using gamma spectrometry/multichannel analyzer to
verify the absence of fissile material. This verification must be
either performed or observed using person-to-person coverage.
(b) After dummy pit verification, the pit must be controlled until the
pit is assembled into the basic NELA configuration. This control
must be achieved by a two-person concept team or a dual-lock or
other NES-approved security system.
(c) An auditable record of radiation detection verification of the
high-fidelity dummy pit must be available.
(2) Main Charge High Explosive Introduction Sequence. The high-fidelity
dummy pit verification must be accomplished before introduction of the
main charge HE and dummy pit into the same immediate assembly area of
the High Explosive NELA.
Section 8
DOE M 452.2-1 IV-3
06-12-06
c. Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Inert-with-Live-Pit
NELAs and High Explosive NELAs must not be assembled or disassembled in
close proximity where components may be interchanged.
(1) Mock High Explosive Verification Requirements.
(a) All mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be
nondetonable and must be clear or colored pink. Where possible,
preference must be given to noncombustible formulations. Live
main charge HE must not be colored pink.
(b) Pink mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be
chemically verified before assembling the NELA. Clear mock HE
refers to LEXAN or similar inert substance and does not require
chemical verification.
(c) An auditable record of chemical verification of the mock HE must
be available.
(2) Mock High Explosive Two-Person Concept Verification Requirements.
(a) In addition to the mock HE verification requirements, another
chemical verification of all mock HE used in place of live main
charge HE must be accomplished before assembly into an
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA. This verification must be either
performed or observed using person-to-person coverage.
(b) After the mock HE two-person concept verification, the mock HE
must be controlled until the mock HE is assembled into the basic
NELA configuration. This control must be achieved by a
two-person concept team or a dual-lock or other NES-approved
security system.
(c) An auditable record of two-person concept chemical verification of
the mock HE must be available.
(3) Live Pit Introduction Sequence. The mock HE verifications required by
3c(1) and 3c(2) must be accomplished before introduction of the live pit
and mock HE into the same immediate assembly area of the
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.
4. OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLIES. A
configuration assembled as an Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA must not be transferred to the
custody of the Department of Defense.
IV-4 DOE M 452.2-1
06-12-06
a. Identification Requirements. NELAs that are shipped between DOE sites must be
identified externally (e.g., stencil or tag) with the following information.
(1) NELA contents identified as one of the following.
(a) Inert NELA.
(b) High Explosive NELA.
(c) Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.
(2) Name and agency of responsible person at the shipping location.
(3) Name and agency of person who authorized the shipment at the receiving
location.
b. Permission to Ship Between DOE Agencies. The shipping agency must obtain
permission from the receiving agency to ship before shipment of a NELA.
c. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Before Transfer.
(1) Before offsite transfer of a NELA, the NELA must be surveyed in its
shipping configuration by a radiation detection means to verify the
absence or presence of fissile material. Anomalies or ambiguities detected
by radiation detection means must be resolved before shipment.
(2) An auditable record of this survey must be available.
d. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Upon Receipt.
(1) Upon receipt of a NELA, the NELA must be surveyed in its shipping
configuration by a radiation detection means to verify the absence or
presence of fissile material. Anomalies or ambiguities detected by
radiation detection means must be resolved before release.
(2) An auditable record of this survey must be available.
DOE M 452.2-1 V-1
06-12-06
CHAPTER V. MARKING REQUIREMENTS
Section 9
Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be permanently marked in accordance with the following
requirements. Additional markings such as serial numbers and configuration identification may
also be required by design agencies.
1. PERMANENT MARKING LEGENDS.
a. Nuclear Explosives. A “NUCLEAR” permanent marking legend must be applied
to nuclear explosives (i.e., units containing a live pit and an HE main charge).
b. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
(1) Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. The “INERT” permanent
marking is applied to a NELA containing mock HE or void in place of the
live main charge HE and a dummy pit or void.
Using the permanent marking “INERT” does not preclude the presence of
materials that may present a hazard to personnel.
(2) High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. The “HIGH
EXPLOSIVE” permanent marking is applied to a NELA containing live
main charge HE and a dummy pit or void.
(3) Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. The
“INERT-WITH-LIVE-PIT” permanent marking is applied to a NELA
containing mock HE, in place of the live main charge HE, and a live pit.
Using the permanent marking “INERT-WITH-LIVE-PIT” does not
preclude the presence of materials that may present a hazard to personnel.
2. PERMANENT MARKING LOCATION. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be
permanently marked on an external surface.
a. The permanent marking must be on a part that encloses the live main charge or
mock HE.
b. The marking location must be specified by the applicable design agency.
3. PERMANENT MARKINGS. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked in
accordance with the following requirements. The particular marking method must be
specified by the applicable design agency.
a. The permanent marking method must produce the most durable mark possible,
consistent with acceptable deleterious effect on the material to which the marking
is applied.
V-2 DOE M 452.2-1
06-12-06
(1) The preferred marking methods are mechanical engraving (with or without
fill) and impression-die stamping.
(2) Other acceptable methods are impression freehand, impression sandblast,
and surface conversion.
b. The preferred marking size is 1/4-inch characters with 1/4-inch spacing between
lines, if space permits.
4. PERMANENT MARKING OBLITERATION. When a nuclear explosive or NELA is
altered or disassembled to the point that its permanent marking is no longer valid, the
permanent marking must be obliterated in accordance with the following requirements.
a. Methodology.
(1) The preferred method of obliteration is overprinting the letter “X” on each
letter of the permanent marking legend using the same permanent marking
method as that used to apply the original marking.
(2) If obliteration by overprinting is not feasible for technical reasons, the
permanent marking must be removed using a method specified by the
applicable design agency.
b. Authentication. All obliterated permanent markings must be immediately
authenticated with the DOE authentication stamp.
—Obliterated permanent markings on components that will be scrapped need not
be authenticated.
c. Components That Will Be Reassembled. Permanent marking need not be
obliterated on marked components that will be reassembled into the same
configuration in accordance with the following requirements.
(1) General Requirements.
(a) After the marked component is removed, the disassembled
components must be controlled until the disassembled components
and marked component are reassembled into the same
configuration.
Section 10
(b) Control must be achieved by a two-person concept team or a
dual-lock or other NES-approved security system.
(2) Nuclear Explosives. Nuclear explosive components must not be
assembled or disassembled in close proximity to NELAs, where
components may be interchanged.
DOE M 452.2-1 V-3 (and V-4)
06-12-06
(3) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. NELAs must not be assembled or
disassembled in close proximity to nuclear explosives, where components
may be interchanged.
(a) Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Inert NELAs must not
be assembled or disassembled in close proximity to High
Explosive or Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs, where components may
be interchanged.
(b) High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. High
Explosive NELAs must not be assembled or disassembled in close
proximity to Inert or Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs, where
components may be interchanged.
(c) Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs must not be assembled or disassembled
in close proximity to High Explosive or Inert NELAs, where
components may be interchanged.
5. DOE AUTHENTICATION STAMP. DOE authentication stamps must be designed and
controlled in accordance with the following requirements.
a. Design of the DOE authentication stamp must be approved by NNSA.
b. DOE authentication stamp drawings and associated tooling must be
administratively controlled by the Surety Assessment Center, Sandia National
Laboratories, New Mexico.
c. NNSA-Service Center/Nuclear Explosive Safety Division must coordinate DOE
authentication stamp distribution.
d. After the DOE authentication stamp is fabricated, the authentication stamp must
be controlled. Agencies receiving authentication stamps must establish controls
to preclude their unauthorized use.
Office of Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAPTER II. TWO-PERSON CONCEPT
CHAPTER III. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER IV. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER V. MARKING REQUIREMENTS