DOE M 452.2-1A Admin Chg 1, Nuclear Explosive Safety Manual
Functional areas: Administrative Change, Defense Nuclear Facility Safety and Health Requirement, Nuclear Safety, Nuclear Weapons Programs
This Department of Energy (DOE) Manual provides supplemental details on selected topics to support the requirements of DOE O 452.2D, Nuclear Explosive Safety, dated 4/14/09. Cancels DOE M 452.2-1. Admin Chg 1, dated 7-10-13, cancels DOE M 452.2-1A.
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
- DOE O 452.2ENuclear Explosive Safety (Jan 26, 2015)
Supersedes
Earlier documents this one replaced.
- DOE M 452.2-1ANuclear Explosive Safety Manual (Jul 10, 2013)
Related documents
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
DOE M 452.2-1A
7-10-2013
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO DOE M 452.2-1A
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY MANUAL
Locations of Changes:
Page Paragraph Changed To
4 7 CONTACT. The Director, Nuclear
Weapon Surety and Quality Division,
is responsible for updating and
maintaining this Manual. Questions
concerning this Manual should be
addressed to 202-586-5624.
CONTACT. The Associate
Administrator for Safety and Health
is responsible for updating and
maintaining this Manual.
Questions concerning this Manual
should be addressed to 202-586-
3885.
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov National Nuclear Security Administration
Office of Safety and Health
MANUAL
Approved: 4-14-09
Admin Chg 1: 7-10-13
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
MANUAL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality Division
DOE M 452.2-1A
DOE M 452.2-1A i
4-14-09
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY MANUAL
1. PURPOSE. This Department of Energy (DOE) Manual provides supplemental details on
selected topics to support the requirements of DOE O 452.2D, Nuclear Explosive Safety,
dated 4-14-09.
2. CANCELLATIONS. DOE M 452.2-1, Nuclear Explosive Safety Manual, dated 6-12-06.
Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect any contractual
obligation to comply with the directive. Contractor requirements documents (CRDs) that
have been incorporated into or attached to a contract remain in effect until the contract is
modified to either eliminate requirements that are no longer applicable or substitute a
new set of requirements.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. DOE Elements. Except for the exclusion in paragraph 3c, this Manual applies to
all those Departmental elements that are involved in performing, managing,
overseeing, or directly supporting nuclear explosive operations (NEOs) or
associated activities, including those created after the Manual is issued. (Go to
http://www.directives.doe.gov/pdfs/reftools/org-list.pdf for the most current
listing of Departmental elements.).
The Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) shall
ensure that NNSA employees and contractors comply with their respective
responsibilities under this Manual. Nothing in this Manual must be construed to
interfere with the NNSA Administrator’s authority under section 3212(d) of
Public Law (P.L.) 106-65 to establish Administration specific policies, unless
disapproved by the Secretary.
b. DOE Contractors. The Contractor Requirements Document (CRD) in Attachment
1 sets forth requirements of this Manual, as applicable. This CRD must be
included in all contracts that involve performing, managing, overseeing, or
directly supporting NEOs or associated activities.
c. Exclusions.
(1) The following Departmental elements are excluded: Office of the Chief
Financial Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of
Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Office of Congressional and
Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity,
Energy Information Administration, Office of Electricity Delivery and
Energy Reliability, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Office of Environmental Management, Office of Fossil Energy, Office of
Hearings and Appeals, Office of Human Capital Management, Office of
Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Office of Legacy Management,
DOE M 452.2-1A ii
4-14-09
Section 2
Office of Management, Office of Nuclear Energy, Office of Policy and
International Affairs, Office of Public Affairs, Office of Science,
Bonneville Power Administration, Southeastern Power Administration,
Southwestern Power Administration, and Western Area Power
Administration.
(2) In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by
Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 USC sections 2406 and 2511 and to
ensure consistency through the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Program, the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors (Director) will
implement and oversee requirements and practices pertaining to this
Manual for activities under the Director's cognizance, as deemed
appropriate.
4. SUMMARY. This Manual is composed of four chapters that provide supplemental
requirements to ensure adequate nuclear explosive safety for NEOs conducted by DOE,
NNSA, and DOE/NNSA contractors. These chapters specify mandatory procedures and
management processes. Chapter I discusses two-person concept requirements. Chapter II
discusses electrical equipment requirements. Chapter III establishes nuclear
explosive-like assembly requirements. Chapter IV establishes marking requirements for
nuclear explosives and nuclear explosive-like assemblies.
5. DEFINITIONS. Definitions of words or phrases used here but defined in DOE O 452.1D
or DOE O 452.2D are not repeated here.
a. Dummy Pit. A component or set of components designed to simulate a live pit,
but which does not contain fissile material and cannot therefore create a nuclear
explosive if placed in the central cavity of an implosion system. A “high-fidelity”
dummy pit is one that also has dimensions representative of a live pit.
b. Human Reliability Program (HRP). A program established by 10 CFR 712 to
ensure that individuals who occupy positions affording access to certain materials,
nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs meet the highest standards of
reliability and physical and mental suitability.
c. Mock High Explosive. A material that is designed to simulate the main charge
high explosive, but which is non-detonable and clear or colored pink.
d. Permanent Marking. A durable method, normally by metal deformation, of
indicating on an external area of an assembly whether it is a nuclear explosive or
a nuclear explosive-like assembly.
e. Two-Person Concept (TPC). TPC is implemented to ensure no lone individual has
unrestricted access to a nuclear explosive or other crucial asset as specified by this
manual.
DOE M 452.2-1A iii (and iv)
4-14-09
6. REFERENCES.
a. Title XXXII of P. L. 106-65, National Nuclear Security Administration Act, as
amended, which established a separately organized agency within the Department
of Energy.
b. DOE O 452.1D, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, 4-14-09.
c. DOE O 452.2D, Nuclear Explosive Safety, 4-14-09.
d. DOE O 461.1A, Packaging and Transfer or Transportation of Materials of
National Security Interest, 04-26-04.
e. 10 CFR Part 712, Human Reliability Program.
7. CONTACT. The Associate Administrator for Safety and Health, is responsible for updating
and maintaining this Manual. Questions concerning this Manual should be addressed to
202-586-3885.
STEVEN CHU
Secretary of Energy
DOE M 452.2-1A v
4-14-09
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. TWO-PERSON CONCEPT ....................................................................... I-1
1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................... I-1
Section 3
2. IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS ..................................................................................... I-1
3. WHEN TO APPLY PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE ............................................ I-2
4. HOW TO APPLY PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE .............................................. I-3
CHAPTER II. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ................................................................ II-1
1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. II-1
2. CATEGORY 1 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT .............................................................. II-1
a. General Requirements ............................................................................................. II-1
b. Computer-Controlled Category 1 Electrical Equipment ......................................... II-2
c. Two-Person Concept ............................................................................................... II-2
3. CATEGORY 2 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT .............................................................. II-2
a. General Requirements ............................................................................................. II-2
b. Positive Electrical Isolation .................................................................................... II-3
c. Records ................................................................................................................... II-3
4. CATEGORY 3 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT .............................................................. II-3
5. NES EVALUATIONS AND CHANGE CONTROL..................................................... II-3
CHAPTER III. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA)
REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................. III-1
1. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY DEFINITION ..................................... III-1
2. ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLIES . III-1
3. VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
BEFORE ASSEMBLY .................................................................................................. III-1
a. Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies ............................................................. III-1
b. High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies ............................................ III-2
iv DOE M 452.2-1A
4-14-09
c. Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies ...................................... III-3
4. OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION OF NELAs ................................................................ III-4
a. Live-Pit NELA Transfer Restriction. ..................................................................... III-4
b. Identification Requirements ................................................................................... III-4
c. Permission to Ship Between DOE Agencies ......................................................... III-4
d. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Before Transfer ................................. III-4
e. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Upon Receipt ..................................... III-4
CHAPTER IV. MARKING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. IV-1
1. PERMANENT MARKING LEGENDS ........................................................................ IV-1
a. Nuclear Explosives ................................................................................................ IV-1
Section 4
b. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies ...................................................................... IV-1
2. PERMANENT MARKING LOCATION ...................................................................... IV-1
3. PERMANENT MARKINGS ......................................................................................... IV-1
4. PERMANENT MARKING OBLITERATION ............................................................. IV-2
a. Methodology .......................................................................................................... IV-2
b. Components That Will Be Reassembled ............................................................... IV-2
DOE M 452.2-1A I-1
4-14-09
CHAPTER I. TWO-PERSON CONCEPT
1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
The two-person concept (TPC) is implemented to ensure no lone individual has
unrestricted access to a nuclear explosive. A TPC team must be in the nuclear explosive
area (NEA) when a nuclear explosive is not protected by a dual-lock system or other
NES-approved security system. The TPC is also required in the Metrology Laboratory as
specified in Chapter II paragraph 2.c of this Manual. Site offices may also require TPC
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 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 zone coverage or
person-to-person coverage.
a. Zone Coverage.
Zone coverage is a term used to identify two-person concept implementation that
meets the basic requirements of paragraph 1 without the additional requirements
specified to protect configurations that require person-to-person coverage.
b. 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.
(1) 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 insensitive high explosive (IHE),
coded-signal-controlled detonators, and unique-signal-operated strong-link
I-2 DOE M 452.2-1A
4-14-09
devices] and physical protection (such as closed shipping and storage
containers and specially designed covers).
(2) Configurations requiring person-to-person coverage include the following:
(a) Exposed conventional high explosive (CHE) main charge in an
NEA.
(b) Main charge high explosives (HEs), both CHE and IHE, with
accessible detonator cable assemblies in an NEA.
(c) Nuclear explosives connected to Category 1 electrical equipment.
(Category 1 electrical equipment is described in Chapter II,
paragraph 2, of this Manual.)
3. WHEN TO APPLY PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE.
a. Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Conventional High Explosive.
(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.
Section 5
(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.
c. For purposes of person-to-person coverage, systems with installed and unactuated
(safe/reset) mechanical safe and arm detonators are not considered to have
accessible detonator cables. Configurations with physical protection that
precludes immediate and unrestricted access to the configuration by a lone
DOE M 452.2-1A I-3
4-14-09
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. HOW TO APPLY PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE.
When a configuration requires person-to-person coverage, a qualified two-person concept
team must be either working on or controlling access to the configuration. Specific
person-to-person coverage requirements are as follows.
a. Lone individuals must not 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.
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;
I-4 DOE M 452.2-1A
4-14-09
(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.
Section 6
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 452.2-1A II-1
4-14-09
CHAPTER II. 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 be clearly identified and meet the following
minimum requirements.
a. General Requirements.
(1) Category 1 electrical equipment must have a safety requirements
document that identifies the safety features.
(2) Category 1 electrical equipment must use the lowest practical values of
internal and output currents and voltages.
(3) Category 1 electrical equipment must not apply unacceptable stimuli as
the result of a single-point failure.
(4) Each item of Category 1 electrical equipment must have safety
characteristics independent of the nuclear explosive’s safety features.
(5) 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.
(6) Each drawing issue of Category 1 electrical equipment and its interface
with a nuclear explosive requires a completed NES evaluation.
(7) Procedures must be established to operate, control, calibrate, maintain, and
store Category 1 electrical equipment.
(8) A record of approved Category 1 electrical equipment must be established
and maintained. The record must identify each item of Category 1
electrical equipment by its unique designation and/or part number and
associate it with the nuclear explosives for which it is authorized and the
NES evaluations that examined its specific applications.
II-2 DOE M 452.2-1A
4-14-09
b. Computer-Controlled Electrical Equipment.
(1) Software must not be relied upon to assure the safe state of the
unit under test. If software is used to achieve a safe state then a
separate means of verification must also be employed.
(2) Testers must be designed such that software is incapable of
causing safety feature bypass.
(3) Software failure must not compromise the safety attributes of the
equipment or unit under test.
c. Two-Person Concept.
Category 1 electrical equipment requires two-person concept protection. (The
TPC is delineated in Chapter I of this Manual.)
(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, and while Category I electrical equipment
is connected to a nuclear explosive.
(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.
3. CATEGORY 2 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
Section 7
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.
DOE M 452.2-1A II-3 (and II-4)
4-14-09
b. Positive Electrical Isolation.
Positive electrical isolation must be established and demonstrated for Category 2
electrical equipment that makes a 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 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. The record must identify each item of Category 2 electrical
equipment by its unique designation and/or part number and associate it with the
nuclear explosive operations for which it is authorized.
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. NES EVALUATIONS AND CHANGE CONTROL.
Electrical equipment used in NEAs and proposed changes to electrical equipment,
procedures, and interfaces with a nuclear explosive are subject to the NES evaluation and
NEO change control processes required by DOE O 452.2D, Nuclear Explosive Safety,
and detailed in DOE M 452.2-2, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes.
DOE M 452.2-1A III-1
4-14-09
CHAPTER III. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA)
REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements support the NELA standards defined in DOE O 452.2D.
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.
Section 8
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.”
(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.
Repetition of 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
non-detonable 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
III-2 DOE M 452.4-1A
4-14-09
refers to LEXAN or similar inert substances and does not require
chemical verification.
(c) An auditable record of chemical verification of the pink mock HE
must be available.
(2) High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
(a) Before assembly into an Inert NELA, the pit must be verified by
radiation detection means to verify the absence of radioactive
material. If radiation is detected, the pit must be assayed by using
gamma spectrometry/multi-channel 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) Before assembly into a High Explosive NELA, the pit must be
verified by radiation detection means to verify the absence of
radioactive material. If radiation is detected, the pit must be
assayed by using gamma spectrometry/multi-channel 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.
Section 9
(c) An auditable record of radiation detection verification of the
high-fidelity dummy pit must be available.
DOE M 452.2-1A III-3
4-14-09
(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.
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
non-detonable 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 paragraphs 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.
III-4 DOE M 452.4-1A
4-14-09
4. OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLIES.
a. Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA Transfer Restriction.
A configuration assembled as an Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA must not be
transferred to the custody of the Department of Defense.
b. 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.
c. Permission to Ship Between DOE Agencies.
The shipping agency must obtain permission from the receiving agency to ship
before shipment of a NELA.
d. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Before Transfer.
(1) Before offsite transfer of a NELA, the NELA must be surveyed in its
shipping configuration by 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.
e. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey Upon Receipt.
Section 10
(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 452.2-1A IV-1
4-14-09
CHAPTER IV. MARKING REQUIREMENTS
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.
(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.
Note: Using the permanent marking “INERT” or “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.
IV-2 DOE M 452.2-1A
4-14-09
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.
(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 ¼-inch characters with ¼-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. 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.
Section 11
(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.
(b) Control must be achieved by a two-person concept team or a
dual-lock or other NES-approved security system.
DOE M 452.2-1A IV-3
4-14-09
(2) Nuclear Explosives.
Nuclear explosive components must not be assembled or disassembled in
close proximity to NELAs, where components may be interchanged.
IV-2 DOE M 452.2-1A
4-14-09
(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.
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 1
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT
DOE M 452.2-1A, NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
This Contractor Requirements Document (CRD) establishes the requirements for Department of
Energy (DOE) contractors, including National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
contractors, whose contracts involve the performance, management, oversight, or direct support
of DOE/NNSA nuclear explosive operations (NEOs) or associated activities.
Regardless of the performer of the work, the contractor is responsible for complying with the
requirements of this CRD. The contractor is responsible for flowing down the requirements of
this CRD to subcontractors at any tier to the extent necessary to ensure the contractor’s
compliance with the requirements.
All contractors with this CRD incorporated in their contracts must comply with the following
requirements.
1. TWO-PERSON CONCEPT.
Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated activities and facilities must establish
and implement the two-person concept to ensure no lone individual has unrestricted
access to a nuclear explosive.
a. Basic Requirements. A two-person concept team must be in the nuclear explosive
area (NEA) when a nuclear explosive is not protected by a dual-lock system or
other NES-approved security system. Two-person concept coverage is also
required in the Metrology Laboratory as specified in paragraph 2a(3) of this CRD.
Contractors must also establish and implement two-person concept protection for
other operations as required by the site office.
Contractors must ensure that each person on a two-person concept team—
(1) is certified in the Human Reliability Program,
(2) has authorized access to the NEA,
(3) has technical knowledge of the task being performed,
(4) is knowledgeable of pertinent safety and security requirements, and
(5) is in a position to detect incorrect or unauthorized acts and take
appropriate action.
b. Implementation Options. Contractors must ensure appropriate implementation of
the two-person concept using either zone coverage or person-to-person coverage.
(1) Zone Coverage. Zone coverage is a term used to identify two-person
concept implementation that meets the basic requirements of paragraph 1a
Section 12
Attachment 1 DOE M 452.2-1A
Page 2 4-14-09
without the additional requirements specified to protect configurations that
require person-to-person coverage.
(2) 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.
(a) Configurations requiring person-to-person coverage must be based
on specific system characteristics. The application of
person-to-person coverage allows recognition of the protection
provided by design safety features [such as insensitive high
explosive (IHE), coded-signal-controlled detonators, and
unique-signal-operated strong-link devices] and physical
protection (such as closed shipping and storage containers and
specially designed covers).
(b) 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 (both CHE and 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
paragraph 2.a of this CRD.)
c. When to Apply Person-to-Person Coverage. Contractors must use the following
guidance to determine when person-to-person coverage is needed.
(1) Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Conventional High
Explosive.
(a) For assembly operations involving CHE main charge,
person-to-person coverage of the CHE components begins when
the CHE container is opened in an NEA.
(b) Coverage must continue 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.
(c) For disassembly operations, this requirement applies in reverse.
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 3
(2) Assembly/Disassembly Operations Involving Insensitive High Explosive.
(a) For assembly operations involving IHE main charge, contractors
must ensure person-to-person coverage for main charge
components located in an NEA, and assemblies containing these
components, that have accessible detonator cables attached.
(b) Coverage must continue 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.
(c) For disassembly operations, this requirement applies in reverse.
(3) For purposes of person-to-person coverage, systems with installed and
unactuated (safe/reset) mechanical safe and arm detonators 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 exposed. When such
physical protection is in place, zone coverage provides adequate protection
for configurations that would otherwise require person-to-person
coverage.
d. How to Apply Person-to-Person Coverage. When a configuration requires
person-to-person coverage, contractors must ensure a qualified two-person
concept team is either working on or controlling access to the configuration so
that the following coverage requirements are met.
Section 13
(1) No lone individual is allowed within the immediate vicinity
(approximately 6 feet) of a configuration that requires person-to-person
coverage.
(2) The two people providing person-to-person coverage are each responsible
for the safe conduct of the operations.
(3) During the performance of operations on a configuration requiring
person-to-person coverage—
(a) the two-person concept team must be in the immediate vicinity of
the configuration;
(b) 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
(c) a reader-worker process that includes the following must be
incorporated.
Attachment 1 DOE M 452.2-1A
Page 4 4-14-09
1 The procedure must be read aloud, the operation must be
performed, and the completion of the operation must be
documented in the stated sequence.
2 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.
3 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.
(4) When operations are not being performed on a configuration requiring
person-to-person coverage—
(a) 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 and
(b) the team members must remain in a position to observe the
approach of any individual to the configuration.
(5) Only one configuration requiring person-to-person coverage is allowed in
a vacated bay or cell. This requirement does not apply to emergency
evacuations.
2. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated activities and facilities must establish
and implement controls for electrical equipment used in NEAs commensurate with the
various levels of potential electrical threat. For this purpose, NNSA recognizes three
categories of electrical equipment used in NEAs.
a. 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.” Contractors must ensure Category 1 electrical
equipment is clearly identified and meets the following minimum requirements.
(1) General Requirements.
(a) Category 1 electrical equipment must have a safety requirements
document that identifies the safety features.
(b) Category 1 electrical equipment must use the lowest practical
values of internal and output currents and voltages.
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 5
(c) Category 1 electrical equipment must not apply unacceptable
stimuli as a result of a single-point failure.
(d) Category 1 electrical equipment must have safety characteristics
independent of the nuclear explosive’s safety features.
(e) Each item of Category 1 electrical equipment and its interface with
a nuclear explosive must have a comprehensive safety analysis,
including consideration of relevant abnormal environments.
(f) Each drawing issue of Category 1 electrical equipment and its
interface with a nuclear explosive must have a NES evaluation.
(g) Procedures must be established to operate, control, calibrate,
maintain, and store the Category 1 electrical equipment.
Section 14
(h) A record of approved Category 1 electrical equipment must be
established and maintained. The record must identify each item of
Category 1 electrical equipment by its unique designation and/or
part number and associate it with the nuclear explosives for which
it is authorized and the NES evaluations that examined its specific
applications.
(2) Computer-controlled Category 1 electrical equipment must be designed as
follows:
(a) Software must not be relied upon to assure the safe state of
the unit under test. If software is used to achieve a safe state
then a separate means of verification must also be
employed.
(b) Testers must be designed such that software is incapable of
causing safety feature bypass.
(c) Software failure must not compromise the safety attributes of
the equipment or unit under test.
(3) Two-Person Concept. Contractors must ensure that Category 1 electrical
equipment is protected by implementation of the TPC as delineated in
paragraph 1 of this CRD.
(a) Person-to-person coverage is required during calibration and all
operations that afford internal access to equipment and associated
cables and adapters, and while Category 1 electrical equipment is
connected to a nuclear explosive.
(b) Zone coverage is required for fully assembled Category 1 electrical
equipment and associated cables and adapters when that equipment
Attachment 1 DOE M 452.2-1A
Page 6 4-14-09
is not protected by a dual-lock system or other NES-approved
security system.
b. 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.”
Contractors must ensure Category 2 electrical equipment is clearly identified and
meets the following minimum requirements.
(1) General Requirements.
(a) Category 2 electrical equipment must not be connected to the
electrical circuitry of a nuclear explosive.
(b) 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.
(c) The potential for inadvertent connection between Category 2
electrical equipment and the nuclear explosive circuitry must be
minimized.
(2) Positive Electrical Isolation. Contractors must ensure positive electrical
isolation is established and demonstrated for Category 2 electrical
equipment that makes a mechanical connection to a nuclear explosive.
Electrical isolation must account for both normal and credible abnormal
conditions (such as equipment faults or lightning strikes). Contractors
must ensure the electrical isolation scheme used is clearly identified and
documented using one of the following subcategories, listed in priority
order.
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
Section 15
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 7
(3) Records. Contractors must establish and maintain a record of approved
Category 2 electrical equipment. The record must identify each item of
Category 2 electrical equipment by its unique designation and/or part
number and associate it with the nuclear explosive operations for which it
is authorized.
c. 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.” Contractors must ensure that Category 3
electrical equipment cannot make physical contact with a nuclear explosive.
d. NES Evaluations and Change Control. Contractors must ensure that all electrical
equipment used in an NEA and proposed changes to electrical equipment,
procedures, and its interfaces with a nuclear explosive are subject to the NES
evaluation and NEO change control processes required by DOE O 452.2D and
detailed in DOE M 452.2-2, or its successor directive.
3. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS.
To support the NELA Standards in DOE O 452.2D, or its successor directive, contractors
must ensure the following requirements are met.
a. 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.
(1) A NELA represents a nuclear explosive in the U.S. nuclear weapons
program, including assemblies for development, testing, training, or other
purposes.
(2) A NELA contains one of the following.
(a) Mock HE and high-fidelity dummy pit—referred to as an “Inert
NELA.”
(b) Live HE and high-fidelity dummy pit—referred to as a “High
Explosive NELA.”
(c) Mock HE and live pit—referred to as an “Inert-with-Live-Pit
NELA.”
b. Assembly/Disassembly of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must
ensure NELAs are not assembled or disassembled in close proximity to nuclear
explosives where components may be interchanged. Contractors must ensure a
Attachment 1 DOE M 452.2-1A
Page 8 4-14-09
two-person concept team performs all assembly/disassembly operations on
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs.
c. Verification of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Components before Assembly.
Contractors must verify major NELA components before NELA assembly as
specified below.
(1) Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Repetition of 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.
(a) Mock High Explosive Verification Requirements
1 All mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be
nondetonable and clear or colored pink. Where possible,
preference must be given to noncombustible formulations.
Live main charge HE must not be colored pink.
2 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.
3 An auditable record of chemical verification of the pink
mock HE must be available.
Section 16
(b) High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
1 Before assembly into an Inert NELA, the pit must be
verified by radiation detection means to verify the absence
of radioactive material. If radiation is detected, the pit must
be assayed using gamma spectrometry/multi-channel
analyzer to verify the absence of fissile material. This
verification must be either performed or observed using
person-to-person coverage.
2 After dummy pit verification, the pit must be controlled
until it is assembled into the NELA configuration or until it
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.
3 An auditable record of radiation detection verification of
the high-fidelity dummy pit must be available.
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 9
(2) High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must
ensure High Explosive NELAs and Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs are not
assembled or disassembled in close proximity where components may be
interchanged.
(a) High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
1 Before assembly into a High Explosive NELA, the pit must
be verified by radiation detection means to verify the
absence of radioactive material. If radiation is detected, the
pit must be assayed using a gamma
spectrometry/multi-channel analyzer to verify the absence
of fissile material. This verification must be either
performed or observed using person-to-person coverage.
2 After dummy pit verification, the pit must be controlled
until it 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.
3 An auditable record of radiation detection verification of
the high-fidelity dummy pit must be available.
(b) 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.
(3) Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must
ensure Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs and High Explosive NELAs are not
assembled or disassembled in close proximity where components may be
interchanged.
(a) Mock High Explosive Verification Requirements.
1 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.
2 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.
Attachment 1 DOE M 452.2-1A
Page 10 4-14-09
3 An auditable record of chemical verification of the mock
HE must be available.
(b) Mock High Explosive Two-Person Concept Verification
Requirements.
1 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.
2 After the mock HE two-person concept verification, the
mock HE must be controlled until it 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.
Section 17
3 An auditable record of two-person concept chemical
verification of the mock HE must be available.
(c) Live Pit Introduction Sequence. The mock HE and mock HE
two-person verifications 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.
d. Offsite Transportation of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
(1) Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA Transfer Restriction. Contractors must ensure a
configuration assembled as an Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA is not transferred
to the custody of the Department of Defense.
(2) Identification Requirements. Contractors must ensure NELAs that are
shipped between DOE sites are identified externally (e.g., stencil or tag)
with the following information.
(a) NELA contents identified as one of the following.
1 Inert NELA.
2 High Explosive NELA.
3 Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.
(b) Name and agency of responsible person at the shipping location.
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 11
(c) Name and agency of person who authorized the shipment at the
receiving location.
(3) Permission to Ship between DOE Agencies. Contractors must ensure the
shipping agency obtains permission from the receiving agency to ship
before shipment of a NELA.
(4) Nuclear-Explosive-Like Assembly Survey before Transfer.
(a) Before offsite transfer of a NELA, contractors must ensure the
NELA is surveyed in its shipping configuration using 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.
(b) Contractors must ensure an auditable record of this survey is
available.
(5) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey upon Receipt.
(a) Upon receipt of a NELA, contractors must ensure the NELA is
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.
(b) Contractors must ensure an auditable record of this survey is
available.
4. MARKING REQUIREMENTS.
Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked to distinguish configurations capable of
a nuclear detonation from those that are not. Contractors responsible for NEOs or NELA
operations must permanently mark nuclear explosives and NELAs in accordance with the
following instructions.
a. Permanent Marking Legends.
(1) Nuclear Explosives. Contractors must ensure a “NUCLEAR” permanent
marking legend is applied to nuclear explosives (i.e., units containing a
live pit and an HE main charge).
(2) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
(a) Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must ensure
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.
Attachment 1 DOE M 452.2-1A
Page 12 4-14-09
(b) High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors
must ensure the “HIGH EXPLOSIVE” permanent marking is
applied to a NELA containing live main charge HE and a dummy
pit or void.
(c) Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
Contractors must ensure 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.
b. Permanent Marking Location. Contractors must ensure nuclear explosives and
NELAs are permanently marked on an external surface.
Section 18
(1) The permanent marking must be on a part that encloses the live main
charge or mock HE.
(2) The marking location must be specified by the applicable design agency.
c. Permanent Markings. Contractors must ensure nuclear explosives and NELAs are
marked in accordance with the following requirements. The particular marking
method must be specified by the applicable design agency.
(1) Contractors must ensure the permanent marking method produces the
most durable mark possible consistent with acceptable deleterious effect
on the material to which the marking is applied.
(a) The preferred marking methods are mechanical engraving (with or
without fill) and impression-die stamping.
(b) Other acceptable methods are impression freehand, impression
sandblast, and surface conversion.
(2) Contractors should use the preferred marking size, ¼-inch characters with
¼-inch spacing between lines, if space permits.
d. Permanent Marking Obliteration. When a nuclear explosive or NELA is altered or
disassembled to the point that its permanent marking is no longer valid,
contractors must ensure the permanent marking is obliterated in accordance with
the following requirements.
(1) Methodology.
(a) 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.
DOE M 452.2-1A Attachment 1
4-14-09 Page 13 (and Page 14)
(b) If obliteration by overprinting is not feasible for technical reasons,
contractors must remove the permanent marking using a method
specified by the applicable design agency.
(2) 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.
(a) General Requirements.
1 After the marked component is removed, contractors must
control the disassembled components until the
disassembled components and marked component are
reassembled into the same configuration.
2 Contractors must ensure control is achieved by a
two-person concept team or a dual-lock or other
NES-approved security system.
(b) Nuclear Explosives. Contractors must ensure nuclear explosive
components are not assembled or disassembled in close proximity
to NELAs, where components may be interchanged.
(c) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must ensure
NELAs are not assembled or disassembled in close proximity to
nuclear explosives, where components may be interchanged.
1 Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must
ensure Inert NELAs are not assembled or disassembled in
close proximity to High Explosive or Inert-with-Live-Pit
NELAs, where components may be interchanged.
2 High Explosive Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
Contractors must ensure High Explosive NELAs are not
assembled or disassembled in close proximity to Inert or
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs, where components may be
interchanged.
3 Inert-with-Live-Pit Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
Contractors must ensure Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs are not
assembled or disassembled in close proximity to High
Explosive or Inert NELAs, where components may be
interchanged.