DOE O 452.2C, Nuclear Explosive Safety
Functional areas: Defense Nuclear Facility Safety and Health Requirement, Work Processes
The directive establishes specific nuclear explosive safety (NES) program requirements to implement the DOE NES standards and other
NES criteria for routine and planned nuclear explosive operations.
Cancels DOE O 452.2B. Canceled by DOE O 452.2D.
Supersedes:
DOE O 452.2B, Safety of Nuclear Explosive Operations on Jun 12, 2006
Superseded By:
DOE O 452.2D, Nuclear Explosive Safety on Apr 14, 2009
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
- DOE O 452.2DNuclear Explosive Safety (Apr 14, 2009)
Supersedes
Earlier documents this one replaced.
- DOE O 452.2BSafety of Nuclear Explosive Operations (Jun 12, 2006)
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov Office of Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, D.C.
Approved: 06-12-06
SUBJECT: NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
1. OBJECTIVES. This Department of Energy (DOE) Order establishes specific nuclear
explosive safety (NES) program requirements to implement the DOE NES standards and
other NES criteria for routine and planned nuclear explosive operations (NEOs).
2. CANCELLATIONS. DOE O 452.2B, Safety of Nuclear Explosive Operations,
dated 08-07-01, and AL SD 452.2B, Safety of Nuclear Explosive Operations, Change 1,
dated 3-22-02. Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect
any contractual obligation to comply with the directive. Canceled directives that are
incorporated by reference in a contract remain in effect until the contract is modified to
delete the references to the requirements in the canceled directives.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Elements. Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3c, this Order
applies to all Departmental elements listed in Attachment 1 that are involved in
performing, managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs or associated
activities. This Order also applies to Departmental elements created after it is
issued if they are involved in performing, managing, overseeing, or directly
supporting 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 Order.
b. DOE Contractors.
(1) Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3c, the Contractor Requirements
Document (CRD), Attachment 2, sets forth requirements of this Order that
will apply to contracts that include the CRD.
(2) This CRD must be included in all contracts that involve performing,
managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs or associated
activities.
(3) Site office managers are responsible for notifying contracting officers of
which contracts are affected. Once notified, contracting officers are
responsible for incorporating the CRD into each affected contract.
c. Exclusions. This Order does not apply to unplanned events. DOE M 231.1-2,
Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information, dated 8-19-03,
DOE O 452.2C
2 DOE O 452.2C
06-12-06
provides requirements for categorizing and reporting non-emergency NES
occurrences. DOE O 151.1C, Comprehensive Emergency Management, dated
11-2-05, provides requirements for categorizing and reporting emergency NES
occurrences. Additional requirements and responsibilities for responses to
unplanned events are addressed in the 5530-series Orders. The senior energy
official, or higher authority, will determine when to transition from emergency
management directives to this Order.
4. REQUIREMENTS.
a. DOE Nuclear Explosive Safety Standards. All NEOs must meet the following
qualitative NES standards to prevent unintended nuclear detonation or fissile
material dispersal from the pit.
(1) There must be controls to minimize the possibility of accidents,
inadvertent acts, or authorized activities that could lead to fire, high
explosive (HE) deflagration, or unintended HE detonation.
(2) There must be controls to minimize the possibility of fire, HE
deflagration, or HE detonation, given accidents or inadvertent acts.
(3) There must be controls to minimize the possibility of deliberate
unauthorized acts that could lead to HE deflagration or HE detonation.
Section 2
There must be multiple layers of defense (defense-in-depth). It is beneficial and
preferable for controls to interrupt the chain of events as early as possible and as
often as practical to raise confidence in the overall effectiveness of the control set.
A primary objective of NES controls is to protect nuclear explosive main charge
HE from insults capable of producing HE detonation or deflagration, including
those arising from insults to main charge detonators.
b. Nuclear Explosive Safety Program. NEOs require special consideration because
of the potentially high consequences of an accident or unauthorized act. Site
offices and the Office of Secure Transportation (OST) must ensure
implementation of a formal, comprehensive NES program that includes the
following.
(1) General Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs). The general NESRs
set forth in this paragraph are mandatory for all NEOs.
(a) Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluations. DOE-STD-3015 provides
specific information regarding the three types of NES
evaluations—nuclear explosive safety studies (NESSs), operational
safety reviews (OSRs), and nuclear explosive safety change
evaluations (NCEs). NEOs must not be performed until a NES
study has been conducted, the NESS report has been approved, and
approved prestart findings have been closed.
DOE O 452.2C 3
06-12-06
(b) Nuclear Explosive Operating Procedures. NEOs must be
performed in accordance with approved written procedures.
(c) One-Point Safety.
1 NEOs involving a nuclear explosive not certified to be
one-point safe must be conducted only at Nevada Test Site
(NTS), except as authorized in accordance with paragraph
4b(1)(c)2, below.
2 If it is determined that a nuclear explosive no longer meets
the one-point safety criteria, all assembly/disassembly
production plant operations (including onsite
transportation) and offsite transportation with that nuclear
explosive must be discontinued in a safe manner. Before
operations with that nuclear explosive can be resumed, a
path forward must be developed, a NES evaluation must be
conducted, the NES evaluation report must be approved,
and approved prestart findings must be closed.
3 Tooling and equipment must be evaluated as required to
ensure that their use does not impact the one-point safety of
a nuclear explosive certified to be one-point safe.
(d) Nuclear Explosive Areas (NEAs).
1 Authorized energy sources must be identified and
documented. Unauthorized energy sources must not be
available in an NEA during NEOs.
2 Ignition sources in NEAs must be identified and eliminated
or minimized and controlled to prevent adverse interaction
with combustible/flammable materials and the nuclear
explosive.
3 Combustible and flammable materials in NEAs must be
identified and eliminated or minimized and controlled to
prevent adverse interaction with the nuclear explosive.
(e) Electrical Testing. Except as authorized in accordance with
paragraph 4b(1)(f), Anomalous Units, nuclear explosives must not
be subjected to—
1 redundant electrical tests or
4 DOE O 452.2C
06-12-06
2 electrical troubleshooting (i.e., to confirm the existence of a
fault or aid in fault isolation) except with authorized test
equipment and procedures that have been subjected to a
NES evaluation and found to be acceptable for the specific
application.
(f) Anomalous Units.
1 If it is determined that a nuclear explosive is no longer in a
condition covered by a NES evaluation, all operations with
that nuclear explosive and in the associated facility must be
discontinued in a safe manner, resulting in a safe and stable
nuclear explosive configuration.
Section 3
2 Before operations with the anomalous unit can be resumed,
a design agency special instruction engineering release
(SIER) must be developed, and the NEO change control
process must be completed in accordance with paragraph
4b(4). A decision to resume other activities in the facility
must include consideration of possible interactions with the
anomalous unit.
a The responsible design agencies must specifically
review the SIER for impact on NES.
b Transportation operations, if applicable, must be
specifically addressed in the SIER, and offsite
transportation operations are subject to the OST
NEO change control process.
(2) Supplemental Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules. Supplemental NESRs may
be developed as needed to support specific tests, operations, or
characteristics of a nuclear explosive.
(3) Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluations. NES evaluations must be
performed in accordance with DOE-STD-3015-2004, Nuclear Explosive
Safety Evaluation Process, dated November 2004.
(a) Urgent Nuclear Explosive Safety Concerns. NESSG chairs, as
defined and described in DOE-STD-3015-2004, must promptly
notify line management, the NNSA-Service Center/Nuclear
Explosive Safety Division (NNSA-SC/NESD), and the Office of
Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality of identified NES concerns
requiring urgent attention and recommend whether NEOs should
continue pending resolution.
(b) Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Prerequisites. A NESS may not
begin until preparatory work on the facilities and operations have
DOE O 452.2C 5
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been completed, including completion of the DOE-approved safety
basis for the operation. A formal readiness statement by the
appropriate federal line manager must be made to initiate the
NESS.
(c) Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Findings and Actions. NES
evaluation findings are statements of deficiencies that require
corrective action and formal closure.
1 Findings are categorized as either “prestart” or “poststart.”
a Prestart findings involve concerns that must be
addressed before initiation or continuation of the
affected NEOs.
b Poststart findings involve concerns that may be
addressed in parallel with the initiation or
continuation of the affected NEOs.
2 Actions. The applicable NNSA line management
organizations are responsible for ensuring that actions on
NES evaluation findings are both timely and effective.
This responsibility includes formally tasking affected
contractors, status reporting, and tracking findings through
closure.
(4) Change Control. Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated
activities and facilities must establish and implement a NES change
evaluation process. This NES evaluation is separate and independent from
the unreviewed safety question process required by 10 CFR 830, Nuclear
Safety Management, and must be completed before approval and
implementation of the change.
(a) General Applicability. All proposed changes to authorized NEOs,
including the following, are subject to the NEO change control
process.
1 Proposals that may have direct NES implications (e.g.,
procedural, equipment, or facility changes to an approved
NEO).
2 Proposals that may have indirect NES implications (e.g.,
changes or new activities that could impact the foundation
established by previous NES Master Studies).
3 Changes in knowledge affecting an approved NEO (e.g.,
new understanding of a potential threat to NES or new data
6 DOE O 452.2C
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regarding the response of a nuclear explosive to a
stimulus).
Section 4
(b) Pantex Site Office (PXSO). PXSO must implement the NEO
change control process for Pantex Plant operations in accordance
with the Development and Production (D&P) Manual, Chapter
11.7, Nuclear Explosive Operations Change Control Process.
(c) Office of Secure Transportation. OST in consultation with the
NNSA-SC/NESD must develop and implement an Office of
Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality—approved NEO change
control process for offsite transportation of nuclear explosives.
1 OST NES representatives will review change proposals to
authorized offsite transportation of nuclear explosives and
associated activities using Office of Nuclear Weapon
Surety and Quality—approved criteria.
2 NEO change proposals that do not meet these approved
criteria require a NES evaluation performed in accordance
with DOE-STD-3015-2004.
(d) Nevada Site Office (NSO). NSO in consultation with the
NNSA-SC/NESD must develop and implement an Office of
Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality—approved NEO change
control process for NTS operations.
1 NTS operating contractor NES representatives will review
change proposals to authorized NSO NEOs and associated
activities using Office of Nuclear Weapon Surety and
Quality—approved criteria.
2 NEO change proposals that do not meet these approved
criteria require a NES evaluation performed in accordance
with DOE-STD-3015-2004.
(5) Documented Safety Controls. All NEOs and associated activities must be
conducted, and associated facilities must be operated, in accordance with a
system of documented controls.
(a) This system of documented controls must incorporate the
principles of independence, redundancy, and defense-in-depth.
(b) Multiple layers of protection must be used to prevent accidents and
mitigate the consequences of an accident.
(c) Implementation of a requirement to prevent or mitigate one hazard
must be assessed to ensure that the likelihood of a significant
DOE O 452.2C 7
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safety incident involving another hazard is not increased. (10 CFR
830, Subpart B, Safety Basis Requirements, provides requirements
for establishing a safety basis.)
(6) Configuration Management.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated activities and
facilities must develop and implement a configuration management
program incorporating elements applicable to NEOs and associated
activities and facilities. (DOE-STD-1073-2003 establishes the
objectives of a configuration management process.)
(b) To ensure consistency with design requirements and the safety
basis, the configuration management program must specifically
include the following:
1 control of the physical configuration of a nuclear explosive
and its components; the tooling, equipment, and procedures
used in NEOs and associated activities; and the interface
with the facilities in which these operations and activities
are conducted;
2 unique identification of special tooling and equipment used
in NEOs;
3 positive identification of tooling and equipment requiring
calibration/testing within a calibration/testing control
program; and
4 incorporation of approved changes into all affected
documents (including design documents, drawings,
procedures, and safety basis documents) and programs
(including maintenance and training).
(7) Positive Verification.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated activities and
facilities must develop and implement a verification process to
ensure use of qualified personnel, operationally ready facilities,
correct equipment, and current procedures.
Section 5
(b) The configuration and condition of a nuclear explosive and its
components must be known or determined as early as practical
during any planned NEO.
8 DOE O 452.2C
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(8) Two-Person Concept. Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated
activities and facilities must establish and implement the two-person
concept in accordance with DOE M 452.2-1 to ensure no lone individual
has unrestricted access to a nuclear explosive.
(9) Electrical Equipment. Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated
activities and facilities must establish and implement safety requirements
for electrical equipment used in NEAs in accordance with DOE
M 452.2-1.
(10) Tooling and Equipment. Organizations responsible for NEOs and
associated activities and facilities must verify that all tooling and
equipment used in NEOs specifically meet the following requirements.
(a) Design specifications and technical requirements must be
documented.
(b) Designs must ensure nuclear explosives will remain in safe
condition should a system or component of the tool/equipment fail.
(11) Procedures.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated activities and
facilities must use approved written procedures for all NEOs.
(b) Design agencies must review and concur with original issues of
procedures for NEOs and associated activities.
(c) Proposed changes to procedures must be subject to the NEO
change control process.
(d) All written procedures for NEOs must accomplish the following.
1 Comply with design specifications and technical
requirements.
2 Clearly state cautions and warnings.
3 Identify appropriate points to interrupt work safely.
4 Include generic contingency procedures directed toward
quickly achieving a safe and stable nuclear explosive
configuration to be applied in response to all unexpected
situations not covered by other written procedures.
DOE O 452.2C 9
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5 Place proper emphasis on preventing accidents and
detecting abnormal conditions.
6 Incorporate human factors considerations.
(12) Transportation of Nuclear Explosives.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and associated activities and
facilities must establish requirements and procedures to ensure safe
onsite transportation of nuclear explosives.
(b) Offsite transportation of nuclear explosives is performed by OST
and begins when the loaded conveyance is closed and ends with
the opening of the conveyance at its destination.
(c) Transportation operations and shipping configurations, including
all items in the conveyance, are subject to the NES evaluation
requirements of paragraph 4b(1)(a).
1 Nuclear explosives must be transported in conveyances
specifically reviewed and approved through the NES
evaluation process.
2 Criteria must be established for protecting nuclear
explosives during transportation. The criteria and tie-down
designs for specific nuclear explosive configurations must
be reviewed and approved through the NES evaluation
process.
(13) Maintenance of Facilities, Tooling, and Equipment. Organizations
responsible for NEOs and associated activities and facilities must review
maintenance programs and activities for impact on NES. Maintenance
implementation plans must include a detailed description of maintenance
activity control and approval, including limitations on materials that are
allowed in NEAs.
(14) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies (NELAs).
(a) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Standards. All NELA
operations must meet the following qualitative NELA standards.
Section 6
1 There must be controls to minimize the possibility of
accidental, inadvertent, or deliberate unauthorized
assembly of a nuclear explosive in place of a NELA
configuration.
2 There must be controls to minimize the possibility of
accidental, inadvertent, or deliberate unauthorized
10 DOE O 452.2C
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transfer of a nuclear explosive in place of a NELA
configuration.
(b) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Requirements. Organizations
responsible for NELA operations must implement the NELA
requirements in accordance with DOE M 452.2-1.
(15) Marking Instructions. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked
to distinguish configurations capable of a nuclear detonation from those
that are not. Organizations responsible for NEOs or NELA operations
must implement marking requirements in accordance with DOE
M 452.2-1.
(16) Training. Each organization responsible for and/or involved in NEOs
and associated activities must implement training, qualification, and
certification programs for personnel that manage, oversee, perform, or
directly support these operations and activities. Annual training for
personnel assigned to nuclear explosive duty must include the following
NES-specific topics.
(a) Responsibilities associated with custody of nuclear explosives.
(b) Use of general and supplemental NESRs, site/facility and
program-specific Technical Safety Requirements, and other
controls associated with NEOs.
(c) The purpose, objective, and responsibilities of the two-person
concept for operations.
(d) Explosive safety appropriate for assigned responsibilities.
(17) Exemptions. Exemptions must be requested when release is sought from
a requirement in this Order or DOE M 452.2-1. The exemption process
is outlined in DOE M 251.1-1A, Directives System Manual, dated
1-30-98.
(18) Records. Records (documentation) must be maintained in accordance
with National Archives and Records Administration-approved DOE or
site-specific records retention and disposition schedules in accordance
with DOE O 200.1, Information Management Program, dated 9-30-96.
(19) Implementation. This revision involves no substantive administrative or
programmatic changes from the previous directive, DOE O 452.2B, and
no implementation plan is required. This revision is effective upon
issue.
DOE O 452.2C 11
06-12-06
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Secretary of Energy.
(1) Establishes policy to ensure the safety of all NEOs conducted by DOE and
DOE contractors, including NNSA and NNSA contractors.
(2) Is responsible for NEOs safety programs for all NEOs conducted by DOE
and DOE contractors, including NNSA and NNSA contractors.
b. Administrator for NNSA is responsible for the safety of all NEOs conducted by
NNSA and NNSA contractors.
c. Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs.
(1) Ensures implementation of NES programs.
(2) Approves exemptions from the general NESRs.
d. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application and Stockpile
Operations.
(1) Approves NESS and operational safety review reports and resolves
minority opinions.
(2) Interfaces with the Office of Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) to
ensure the requirements of ES&H directives are compatible with the
requirements of this Order and that divergence does not occur.
e. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Secure Transportation.
(1) Provides overall management and direction for safety of offsite
transportation of nuclear explosives.
(2) Informs NNSA-SC/NESD of proposed operations that involve NES
concerns.
Section 7
(3) Acts as the lead line manager for support of NES evaluations involving
offsite transportation of nuclear explosives.
(4) Identifies specific individuals to lead (or perform) the development and
implementation of corrective actions for NES evaluation findings for
which OST has line management responsibilities.
(5) Acts as the closure authority for NES evaluation findings relevant to
offsite transportation of nuclear explosives.
12 DOE O 452.2C
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(6) Analyzes and acts upon lessons learned from the offsite transportation of
nuclear explosives, as appropriate.
(7) Establishes self, management, and independent assessments of offsite
transportation of nuclear explosives.
f. Site Office Managers.
(1) Identify which contracts this Order applies to and ensure those contracts
are modified to reflect the attached CRD within 6 months.
(2) Ensure that identified contractors and national laboratories are responsible
for compliance with the requirements of this Order, regardless of the
performer of the work.
(3) Develop and promulgate specific NES requirements, as appropriate.
(4) Manage actions assigned to the site office or its contractors as a result of
NES evaluation activities.
(5) Work with appropriate line management organizations to identify and
resolve site safety issues involving NEOs.
(6) Analyze and act upon lessons learned, as appropriate.
g. Director, Office of Nuclear Weapon Surety and Quality.
(1) Approves the NSO, OST, and PXSO NEO change control processes.
(2) Approves the design of the DOE authentication stamp.
h. National Laboratories and Management and Operating Contractors. Support the
NES program for the safety of NEOs. Each organization is responsible for
ensuring hazards associated with NEOs are identified, mitigated, and/or
controlled by providing qualified personnel to support the NES program and
related activities, such as safety analysis report and hazard analysis report
preparation, readiness reviews, NES evaluation activities, evaluation of nuclear
explosive occurrence reports and corrective actions, and by providing technical
advice and expertise.
6. DEFINITIONS.
a. Access. The proximity to a nuclear explosive that allows the opportunity to
divert, steal, tamper with, and/or damage the nuclear explosive in spite of any
controls that have been established to prevent such unauthorized actions.
DOE O 452.2C 13
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b. Certified Nuclear Explosive Duty Personnel. Operations personnel who are
current with respect to Human Reliability Program certification and the training
and qualification program for the specific nuclear explosive operation to which
they are assigned.
c. Controls. Design features, safety rules, Technical Safety Requirements,
procedures, and other measures that individually or collectively contribute to
nuclear explosive surety.
d. Custody of Nuclear Explosives. Responsibility for access to and control of
nuclear explosives.
e. Defense-In-Depth. Multiple layers of protection (e.g., equipment design,
procedures, and training) to prevent accidents and/or to mitigate the consequences
of accidents.
f. Deliberate Unauthorized Act (DUA). Any intentional action that has not been
authorized and approved by proper authority. In the context of the third nuclear
explosive surety standard, a DUA is one that is not sanctioned as part of an
approved nuclear explosive operation or associated activity, but which could
affect a nuclear explosive or main charge high-explosive part collocated with a
pit.
Section 8
g. 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.
h. Electrical Equipment. Includes the items that contain or use an electrical energy
source and the interface (if any) with the nuclear explosive (NE). For Category 1,
this includes associated adapters, test cables, switch boxes, etc. For some
Category 2 equipment, this includes a mechanical connection to the NE and
associated electrical isolation feature.
i. Facility. Any equipment, structure, system, process, or activity that fulfills a
specific purpose.
j. Fissile Material Dispersal. The aerosolization and transport of fissile material by
a driving force such as fire, high explosive deflagration, or high explosive
detonation.
k. Hazard Analysis. The determination of material, system, process, and plant
characteristics that can produce undesirable consequences followed by the
assessment of hazardous situations associated with a specific process or
activity.
14 DOE O 452.2C
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l. Hazard Analysis Report. A report that documents the systematic evaluation of
hazards to workers, the public, and the environment for a specific nuclear
explosive operation and its associated activities.
m. High Explosive Deflagration. A rapid chemical reaction in which the output of
heat is sufficient for the reaction to proceed and accelerate without input of heat
from another source. Deflagration is a surface phenomenon, with the reaction
products flowing away from the unreacted material along the surface at subsonic
velocity. Confinement of the reaction increases pressure, rate of reaction, and
temperature and may cause transition to detonation.
n. High Explosive Detonation. A violent chemical reaction within a chemical
compound or mechanical mixture evolving heat and pressure. A detonation is a
reaction that proceeds through the reacted material toward the unreacted material
at a supersonic velocity. The result of the chemical reaction is exertion of
extremely high pressure on the surrounding medium, forming a propagation shock
wave that is originally of supersonic velocity.
o. Human Reliability Program. A program that establishes the requirements and
responsibilities for screening, selecting, and continuously evaluating employees
assigned to or being considered for assignment to nuclear explosive duties.
p. Main Charge. The high explosive whose explosive energy implodes the pit.
q. Mock High Explosive. A nondetonable material used to simulate one or more
properties of a high explosive.
r. Nuclear Detonation. An energy release through a nuclear process, during a period
of time on the order of 1 microsecond, in an amount equivalent to the energy
released by detonating 4 or more pounds of TNT.
s. Nuclear Explosive. An assembly containing fissionable materials and main
charge high explosive parts or propellants capable of producing a nuclear
detonation (e.g., a nuclear weapon or test device).
t. Nuclear Explosive Area. An area that contains a nuclear explosive or collocated
pit and main charge high explosive parts.
u. Nuclear Explosive Duty. Work assignments that allow custody of a nuclear
explosive or access to a nuclear explosive device or area.
Section 9
v. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly (NELA). 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.
DOE O 452.2C 15
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(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.”
w. Nuclear Explosive Operation. Any activity involving a nuclear explosive,
including activities in which main charge high explosive parts and pit are
collocated.
x. Nuclear Explosive Operation Associated Activities. Activities directly associated
with a specific nuclear explosive operation, such as work on a bomb nose or tail
subassembly, even when physically separated from the bomb’s nuclear explosive
subassembly.
y. Nuclear Explosive Safety. The application of positive measures or controls to
prevent or mitigate the possibility of unintended or unauthorized nuclear
detonation or fissile material dispersal from the pit in a nuclear explosive area.
z. Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs). Requirements that significantly
contribute to minimizing the possibility of nuclear detonation, high explosive
detonation or deflagration, or fire in nuclear explosive operations.
aa. Nuclear Weapon. A nuclear explosive configured for Department of Defense use.
bb. One-Point Safe Nuclear Explosive. A nuclear explosive that, in the event a
detonation is initiated at any one point in the high explosive system, presents no
greater probability than one in a million of producing a nuclear detonation.
cc. Operational Safety Review (OSR). A periodic, independent nuclear explosive
safety evaluation of an ongoing nuclear explosive operation to determine whether
the adequacy of controls has been degraded as a result of process changes, new
information, or new expectations relevant to nuclear explosive safety.
dd. 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.
ee. Pit (Live). A fissile component or set of fissile components designed to fit in the
central cavity of an implosion system.
16 DOE O 452.2C
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ff. Records. Records are books, papers, photographs, machine-readable materials,
maps, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or
characteristics, which have documentary or evidential value. Such materials,
created or received in connection with the transaction of official business, are
preserved because of their informational value as evidence of the organization,
functions, policies, decisions, operations, or other activities.
gg. Safety Analysis. A documented process to (a) provide systematic identification of
hazards within facilities in which nuclear explosive operations and associated
activities are conducted and during specific nuclear explosive operations and
associated activities; (b) describe and analyze the adequacy of measures taken to
eliminate, control, or mitigate identified hazards; and (c) analyze and evaluate
potential accidents and their associated risks.
Section 10
hh. Safety Analysis Report. A report that documents the results of safety analysis to
ensure that a facility can be constructed, operated, maintained, shut down, and
decommissioned safely and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
ii. Safety Basis. A safety basis for a DOE nuclear facility is documented in a
documented safety analysis and the hazards controls for the nuclear facility. As
changes are made or potential inadequacies of the safety analysis are discovered,
contractors must perform unreviewed safety question (USQ) determinations. The
results of the USQ determinations and any associated safety evaluations are part
of the safety basis for the facility.
7. REFERENCES. The following list contains references that are relevant to this Order.
a. DOE O 151.1C, Comprehensive Emergency Management, dated 11-2-05, which
addresses responses to unplanned events.
b. DOE O 200.1, Information Management Program, dated 9-30-96, which provides
a framework for managing information in accordance with Department policy and
National Archives and Records Administration-approved DOE record schedules.
c. DOE O 226.1, Implementation of Department of Energy Oversight Policy,
dated 9-15-2005, which provides direction for implementing DOE P 226.1,
Department of Energy Oversight Policy, dated 6-10-05, which establishes DOE
policy for assurance systems and processes established by DOE contractors and
oversight programs performed by DOE line management and independent
oversight organizations.
d. DOE M 231.1-2, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations
Information, dated 8-19-03, which provides detailed requirements to supplement
DOE O 231.1A, Environment, Safety, and Health Reporting, dated 8-19-03, sets
forth a minimum set of occurrence reporting requirements for DOE/NNSA
elements and contractors and includes categorizing occurrences related to safety,
DOE O 452.2C 17
06-12-06
environment, health, or operations; notifying DOE; and developing followup
reports.
e. DOE M 251.1-1A, Directives System Manual, dated 1-30-98, which details the
process for requesting exemptions from directives requirements.
f. DOE O 360.1B, Federal Employee Training, dated 10-11-01, which establishes
requirements and assigns responsibilities for DOE Federal employee training,
education, and development under the Government Employees Training Act of
1958, as amended.
g. DOE O 414.1C, Quality Assurance, dated 6-17-05, which ensures that the quality
of DOE/NNSA products and services meets or exceeds the customers'
expectations.
h. DOE O 420.1B, Facility Safety, dated 12-22-05, which establishes the
DOE/NNSA facility safety for nuclear safety design, criticality safety, fire
protection, and natural phenomena hazards mitigation.
i. DOE M 440.1-1A, DOE Explosives Safety Manual, dated 1-9-06, which describes
DOE’s explosives safety requirements applicable to operations involving the
development, testing, handling, and processing of explosives or assemblies
containing explosives.
j. DOE O 452.1C, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, dated 9-20-05,
which establishes requirements and responsibilities for the DOE Nuclear
Explosive and Weapon Surety (NEWS) Program.
k. DOE M 452.2-1, Nuclear Explosive Safety Manual, dated 06-12-06, which
establishes mandatory procedures in selected topical areas to ensure the nuclear
explosive safety of all nuclear explosive operations conducted by DOE/NNSA
and its contractors.
Section 11
l. DOE O 5480.20A, Personnel Selection, Qualification, and Training
Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, dated 11-15-94, which establishes
selection, qualification, and training requirements for management and operating
contractor personnel involved in the operation, maintenance, and technical
support of DOE/NNSA Category A and B reactors and nonreactor nuclear
facilities.
m. DOE-STD-1073-2003, Configuration Management, dated October 2003, which
defines the objectives of a configuration management process for DOE nuclear
facilities (including activities and operations) and provides detailed examples and
supplementary guidance on methods to achieve those objectives.
n. DOE-STD-1104-96, Review and Approval of Nuclear Facility Safety Basis
Documents (Documented Safety Analyses and Technical Safety Requirements),
18 DOE O 452.2C
06-12-06
dated February 1996, which describes DOE review and approval of documented
safety analyses and Technical Safety Requirements for existing Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities that document their safety basis in
accordance with 10 CFR 830.
o. DOE-STD-3009-94, Preparation Guide for U.S. Department of Energy
Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety Analyses, dated July 1994,
which describes a Safety Analysis Report preparation method that satisfies
10 CFR 830 requirements.
p. DOE-STD-3015-2004, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Process, dated
November 2004, which provides requirements and guidance for nuclear explosive
safety studies, operational safety reviews, and nuclear explosive safety change
evaluations.
q. DOE-DP-STD-3016-99, Hazard Analysis Reports for Nuclear Explosive
Operations, dated February 1999, which clarifies the requirements and provides
guidance for conducting hazard analyses and preparing Hazard Analysis Reports
for nuclear explosive operations and associated activities.
r. Development & Production Manual, Chapter 11.7, Issue C, “Nuclear Explosive
Operations Change Control Process,” dated 12-15-04, which specifies NNSA
requirements and expectations for the change control process for nuclear
explosive operations performed at the Pantex Plant.
s. 10 CFR 712, Human Reliability Program, which establishes the policies and
procedures for the DOE, including NNSA, human reliability program (HRP). The
HRP is a security and safety reliability program designed 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.
t. 10 CFR 820, Procedural Rules for DOE Nuclear Activities, which sets forth
procedures to govern the conduct of persons involved in DOE nuclear activities
and, in particular, to achieve compliance with the DOE Nuclear Safety
Requirements by all persons subject to those requirements.
u. 10 CFR 830, Nuclear Safety Management, which governs the conduct of DOE
contractors, DOE personnel, and other persons conducting activities (including
providing items and services) that affect, or may affect, the safety of DOE nuclear
facilities.
v. Title 32 of P.L. 106-65, the National Nuclear Security Administration Act, dated
October 5, 1999, as amended, which established a separately organized agency
within the Department of Energy.
w. Joint Department of Energy/Department of Defense (DOE/DoD) Technical
Publication 20-7, Nuclear Safety Criteria, dated 6-1-00.
DOE O 452.2C 19 (and 20)
06-12-06
Section 12
x. Joint DOE/DoD Technical Publication 35-51, General Instructions Applicable to
Nuclear Weapons, dated 8-30-99.
y. Joint DOE/DoD Technical Publication 45-51, Transportation of Nuclear
Weapons Materiel, General Shipping and Limited Life Component Data (LLC),
dated 2-12-99.
z. Joint DOE/DoD Technical Publication 45-51A, Transportation of Nuclear
Weapons Materiel (Supplement), Shipping and Identification Data for Stockpile
Major Assemblies.
aa. Joint DOE/DoD Technical Publication 45-51D, Transportation of Nuclear
Weapons Materiel (Supplement), Shipment by Safe-Secure Trailer (SST) and
Safeguard Transporter (SGT).
8. CONTACT. Questions concerning this Order should be addressed to the Assistant
Deputy Administrator for Military Application and Stockpile Operations, Office of
Nuclear Weapons Surety and Quality at 202-586-0377.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
CLAY SELL
Deputy Secretary
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 1
06-12-06 Page 1 (and Page 2)
DEPARTMENTAL ELEMENTS TO WHICH DOE O 452.2C IS APPLICABLE
Office of the Secretary
Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety
Chief Information Officer
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
Departmental Representative to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Office of Environment, Safety and Health
Office of General Counsel
Office of Hearings and Appeals
Office of the Inspector General
Office of Management
National Nuclear Security Administration
Office of Public Affairs
Secretary of Energy Advisory Board
Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 1
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT
DOE O 452.2C, 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. DOE Nuclear Explosive Safety (NES) Standards. Contractors must ensure that all NEOs
meet the following qualitative NES standards to prevent unintended nuclear detonation or
fissile material dispersal from the pit.
a. There must be controls to minimize the possibility of accidents, inadvertent acts,
or authorized activities that could lead to fire, high explosive (HE) deflagration, or
unintended HE detonation.
b. There must be controls to minimize the possibility of fire, HE deflagration, or HE
detonation, given accidents or inadvertent acts.
c. There must be controls to minimize the possibility of deliberate unauthorized acts
that could lead to HE deflagration or HE detonation.
2. Nuclear Explosive Safety Program.
a. General Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs).
(1) Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluations. DOE-STD-3015 provides specific
information regarding the three types of NES evaluations – nuclear
explosive safety studies (NESSs), operational safety reviews (OSRs), and
nuclear explosive safety change evaluations (NCEs). Contractors must
ensure NEOs are not performed until a NES study has been conducted, a
NESS report has been approved, and approved prestart findings have been
closed.
Section 13
(2) Nuclear Explosive Safety Procedures. Contractors must ensure NEOs are
performed in accordance with approved written procedures maintained in
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 2 06-12-06
accordance with DOE-STD-1073-2003, Configuration Management,
dated October 2003.
(3) One-Point Safety.
(a) Contractors other than those operating at Nevada Test Site (NTS)
must not perform NEOs involving nuclear explosives not certified
to be one-point safe, except as authorized in accordance with
paragraph 2a(3)(b).
(b) If it is determined that a nuclear explosive no longer meets the
one-point safety criteria, contractors must ensure all
assembly/disassembly production plant operations (including
onsite transportation) with that nuclear explosive are discontinued
in a safe manner. Before operations with that nuclear explosive
can be resumed, a NES evaluation report must be approved, and
approved prestart findings must be closed.
(c) Tooling and equipment must be evaluated as required to ensure
that their use does not impact the one-point safety of a nuclear
explosive certified to be one-point safe.
(4) Nuclear Explosive Areas (NEAs). Contractors must ensure the following.
(a) Authorized energy sources are identified and documented.
Unauthorized energy sources must not be available in an NEA
during NEOs.
(b) Ignition sources in NEAs are identified and eliminated or
minimized and controlled to prevent adverse interaction with
combustible/flammable materials and the nuclear explosive.
(c) Combustible and flammable materials in NEAs are identified and
eliminated or minimized and controlled to prevent adverse
interaction with the nuclear explosive.
(5) Electrical Testing. Contractors must ensure the following, except as
authorized in accordance with paragraph 2a(6), Anomalous Units.
(a) Nuclear explosives are not subjected to redundant electrical tests.
(b) Nuclear explosives are not subjected to electrical troubleshooting
(i.e., to confirm the existence of a fault or aid in fault isolation).
(6) Anomalous Units.
(a) If it is determined that a nuclear explosive is no longer in a
condition covered by a NES evaluation, contractors must ensure all
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 3
operations with that nuclear explosive and in the associated facility
are discontinued in a safe manner, resulting in a safe and stable
nuclear explosive configuration.
(b) Before operations with the anomalous unit can be resumed,
contractors must ensure a design agency special instruction
engineering release is developed and the NEO change control
process, which includes both the unreviewed safety question
(USQ) process and a separate, independent NES review, is
completed. A decision to resume other activities in the facility
must include consideration of possible interactions with the
anomalous unit.
b. Supplemental Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules. Contractors may propose
supplemental NESRs to support specific tests, operations, or characteristics of a
nuclear explosive.
c. Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Prerequisites. Contractors must ensure they do
not assert readiness for a NESS until preparatory work on the facilities and
operations has been completed, including completion of the DOE-approved safety
basis for the operation.
d. Change Control. Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated activities and
facilities must establish and implement both the USQ process required by 10 CFR
830, Nuclear Safety Management, and a separate, independent NES review.
Contractors must ensure both the USQ process and the NES review are completed
before approval and implementation of the change.
Section 14
(1) Pantex. Pantex contractor NES representatives will review change
proposals to authorized Pantex NEOs and associated activities using
NNSA-approved criteria. Pantex contractors must ensure Pantex NEO
change proposals that do not meet these approved criteria are forwarded
for NES evaluation by NNSA.
(2) NNSA Contractors at Nevada Test Site (NTS). NNSA contractor NES
representatives at NTS will review change proposals to authorized NTS
NEOs and associated activities using NNSA-approved criteria. NTS
contractors must ensure NTS NEO change proposals that do not meet
these approved criteria are forwarded for NES evaluation by NNSA.
e. Documented Safety Controls. Contractors must ensure all NEOs and associated
activities are conducted and associated facilities operated in accordance with a
system of documented controls. (10 CFR 830, Subpart B, Safety Basis
Requirements, provides requirements for establishing a safety basis.)
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 4 06-12-06
f. Configuration Management. Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated
activities and facilities must develop and implement a configuration management
program incorporating elements applicable to NEOs and associated activities and
facilities. (DOE-STD-1073-2003, Configuration Management, defines the
objectives of a configuration management process.) To ensure consistency with
design requirements and the safety basis, the configuration management program
must specifically include the following:
(1) control of the physical configuration of a nuclear explosive and its
components; the tooling, equipment, and procedures used in NEOs and
associated activities; and the interface with the facilities in which these
operations and activities are conducted;
(2) unique identification of special tooling and equipment used in NEOs;
(3) positive identification of tooling and equipment requiring
calibration/testing within a calibration/testing control program; and
(4) incorporation of approved changes into all affected documents (including
design documents, drawings, procedures, and safety basis documents) and
programs (including maintenance and training).
g. Positive Verification.
(1) Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated activities and facilities
must develop and implement a verification process to ensure use of
qualified personnel, operationally ready facilities, correct equipment, and
current procedures.
(2) Contractors must ensure the configuration and condition of a nuclear
explosive and its components are known or determined as early as
practical during any planned NEO.
h. 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. Contractors must
also establish and implement two-person concept protection for other operations
as required by the site office.
(1) Basic Requirements. Contractors must ensure that each person on a
two-person concept team—
(a) is certified in the Human Reliability Program,
(b) has authorized access to the nuclear explosive area (NEA),
(c) has technical knowledge of the task being performed,
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 5
(d) is knowledgeable of pertinent safety and security requirements,
and
(e) is in a position to detect incorrect or unauthorized acts and take
appropriate action.
Section 15
(2) Implementation Options. Contractors must ensure appropriate
implementation of the two-person concept using either person-to-person or
zone coverage.
(a) Person-to-Person Coverage. 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 insensitive
high explosives (IHE)] with accessible detonator cable
assemblies in an NEA.
3 Nuclear explosives connected to Category 1 electrical
equipment.
(b) Zone Coverage. Contractors must ensure that a two-person
concept team is in an NEA when nuclear explosives not requiring
person-to-person coverage are not protected by a dual-lock system
or other NES-approved security system.
(3) Application of Person-to-Person Coverage. Contractors must
determine configurations requiring person-to-person coverage 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
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.
1 For assembly operations involving CHE main charge,
contractors must ensure person-to-person coverage of the
CHE components begins when the CHE container is
opened in an NEA.
2 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
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 6 06-12-06
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,
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.
2 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.
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 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, contractors must ensure a qualified two-person
concept team is either working on or observing the configuration so that
the following criteria are met.
(a) No lone individual is 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 are each
responsible for the safe conduct of the operations.
Section 16
(c) During the performance of operations on a configuration requiring
person-to-person coverage—
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 7
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 to the other
people, 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 and
2 the team members must remain in a position to 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.
i. 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.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 8 06-12-06
(1) Category 1 Electrical Equipment. Electrical equipment intended for
connection to an electrical circuit of a nuclear explosive or HE
subassembly and the introduction of electrical energy is referred to as
“Category 1 electrical equipment.” Contractors must ensure Category 1
electrical equipment meets the following minimum requirements.
(a) General Requirements.
1 The equipment must use the lowest practical values of
internal and output currents and voltages necessary to
perform the intended function adequately.
2 The equipment must not apply unacceptable stimuli as a
result of a single-point failure.
3 The equipment must have safety characteristics
independent of the nuclear explosive’s safety features.
4 Each item of equipment and its interface with a nuclear
explosive must have a comprehensive safety analysis.
5 Each drawing issue of equipment and its interface with a
nuclear explosive must have a NES evaluation.
6 Computer-controlled equipment must have controls that
preclude inadvertent or unauthorized actuation of NES
critical components.
7 Software for computer-controlled 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.
9 Accepted (or reaccepted) NES critical software must be
protected by a two-person concept team.
Section 17
10 Procedures must be established to operate, control,
calibrate, maintain, and store equipment.
11 A record of approved equipment must be established and
maintained.
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 9
12 The equipment must have a safety requirements document
that identifies the safety features.
(b) Two-Person Concept. Contractors must ensure that calibration and
maintenance of Category 1 electrical equipment are protected by
the implementation of a two-person concept team.
1 Person-to-person coverage is required during calibration
and all operations that afford internal access to equipment
and associated cables and adapters.
2 Zone coverage is required for fully assembled equipment
and associated cables and adapters when that equipment is
not protected by a dual-lock system or other NES-approved
security system.
(2) 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 meets the following minimum requirements.
(a) General Requirements.
1 The equipment must not be connected to the electrical
circuitry of a nuclear explosive.
2 The 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
equipment and the nuclear explosive circuitry must be
minimized.
(b) Positive Electrical Isolation. Contractors must ensure positive
electrical isolation is established and demonstrated for Category 2
electrical equipment and its mechanical connection to a nuclear
explosive. Contractors must ensure the electrical isolation scheme
used is 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.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 10 06-12-06
2 Path-off isolation reducing leakage or fault current, from
electrical energy sources associated with the equipment, to
a defined safe value.
3 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. Contractors must establish and maintain a record of
approved Category 2 electrical equipment.
(3) 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.”
(4) Change Control. Proposed changes to electrical equipment and its
interface with a nuclear explosive are subject to the contractor NEO
change control process.
j. Tooling and Equipment. Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated
activities and facilities must ensure the following for all tooling and equipment
used in NEOs.
Section 18
(1) The design specifications and technical requirements are documented.
(2) The design ensures that the nuclear explosive remains in a safe condition
should a system or component of the tool/equipment fail.
k. Procedures.
(1) Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated activities and facilities
must use approved written procedures for all NEOs.
(2) Contractors must ensure design agency concurrence with original issues of
procedures for NEOs and associated activities.
(3) Proposed changes to procedures must be subject to the contractor NEO
change control process.
(4) Contractors must ensure NEOs procedures—
(a) comply with design specifications and technical requirements,
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 11
(b) clearly state cautions and warnings,
(c) identify appropriate points to safely interrupt work,
(d) include generic contingency procedures directed toward quickly
achieving a safe and stable nuclear explosive configuration to be
applied in response to all unexpected situations not covered by
other written procedures,
(e) place proper emphasis on preventing accidents and detecting
abnormal conditions, and
(f) incorporate human factors considerations.
l. Transportation of Nuclear Explosives.
(1) Contractors responsible for NEOs and associated activities and facilities
must establish requirements and procedures to ensure safe onsite
transportation of nuclear explosives.
(2) Transportation operations and shipping configurations, including all items
in a conveyance, are subject to the NES evaluation requirements of
paragraph 2a(1).
(a) Contractors must ensure nuclear explosives are transported in
conveyances specifically reviewed and approved through the NES
evaluation process.
(b) Contractors must ensure criteria are established for protecting
nuclear explosives during transportation. Contractors must ensure
the criteria and tie-down designs for specific nuclear explosive
configurations are reviewed and approved through the NES
evaluation process.
m. Maintenance of Facilities, Tooling, and Equipment. Contractors responsible for
NEOs and associated activities and facilities must review maintenance programs
and activities for impact on NES. Maintenance implementation plans must
include a detailed description of maintenance activity control and approval,
including limitations on materials that are allowed in NEAs.
n. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies (NELAs).
(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.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 12 06-12-06
(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) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Standards. Contractors must ensure all
NELA operations meet the following qualitative NELA standards.
(a) There must be controls to minimize the possibility of accidental,
inadvertent, or deliberate unauthorized assembly of a nuclear
explosive in place of a NELA configuration.
Section 19
(b) There must be controls to minimize the possibility of accidental,
inadvertent, or deliberate unauthorized transfer of a nuclear
explosive in place of a NELA configuration.
(3) 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 two-person concept team
performs all assembly/disassembly operations on Inert-with-Live-Pit
NELAs.
(4) 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 Contractors must ensure all mock HE used in
place of live main charge HE is nondetonable and
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 13
is clear or colored pink. Where possible,
preference must be given to noncombustible
formulations. Contractors must ensure live main
charge HE is not colored pink.
b Contractors must ensure pink mock HE used in
place of live main charge HE is chemically
verified before assembling the NELA. Clear
mock HE refers to LEXAN or similar inert
substance and does not require chemical
verification.
c Contractors must ensure an auditable record of
chemical verification of the mock HE is available.
2 High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
a Contractors must ensure the pit is 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 using gamma spectrometry/multi-channel
analyzer to verify the absence of fissile material.
Contractors must ensure this verification is either
performed or observed using person-to-person
coverage.
b Contractors must ensure that after dummy pit
verification the pit is controlled until it is
assembled into the NELA configuration or until it
is delivered into an assembly area where live pits
are not authorized. Contractors must ensure this
control is achieved by a two-person concept team
or a dual-lock or other NES-approved security
system.
c Contractors must ensure an auditable record of
radiation detection verification of the high-fidelity
dummy pit is available.
(b) 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.
1 High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 14 06-12-06
a Contractors must ensure the pit is 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 using a gamma
spectrometry/multi-channel analyzer to verify the
absence of fissile material. Contractors must
ensure this verification is either performed or
observed using person-to-person coverage.
b Contractors must ensure that after dummy pit
verification the pit is controlled until it is assembled
into the NELA configuration. Contractors must
ensure this control is achieved by a two-person
concept team or a dual-lock or other NES-approved
security system.
Section 20
c Contractors must ensure an auditable record of
radiation detection verification of the high-fidelity
dummy pit is available.
2 Main Charge High Explosive Introduction Sequence.
Contractors must ensure the high-fidelity dummy pit
verification is 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.
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.
1 Mock High Explosive Verification Requirements.
a Contractors must ensure all mock HE used in place
of live main charge HE is nondetonable and is clear
or colored pink. Where possible, preference must
be given to noncombustible formulations.
Contractors must ensure live main charge HE is not
colored pink.
b Contractors must ensure pink mock HE used in
place of live main charge HE is chemically verified
before assembling the NELA. Clear mock HE
refers to LEXAN or similar inert substance and
does not require chemical verification.
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 15
c Contractors must ensure an auditable record of
chemical verification of the mock HE is available.
2 Mock High Explosive Two-Person Concept Verification
Requirements.
a In addition to the mock HE verification
requirements, contractors must ensure another
chemical verification of all mock HE used in place
of live main charge HE is accomplished before
assembly into an Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.
Contractors must ensure this verification is either
performed or observed using person-to-person
coverage.
b After the mock HE two-person concept verification,
contractors must ensure the mock HE is controlled
until it is assembled into the NELA configuration.
Contractors must ensure this control is achieved by
a two-person concept team or a dual-lock or other
NES-approved security system.
c Contractors must ensure an auditable record of
two-person concept chemical verification of the
mock HE is available.
3 Live Pit Introduction Sequence. Contractors must ensure
the mock HE and mock HE two-person verifications are
accomplished before introduction of the live pit and mock
HE into the same immediate assembly area of the
Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.
(5) Offsite Transportation of Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
(a) General Requirements. Contractors must ensure a configuration
assembled as an Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA is not transferred to the
custody of the Department of Defense.
(b) Identification Requirements. Contractors must ensure NELAs that
are shipped between DOE sites are 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.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 16 06-12-06
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. Contractors must
ensure the shipping agency obtains 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, contractors must ensure
the NELA is surveyed in its shipping configuration using
radiation detection to verify the absence or presence of
fissile material. Anomalies or ambiguities detected by
radiation detection means must be resolved before
shipment.
Section 21
2 Contractors must ensure an auditable record of this survey
is available.
(e) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Survey upon Receipt.
1 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.
2 Contractors must ensure an auditable record of this survey
is available.
o. Marking Instructions. 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 requirements.
Additional permanent markings such as serial numbers and configuration
identification may also be required by design agencies.
(1) Permanent Marking Legends.
(a) 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).
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 17
(b) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
(2) Permanent Marking Location. Contractors must ensure nuclear explosives
and NELAs are 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 is specified by the applicable design
agency.
(3) Permanent Markings. Contractors must ensure nuclear explosives and
NELAs are marked in accordance with the following requirements. The
particular marking method is specified by the applicable design agency.
(a) 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.
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) Contractors should use the preferred marking size, 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, contractors must ensure the permanent marking is obliterated
in accordance with the following requirements.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 18 06-12-06
(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.
Section 22
2 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.
(b) Authentication. Contractors must ensure all obliterated permanent
markings are 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,
contractors must control the disassembled
components until the disassembled components and
marked component are reassembled into the same
configuration.
b Contractors must ensure control is achieved by a
two-person concept team or a dual-lock or other
NES-approved security system.
2 Nuclear Explosives. Contractors must ensure nuclear
explosive components are not assembled or disassembled
in close proximity to NELAs, where components may be
interchanged.
3 Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies. Contractors must
ensure NELAs are not assembled or disassembled in close
proximity to nuclear explosives, where components may be
interchanged.
a Inert Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies.
Contractors must ensure Inert NELAs are not
DOE O 452.2C Attachment 2
06-12-06 Page 19
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. 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.
c 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.
(5) DOE Authentication Stamp. Contractors receiving authentication
stamps and templates must establish controls to preclude their
unauthorized use.
p. Training. Contractors responsible for and/or involved in NEOs and associated
activities must implement training, qualification, and certification programs for
personnel that manage, oversee, perform, or directly support these operations and
activities.
(1) Contractor training, qualification, and certification programs must comply
with DOE O 5480.20A, Personnel Selection, Qualification, and Training
Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, dated 11-15-94, except
Chapters II and III (Reactor Operations), and include requirements
equivalent to those in Chapter IV. Training and qualification requirements
must be commensurate with assigned responsibilities.
(2) Contractors must select, train, and certify personnel for positions with
access to nuclear explosives and/or Category I special nuclear material and
ensure their continuing fitness for nuclear explosive duty [See 10 CFR
712, Human Reliability Program].
(3) Contractors must provide annual training for personnel assigned to nuclear
explosive duty that includes the following NES-specific topics.
(a) Responsibilities associated with custody of nuclear explosives.
(b) Use of general and supplemental NESRs, site/facility and program-
specific Technical Safety Requirements, and other controls
associated with NEOs.
Attachment 2 DOE O 452.2C
Page 20 06-12-06
(c) The purpose, objective, and responsibilities of the two-person
concept for operations.
(d) Explosive safety appropriate for assigned responsibilities.
q. Records. Contractors must maintain records (documentation) in accordance with
National Archives and Records Administration-approved DOE or site-specific
records retention and disposition schedules (See DOE O 200.1, Information
Management Program, dated 9-30-96).