DOE O 452.2F, Nuclear Explosive Safety
Functional areas: Safety, Security
This Department of Energy (DOE) Order (O) establishes requirements to implement the nuclear explosive safety (NES) elements of DOE O 452.1, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, current version, for routine and planned nuclear explosive operations (NEOs) and nuclear explosive-like assemblies (NELAs). Supersedes DOE O 452.2E.
Supersedes:
DOE O 452.2E, Nuclear Explosive Safety on Jul 27, 2020
Superseded By:
DOE O 452.2G, Nuclear Explosive Safety on Aug 05, 2026
Version history and related documents
Superseded by
A newer version replaces this document.
- DOE O 452.2GNuclear Explosive Safety (Aug 05, 2026)
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 National Nuclear Security Administration
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, D.C.
Approved: 7-27-2020
SUBJECT: NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
1 PURPOSE. This Department of Energy (DOE) Order (O) establishes requirements to
implement the nuclear explosive safety (NES) elements of DOE O 452.1, Nuclear
Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, current version, for routine and planned nuclear
explosive operations (NEOs) and nuclear explosive-like assemblies (NELAs).
2 CANCELS/SUPERSEDES. DOE O 452.2E, Nuclear Explosive Safety, dated 1-26-15.
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contract is modified to either eliminate requirements that are no longer applicable or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. Departmental Elements.
(1) This Order applies to NNSA, which is the only Departmental Element that
is involved in performing, managing, overseeing, and directly supporting
NEOs, NELAs, and NEO-associated activities.
(2) The NNSA Administrator will ensure that NNSA employees comply with
their respective responsibilities under this directive. Nothing in this Order
will 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.
(1) Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3.c., the Contractor Requirements
Document (CRD), Attachment 1, sets forth requirements of this Order that
will apply to contracts that include the CRD.
(2) The CRD must be included in all contracts that involve performing,
managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs or NEO-associated
activities.
(3) Attachments 2 through 6 also apply to contractors. These attachments
must be included along with the CRD in all contracts that involve
performing, managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs, NELAs,
or NEO-associated activities. NNSA Field Element managers are
responsible for informing Contracting Officers which contracts are
affected. Once notified,
DOE O 452.2F
http://www.directives.doe.gov/
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Contracting Officers are responsible for incorporating the CRD and
Attachments 2 through 6 into each affected contract.
c. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 452.2F. Exemptions must be requested
when release is sought from a requirement in this directive or successor directives.
The exemption process is outlined in DOE O 251.1, Departmental Directives
Program, current version. The approval authority is the Deputy Administrator for
Defense Programs with concurrence from the Central Technical Authority.
(1) Equivalency. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities
assigned by Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. sections 2406
and 2511, and to ensure consistency throughout 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 Directive for activities under the Director's
cognizance, as deemed appropriate.
(2) Exemption. This Order does not apply to emergencies requiring Accident
Response Group action. DOE O 151.1, Comprehensive Emergency
Section 2
Management, current version, addresses emergencies involving nuclear
explosives. The Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs is authorized
to ensure transition from emergency management directives to this Order
once the emergency is terminated.
(3) Exemption. Subcritical Experiments performed at the Nevada National
Security Site and conducted under the authority of the Nevada Field
Office are exempt from this Order based on their inherently subcritical
design features as defined by NFO O 450.X5, Subcritical Experiment
Program. NFO O 450.X5, or successor document, addresses performing,
managing, overseeing, and directly supporting Subcritical Experiments
and associated activities.
4 REQUIREMENTS.
a. Nuclear Explosive Safety Program. NEOs require special consideration because of
the consequences of an accident or unauthorized act. The NES program outlined in
this section supports the requirement that NEOs must be designed and conducted
in a manner that meets the NES Standards of DOE O 452.1, current version. It
includes the following: Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs), general and
supplemental; formal NES evaluations; fundamental NEO process requirements
(procedures, facilities, equipment, and people); requirements for onsite and offsite
transportation (mobile NEOs); sustaining requirements (positive verification,
change control, and configuration management); requirements for nuclear
explosive-like assemblies (NELAs); and permanent marking of nuclear explosives
and NELAs.
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(1) General NESRs. The general NESRs set forth in this paragraph are
mandatory for all NEOs.
(a) Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation. NEOs must not be
performed until a NES evaluation has been completed and
findings indicating a NES standard has not been met have been
closed.
(b) Nuclear Explosive Operating Procedures. NEOs must be
performed in accordance with approved, written procedures.
(c) One-Point Safety.
1 Tooling and equipment must be evaluated to ensure that
their intended use on an NE certified to be one-point safe
does not cause an NE or equipment configuration that is not
one-point safe.
2 If it is determined that a nuclear explosive no longer meets
the one-point safety criteria, all production plant operations
(including assembly, disassembly, and 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
completed, and findings indicating a NES standard has not
been met must be closed.
(d) Nuclear Explosive Areas (NEAs).
1 Energy sources in NEAs must be identified and
documented. Unauthorized energy sources must not be
available during NEOs.
2 Ignition sources in NEAs must be identified and either (1)
eliminated or (2) minimized and controlled to prevent
adverse interaction with combustible or flammable
materials and the nuclear explosive.
3 Combustible and flammable materials in NEAs must be
identified and either (1) eliminated or (2) minimized and
controlled to prevent adverse interaction with the nuclear
explosive.
(e) Electrical Testing. Except as authorized in paragraph 4.a.(1)(f),
Anomalous Units, nuclear explosives must not be subjected to:
1 redundant electrical tests, or
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2 electrical troubleshooting (i.e., to confirm the existence of a
Section 3
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.
Note: Repeat electrical tests performed in conformance with
approved Nuclear Explosive Operating Procedures and separated
by other actions that might alter test results are not considered
redundant.
(f) Anomalous Units.
1 If it is determined that a nuclear explosive is no longer in a
condition covered by an approved written procedure, 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.
2 Restart of operations on an anomalous unit and other
activities in the affected facility must be in accordance with
paragraph 4.a.(15) below.
(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 are required
before a NEO is authorized; periodically for ongoing NEOs; and when
proposed changes or emerging information affect an approved NEO. NES
evaluations must be performed in accordance with NNSA SD 452.2,
Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes, current version.
(4) Human Factors.
(a) Elements of NEOs such as new procedures, processes, facilities or
facility layouts, new tooling and equipment must incorporate
human factors principles during the NEO design and development
phase and be maintained throughout the lifecycle of the NEO.
Existing NEOs should strive to meet human factors principles to
the extent reasonably achievable.
(b) Organizations developing NEOs must consider the application of
established research in human factors and ergonomics, including
human-system interface design, human cognition and perception,
stress and workload, anthropometry and workspace design,
environmental factors, training, and human error.
DOE O 452.2F 5
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(5) Procedures. Written procedures (paper or electronic) that control the
interactions between the nuclear explosive, the operating facility,
equipment, and personnel must meet the following requirements:
(a) Design agencies must review and concur with original issues of
procedures for NEOs and NEO-associated activities.
(b) All written procedures for NEOs must place proper emphasis on
preventing accidents and detecting abnormal conditions by
accomplishing 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 that are 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.
(6) Two-Person Concept. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-
associated activities and facilities (to include NELA verifications as
specified in Attachments 4 and 5 of this Order) must establish and
implement the two-person concept as specified in Attachment 2 of this
Order.
(7) Facilities. Facilities used for NEOs must be characterized, evaluated, and
specifically approved for that use, based (in part) on an independent NES
evaluation in accordance with NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety
Section 4
Evaluation Processes, current version.
During NES evaluations of facilities, safety structures, systems, and
components (SSCs) can be considered to credibly control natural
phenomenon hazards (NPH) if they meet the appropriate NPH design
categories found in DOE-STD-1020, current version, as invoked by DOE
O 420.1, Facility Safety, current version.
(8) Equipment. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated
activities and facilities must verify that all equipment used in NEAs
(including tooling, testers, and other mechanical and electrical equipment)
meet the following requirements.
(a) Design specifications and technical requirements must be
documented.
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(b) Designs must ensure nuclear explosives will remain in a safe
condition should a system or component of the tool or equipment
fail.
(c) Each item used in a NEO must be specifically approved for that
operation. Unapproved, movable items must be excluded from the
NEA. Positive measures must be used to prevent the use of facility
equipment that is not approved for the NEO, but is impracticable to
remove.
(d) Equipment intended to apply energy to a nuclear explosive must
incorporate features that limit application of energy to a known,
safe level.
(e) Energy sources associated with equipment used in NEAs must be
identified, analyzed, characterized, and documented. Engineered
controls relied upon to protect NEs from these energy sources must
be validated through analysis and testing.
(f) Energetic equipment intended for use in NEAs by emergency
responders (e.g., fire department personnel, security force, and
radiological protection) must be evaluated and characterized with
respect to potential hazards. Training of expected responders and
NEA workers must address emergency situations to help ensure
safety of responders and associated equipment.
(g) Attachment 3 of this Order specifies additional requirements for
electrical equipment used in NEAs.
(9) Maintenance of Facilities, Tooling, and Other Equipment. Organizations
responsible for NEOs and NEO-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
equipment and materials that are allowed in NEAs.
(10) Personnel. Each organization responsible for or involved in NEOs and
NEO-associated activities must implement training, qualification, and
certification programs for personnel that manage, oversee, perform, or
directly support these operations and activities.
In addition to the applicable requirements in 10 CFR Part 712, Human
Reliability Program, and DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training,
Qualification, and Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities,
current version, annual training will be conducted for personnel assigned to
nuclear explosive duty that includes the following NES-specific topics:
(a) Responsibilities associated with custody of nuclear explosives.
DOE O 452.2F 7
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(b) Use of general and supplemental NESRs and Immediate Action
Procedures.
(c) Site-, facility-, program-, and operation-specific safety
requirements.
(d) The purpose, objective, and responsibilities of the two-person
concept for operations.
(e) Explosive safety appropriate for assigned responsibilities.
For site-, facility-, program-, and operation-specific safety requirements,
Section 5
the annual training requirements under paragraph 4.a.(10)(c) above may
be met with training provided during an initial certification or qualification
program and through a continued recertification or requalification process,
provided that the process requires no less than an annual review or
demonstration of knowledge of the safety requirements.
(11) Transportation of Nuclear Explosives. Nuclear explosive transportation is
a mobile NEO and involves a mobile NEA. Requirements specified for
NEOs and NEAs elsewhere in this directive apply.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-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 the
Office of Secure Transportation (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 4.a.(1)(a) and 4.a.(3).
1 Nuclear explosives must be transported in conveyances
specifically reviewed through the NES evaluation process.
2 Criteria must be established for protecting nuclear
explosives during transportation. The criteria and restraint
designs for specific nuclear explosive configurations must
be reviewed through the NES evaluation process.
(12) Mixed Venues. Nuclear explosives must not be transported or staged with
any other assembly that could be mistaken for a nuclear explosive.
If operational constraints require nuclear explosives and nuclear
explosive-like assemblies (NELAs) to be collocated, the operations must
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comply with the NELA standards in paragraph 4.a.(17) of this directive
and must be evaluated by a Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group
(NESSG). The operational justification for collocation of the nuclear
explosives and NELAs will be provided to the NESSG during the
evaluation.
(13) Positive Verification.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities
and facilities must develop and implement a verification process to
ensure use of qualified personnel who are fit for duty,
operationally ready facilities, correct equipment that is current in
any required calibration and preventive maintenance, and current
approved procedures.
(b) The configuration and condition of a nuclear explosive and its
safety features must be determined as early as practicable during
any planned NEO. For operations occurring prior to this
determination, or in the event a determination cannot be made,
incompatibility with or isolation from external energy that may
lead to credible NES consequences must be demonstrated.
(14) Change Control. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated
activities and facilities must establish and implement a NES change
evaluation process in accordance with NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive
Safety Evaluation Processes, current version. This NES evaluation is
separate and independent from the unreviewed safety question process
required by 10 CFR Part 830, Nuclear Safety Management, and must be
completed before approval and implementation of the change.
All proposed changes to authorized NEOs, including the following, are
subject to the NEO change control process.
(a) Proposals that may have direct NES implications (e.g., procedural,
Section 6
equipment, or facility changes to an approved NEO).
(b) Proposals that may have indirect NES implications (e.g., changes
or new activities that could impact the foundation established by
previous NES Master Studies).
(c) Changes in knowledge affecting an approved NEO (e.g., new
understanding of a potential threat to NES or new data regarding
the response of a nuclear explosive to a stimulus).
(15) Anomalous Unit Processing. An anomalous unit might be created or
discovered in the course of NEOs performed by NNSA or its contractors,
or might be received from the Department of Defense (DOD) in a known
anomalous condition.
DOE O 452.2F 9
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The OST NEO change control process must ensure anomalous units
accepted for transport are safe to ship and that any special handling,
receiving, or staging requirements are known and accepted in advance by
the receiving organization.
The following apply to anomalous units at the production agency.
(a) The production agency Process Engineer, production agency NES
representative, and design agency System Engineer collectively
have the authority to declare a unit anomalous. If the three cannot
agree that the unit in question is not anomalous, then the unit will
be treated as anomalous. The design agency System Engineer
should solicit input from their respective design agency NESSG
member(s) prior to making an anomalous unit determination.
(b) Before operations with the anomalous unit can be resumed, the
NEO change control process must be completed in accordance
with paragraph 4.a.(14). A design agency engineering release must
be developed as input to the change control process.
1 The responsible design agencies, to include a NESSG-
certified member from the design agency, must specifically
review the engineering release for impact on NES. This
review must be documented in the engineering release.
2 Transportation operations, if applicable, must be
specifically addressed in the engineering release. Offsite
transportation operations are subject to the Office of Secure
Transportation NEO change control process.
(c) A decision to resume other activities in the facility must include
consideration of possible interactions with the anomalous unit.
(d) If additional information is obtained after a unit has been declared
anomalous (e.g., from a radiograph), the new information must be
evaluated to determine if the unit should remain anomalous.
(16) Configuration Management.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities
and facilities must develop and implement a configuration
management program incorporating elements applicable to NEOs
and NEO-associated activities and facilities.
(b) To ensure consistency with design requirements and the safety
basis, the configuration management program must include the
following:
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1 the physical configuration of a nuclear explosive and its
components; the tooling, equipment, and procedures used
in NEOs and NEO-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 or testing within a calibration or testing control
program; and
4 incorporation of approved changes into all affected
documents (including design documents, drawings,
procedures, and safety basis documents) and programs
Section 7
(including maintenance and training).
(17) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies (NELAs).
(a) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Standards. All NELA
operations must meet the following qualitative NELA standards.
1 There must be positive measures to prevent inadvertent or
unauthorized assembly of a nuclear explosive in place of a
NELA configuration.
2 There must be positive measures to prevent inadvertent
or unauthorized transfer of a nuclear explosive in place
of a NELA configuration.
In the context of these NELA Standards, the term prevent is
applied as described for the Nuclear Explosive Surety Standards in
DOE O 452.1, current version.
(b) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Requirements. Attachment 4
provides the criteria that must be used to make NELA
determinations. If a NELA has been determined to exist, this
determination must be documented and retained by the
determining authority. Organizations with a NEO mission that are
responsible for NELA operations must implement the NELA
requirements in Attachment 4 of this directive. Organizations
without a NEO mission that are responsible for NELA operations
must implement the NELA requirements in Attachment 5 of this
directive.
(18) Marking Instructions. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked to
distinguish configurations capable of a nuclear explosive detonation from
DOE O 452.2F 11
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those that are not. Organizations responsible for NEOs or NELA
operations must implement the marking requirements in Attachment 6 of
this directive.
b. Independent Oversight. The Associate Administrator for Safety, Infrastructure and
Operations executes independent oversight through the Office of the Chief of
Defense Nuclear Safety of this directive’s implementation and associated NNSA
Supplemental Directives by NNSA personnel. This oversight may be carried out
through observation of NNSA NES evaluations, independent assessments,
shadowing of field element assessments, or other appropriate mechanisms. On an
annual basis, the Office of the Associate Administrator for Safety, Infrastructure
and Operations will summarize its oversight activities, along with any
recommendations for changes in the NES program in a report to the NNSA Deputy
Administrator for Defense Programs, the Assistant Deputy Administrator for
Stockpile Management, and the Assistant Deputy Administrator for Secure
Transportation. The Assistant Deputy Administrator for Stockpile Management
and/or Assistant Deputy Administrator for Secure Transportation will respond
within 90 days to the recommendations with a proposed corrective action plan, or
justification for no action.
c. 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 243.1,
Records Management Program, current version.
d. Implementation. This revision does involve substantive administrative or
programmatic changes from the previous directive, DOE O 452.2E. An
implementation plan is required.
5 RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs.
(1) Ensures implementation of NES Programs.
(2) Approves exemptions to this Order.
b. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Stockpile Management. Responds within 90
days to NA-50 independent oversight recommendations with a proposed corrective
action plan, or justification for no action.
Section 8
c. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Secure Transportation. Supports NA-12 by
providing a proposed corrective action plan or justification for no action for
oversight recommendations directed toward an NA-15 area of responsibility.
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d. NNSA Field Element Managers responsible for NES Program Implementation.
(1) Provide oversight of NNSA management and operating (M&O)
contractors.
(2) Provide direction to the Contracting Officers to ensure that the CRD and
Attachments 2 through 6 of this directive are included in the appropriate
contracts.
e. Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety. Provides independent oversight of the
implementation of this Order and associated Supplemental Directives by NNSA
personnel.
f. Director, Office of Stockpile Sustainment.
(1) Provides federal leadership for project teams formed to develop nuclear
explosive operations at NNSA production agencies.
(2) Ensures that NNSA nuclear explosive operations are designed in a manner
that satisfies the NES Program requirements.
g. Director, Office of Stockpile Modernization.
(1) Provides federal leadership for project teams formed to develop nuclear
explosive operations at NNSA production agencies.
(2) Ensures that NNSA nuclear explosive operations are designed in a manner
that satisfies the NES Program requirements.
h. Director, Office of Stockpile Production Integration.
(1) Manages the NNSA NES evaluation processes.
(2) Provides support to NNSA field element offices as needed for NES
oversight of the NNSA M&O Contractors.
i. Chair, Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group.
(1) Implements the NNSA NES evaluation processes.
(2) Provides the official interpretation of the NES Standards and other NES
criteria for use by the Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group during the
performance of NES evaluations per 4.a.(3).
6 INVOKED STANDARDS. This Order does not invoke any DOE technical standards or
industry standards as required methods. Any technical standard or industry standard that
is mentioned in or referenced by this Order is not invoked by this Order. Note: DOE O
251.1D, Appendix J provides a definition for “invoked technical standard.”
DOE O 452.2F 13
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7 DEFINITIONS. Definitions from DOE O 452.1, current version, are not repeated here.
a. Access. The proximity to a nuclear explosive that allows the opportunity to divert,
steal, tamper with, or damage the nuclear explosive in spite of any controls that
have been established to prevent such unauthorized actions.
b. Anomalous Unit. A configuration in a nuclear explosive operation that has any of
the following:
(1) Damage or other condition not identified as a credible deviation or
otherwise explicitly addressed in an approved technical operating
procedure.
(2) Damage or other condition that results in an unanalyzed configuration or a
configuration not covered by a NES evaluation.
(3) Other damage or condition potentially adverse to nuclear explosive safety.
Minor damage or other non-conformances, such as units with scratches, bent
connector pins, chipped insulators, stripped screws, etc., need not be considered
as an anomalous unit unless the condition is potentially adverse to nuclear
explosive safety.
c. Custody of Nuclear Explosives. Responsibility for access to, and control of,
nuclear explosives.
d. Dummy Pit. A component or set of components designed to simulate a live pit, but
that does not contain fissile material and cannot create a nuclear explosive if
Section 9
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.
e. Electrical Equipment. Includes items that contain or use an electrical energy source
and the interface (if any) with the nuclear explosive (NE). For Category 1
electrical equipment (as defined in Attachment 3 of this Order), this includes
associated adapters, test cables, switch boxes, etc. For some Category 2 electrical
equipment (as defined in Attachment 3 of this Order), this includes a mechanical
connection to the NE and associated electrical isolation features. Category 3
electrical equipment does not interface with the nuclear explosive.
f. Facility. Any equipment, structure, system, process, or activity that fulfills a
specific purpose.
g. Human Factors. A scientific discipline that applies knowledge about human
abilities, characteristics, and limitations to design of tasks, equipment, and
environments.
h. Human Reliability Program (HRP). A program established by 10 CFR Part 712 to
ensure that individuals who occupy positions affording access to certain materials,
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nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs meet the highest standards of
reliability and physical and mental suitability.
i. Main Charge. The high explosive that implodes the pit.
j. 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.
k. Mock Primary. A surrogate nuclear explosive in its basic configuration (e.g.,
consisting of mock high explosive and dummy pit designed to simulate the
geometry of a primary).
l. Nuclear Explosive Assembly. An assembly made up of a nuclear explosive
subassembly and a higher level of assembly up to a fully assembled weapon
configuration.
m. Nuclear Explosive Subassembly. A subassembly made up of a main charge high
explosive and a pit.
n. Nuclear Explosive Duty. Work assignments that allow custody of a nuclear
explosive or access to a nuclear explosive device or area.
o. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly (NELA). An assembly that resembles a nuclear
explosive in the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile (past, present, or planned), and
represents a nuclear explosive in its basic configuration (main charge high
explosive (HE) and pit) or any higher level of assembly up to a fully assembled
weapon configuration (e.g., mock primary, trainer, Joint Test Assembly, etc.). A
NELA is not capable of producing a nuclear explosive detonation and does not
contain both main charge HE and a live pit.
p. 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.
q. Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs). Requirements that significantly
contribute to minimizing the possibility of nuclear explosive detonation or high
explosive violent reaction in nuclear explosive operations.
r. 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 explosive yield of
greater than 4 pounds of TNT equivalent.
s. Permanent Marking. A durable method, normally by metal deformation or
Section 10
engraving, indicating on an external area of an assembly, whether it is a nuclear
explosive or a nuclear explosive-like assembly.
DOE O 452.2F 15
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t. Safe and Stable. Stabilization of a nuclear explosive intended to ensure it is placed
in a configuration that precludes potential hazards from affecting the unit, using
the minimum actions necessary.
u. Safety Basis. A safety basis means the documented safety analysis and hazard
controls that provide reasonable assurance that a DOE nuclear facility can be
operated safely in a manner that adequately protects workers, the public, and the
environment.
v. Two-Person Concept (TPC). A concept of operations implemented to ensure no
lone individual has unrestricted access to a nuclear explosive or other crucial asset
as specified by this Order.
8 REFERENCES. The following list contains references that are relevant to this Order.
a. 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.
b. 10 CFR Part 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.
c. 10 CFR Part 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.
d. 10 CFR Part 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.
e. Joint Department of Energy/Department of Defense (DOE/DOD) Technical
Publication 20-7, Chg 6, Nuclear Safety Criteria, dated 07-20-16.
f. Joint DOE/DOD Technical Publication 35-51 Chg. 4, General Instructions
Applicable to Nuclear Weapons, dated 12-21-16.
g. Joint DOE/DOD Technical Publication 45-51 Chg. 8, Transportation of Nuclear
Weapons Materiel, General Shipping and Limited Life Component Data (LLC),
dated 11-17-17.
16 DOE O 452.2F
7-27-2020
h. Joint DOE/DOD Technical Publication 45-51A Chg. 3, Transportation of Nuclear
Weapons Materiel (Supplement), Shipping and Identification Data for Stockpile
Major Assemblies, dated 09-13-16.
i. DOE O 151.1, Comprehensive Emergency Management System, current version,
which addresses responses to unplanned events.
j. DOE O 226.1, Implementation of Department of Energy Oversight Policy, current
version, which provides direction for implementing DOE P 226.2, Policy for
Federal Oversight and Contractor Assurance Systems, current version, 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.
k. DOE O 231.1, Environment, Safety, and Health Reporting, current version, defines
a minimum set of occurrence reporting requirements for DOE (including NNSA)
Section 11
elements and contractors and includes categorizing occurrences related to safety,
environment, health, or operations; notifying DOE; and developing follow-up
reports.
l. DOE O 232.2, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information,
current version, which provides requirements for categorizing and reporting non-
emergency NES occurrences.
m. DOE O 243.1, Records Management Program, current version, which provides a
framework for managing information in accordance with Department policy and
National Archives and Records Administration-approved DOE record schedules.
n. DOE O 251.1, Departmental Directives Program, current version, which details
the process for requesting exemptions from directives requirements.
o. DOE O 360.1, Federal Employee Training, current version, which establishes
requirements and assigns responsibilities for DOE federal employee training,
education, and development under the Government Employees Training Act of
1958, as amended.
p. DOE O 414.1, Quality Assurance, current version, which ensures that the quality
of DOE (including NNSA) products and services meets or exceeds the customers'
expectations.
q. DOE O 420.1, Facility Safety, current version, which establishes the DOE
(including NNSA) facility safety for nuclear safety design, criticality safety, fire
protection, and natural phenomena hazards mitigation, and includes the
configuration management requirements for Safety SSCs.
r. DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification
Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, current version, which establishes
selection, qualification, and training requirements for management and operating
DOE O 452.2F 17
7-27-2020
contractor personnel involved in the operation, maintenance, and technical support
of DOE (including NNSA) Category A and B reactors and nonreactor nuclear
facilities.
s. DOE O 433.1, Maintenance Management Program for DOE Nuclear Facilities,
current version, which defines the safety management program required for
maintenance and the reliable performance of structures, systems, and components
that are part of the safety basis.
t. DOE O 452.1, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, current version,
which establishes requirements and responsibilities for the DOE Nuclear
Explosive and Weapon Surety Program.
u. DOE O 461.1, Packaging and Transportation for Offsite Shipment of Materials of
National Security Interest, current version, which establishes requirements and
responsibilities for the packaging and transportation of all DOE offsite shipments
of Materials of National Security Interest.
v. NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes, current version,
which provides requirements and guidance for nuclear explosive safety studies,
operational safety reviews, and nuclear explosive safety change evaluations.
w. DOE-STD-1020-2016, Natural Phenomena Hazards Analysis and Design Criteria
for DOE Facilities, dated 12-04-16, provides criteria and guidance for the analysis
and design of facility structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that are
necessary to implement the requirements of DOE O 420.1C, Facility Safety, and to
ensure that the SSCs will be able to effectively perform their intended safety
functions under the effects of natural phenomena hazards (NPHs).
x. DOE-STD-1073-2016, Configuration Management, dated 12-23-16, which defines
the objectives of a configuration management process for DOE nuclear facilities
Section 12
(including activities and operations) and provides detailed examples and
supplementary guidance on methods to achieve those objectives.
y. DOE-STD-1104-2016, Review and Approval of Nuclear Facility Safety Basis and
Safety Design Basis Documents, dated 12-21-16, 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 Part 830.
z. DOE-STD-1212-2019, Explosives Safety, dated 11-27-19, which describes DOE’s
explosives safety requirements applicable to operations involving the
development, testing, handling, and processing of explosives or assemblies
containing explosives.
aa. DOE-STD-3009-94 Chg. 3, Preparation Guide for U.S. Department of Energy
Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety Analyses, dated March 2006,
18 DOE O 452.2F
7-27-2020
which describes a Safety Analysis Report preparation method that satisfies 10 CFR
Part 830 requirements.
bb. DOE-STD-3009-2014, Preparation of Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented
Safety Analyses [DSA], dated 11-12-14, which provides an acceptable
methodology for meeting the 10 CFR Part 830 requirements for the preparation of
DSAs for both new and existing nonreactor nuclear facilities.
cc. DOE-NA-STD-3016-2018, Hazard Analysis Reports for Nuclear Explosive
Operations, dated 10-16-18, which clarifies the requirements and provides
guidance for conducting hazard analyses and preparing Hazard Analysis Reports
for nuclear explosive operations and associated activities.
9 CONTACT. Questions concerning this Order should be addressed to the Chief of
Defense Nuclear Safety, 505-845-4404.
DAN BROUILLETTE
Secretary of Energy
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only
7-27-2020 Page 1-1
ATTACHMENT 1
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT
DOE O 452.2F, 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 (including NNSA) nuclear explosive operations (NEOs), nuclear explosive-like
assemblies (NELAs), or NEO-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.
Attachments 2 through 6 of this directive must be included along with the CRD in all contracts
that involve performing, managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs, NELAs or NEO-
associated activities.
NEOs require special consideration because of the consequences of an accident or unauthorized
act. The Nuclear Explosive Safety (NES) program outlined in this CRD and in Attachments 2
through 6 supports the requirement that NEOs must be designed and conducted in a manner that
meets the NES Standards of DOE O 452.1, current version.
All contractors with this CRD incorporated in their contracts must comply with the following
requirements to support the NES Program.
1. General Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs). Contractors must ensure that NEOs
under their purview are designed and performed in a manner that satisfies the following
Section 13
General NESRs.
a. Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation. NEOs must not be performed until a NES
evaluation has been completed and findings indicating that a NES standard had
not been met have been closed.
b. Nuclear Explosive Operating Procedures. NEOs must be performed in accordance
with approved, written procedures.
c. One-Point Safety.
(1) Tooling and equipment must be evaluated to ensure that their intended use
on an NE certified to be one-point safe does not cause an NE or equipment
configuration that is not one-point safe.
(2) If it is determined that a nuclear explosive no longer meets the one-point
safety criteria, all production plant operations (including assembly,
disassembly, and onsite transportation) and offsite transportation with that
nuclear explosive must be discontinued in a safe manner. Before
Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only DOE O 452.2F
Page1-2 7-27-2020
operations with that nuclear explosive can be resumed, a path forward
must be developed, a NES evaluation must be completed, and findings
indicating a NES standard has not been met must be closed.
d. Nuclear Explosive Areas (NEAs).
(1) Energy sources in NEAs 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 (1) eliminated or (2)
minimized and controlled to prevent adverse interaction with combustible
or flammable materials and the nuclear explosive.
(3) Combustible and flammable materials in NEAs must be identified and (1)
eliminated or (2) minimized and controlled to prevent adverse interaction
with the nuclear explosive.
e. Electrical Testing. Except as authorized in accordance with paragraph 1.f.,
Anomalous Units, nuclear explosives must not be subjected to:
(1) redundant electrical tests, or
(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.
Note: Repeat electrical tests performed in conformance with approved Nuclear
Explosive Operating Procedures and separated by other actions that might alter
test results are not considered redundant.
f. Anomalous Units.
(1) If it is determined that a nuclear explosive is no longer in a condition
covered by an approved written procedure, 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.
(2) Restart of operations on an anomalous unit and other activities in the
affected facility must be in accordance with paragraph 15. below.
2. Supplemental Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules. Contractors may propose supplemental
NESRs to support specific tests, operations, or characteristics of a nuclear explosive.
3. Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluations. Contractors must ensure that all NEOs under their
purview are covered by an approved NES evaluation and request and support NES
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only
7-27-2020 Page 1-3
evaluations as needed. NES evaluation requirements are specified in NNSA SD 452.2,
Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes, current version.
4. Human Factors.
a. Elements of NEOs such as new procedures, processes, facility layouts, new
tooling and equipment, must incorporate human factors principles during the
Section 14
NEO design and development phase and maintained throughout the lifecycle of
the NEO. Existing NEOs should strive to meet human factors principles to the
extent possible.
b. When developing NEOs, the contractor must consider the application of
established research in human factors and ergonomics, including human-system
interface design, human cognition and perception, stress and workload,
anthropometry and workspace design, environmental factors, training, and human
error.
5. Procedures.
a. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities
must follow approved written procedures (paper or electronic) for all NEOs to
control interactions among the nuclear explosive, the operating facility,
equipment, and personnel.
b. Contractors must ensure design agency concurrence with original issues of
procedures for NEOs and NEO-associated activities.
c. Contractors must ensure NEO procedures place the proper emphasis on
preventing accidents and detecting abnormal conditions by accomplishing the
following:
(1) comply with design specifications and technical requirements,
(2) clearly state cautions and warnings,
(3) identify appropriate points to safely interrupt work, and
(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.
6. Two-Person Concept. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities
and facilities (including NELA verifications as specified in Attachments 4 and 5 of this
Order) must establish and implement the two-person concept in accordance with
Attachment 2 of this Order.
7. Facilities. Contractors must ensure that facilities used for NEOs are characterized,
evaluated, and specifically approved for that use, based (in part) on an independent NES
Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only DOE O 452.2F
Page1-4 7-27-2020
evaluation in accordance with NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation
Processes, current version.
During NES evaluations of facilities, safety structures, systems, and components (SSCs)
can be considered to credibly control natural phenomenon hazards (NPH) if they meet the
appropriate NPH design categories found in DOE-STD-1020, current version, as invoked
by DOE O 420.1, Facility Safety, current version.
8. Equipment. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and
facilities must ensure that all equipment used in NEAs (including tooling, testers, and
other mechanical and electrical equipment) meet the following requirements.
a. Design specifications and technical requirements must be documented.
b. Designs must ensure that the nuclear explosive remains in a safe condition should
a system or component of the equipment fail.
c. Each item used in a NEO must be specifically approved for that operation.
Unapproved movable items must be excluded from the NEA. Positive measures
must be used to prevent use of facility equipment that is not approved for the
NEO and is impracticable to remove.
d. Equipment intended to apply energy to a nuclear explosive must incorporate
features that limit application of energy to a known safe level.
e. Energy sources associated with equipment used in NEAs must be identified,
analyzed, characterized, and documented. Engineered controls relied upon to
protect NEs from these energy sources must be validated through analysis and
Section 15
testing.
f. Energetic equipment intended for use in NEAs by emergency responders (e.g.,
fire department personnel, security force, and radiological protection) must be
evaluated and characterized with respect to potential hazards. Training of
expected responders and NEA workers must address emergency situations to help
ensure safety of responders and associated equipment.
g. Attachment 3 of this Order specifies additional requirements for electrical
equipment used in NEAs.
9. Maintenance of Facilities, Tooling, and Other Equipment. Contractors responsible for
NEOs and NEO-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 equipment and materials that are allowed in NEAs.
10. Personnel. Contractors responsible for, or involved in, NEOs and NEO-associated
activities must implement training, qualification, and certification programs for personnel
that manage, oversee, perform, or directly support these operations and activities.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only
7-27-2020 Page 1-5
In addition to the applicable requirements in 10 CFR Part 712, Human Reliability
Program, and DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and
Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, current version, 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 and Immediate Action Procedures.
c. Site-, facility-, program- and operation-specific safety requirements.
d. The purpose, objective, and responsibilities of the two-person concept for
operations.
e. Explosive safety appropriate for assigned responsibilities.
For site-, facility-, program-, and operation-specific safety requirements, the annual
training requirements under paragraph 10.c. above may be met with training provided
during an initial certification or qualification program and through a continued
recertification or requalification process, provided that the process requires no less than
an annual review or demonstration of the knowledge of the safety requirements.
11. Transportation of Nuclear Explosives. Nuclear explosive transportation is a mobile NEO
and involves a mobile NEA. Requirements specified for NEOs and NEAs elsewhere in
this CRD apply.
a. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities
must establish requirements and procedures to ensure safe onsite transportation of
nuclear explosives.
b. Transportation operations and shipping configurations, including all items in a
conveyance, are subject to the NES evaluation requirements of paragraphs 1.a.
and 3. of this CRD.
(1) Contractors must ensure nuclear explosives are transported in conveyances
specifically reviewed and approved through the NES evaluation process.
(2) Contractors must ensure appropriate criteria are established for protecting
nuclear explosives during transportation. Contractors must ensure the
criteria and restraint designs for specific nuclear explosive configurations
are reviewed and approved through the NES evaluation process.
12. Mixed Venues. Contractors responsible for NEOs must not transport or stage nuclear
Section 16
explosives with any other assembly that could be mistaken for a nuclear explosive.
If operational constraints require nuclear explosives and nuclear explosive-like
assemblies (NELAs) to be collocated, the operations must comply with the NELA
Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only DOE O 452.2F
Page1-6 7-27-2020
standards in paragraph 17 of this attachment and must be evaluated by a Nuclear
Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG). The operational justification for
collocation of the nuclear explosives and NELAs will be provided to the NESSG
during the evaluation.
13. Positive Verification.
a. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities
must develop and implement a verification process to ensure use of qualified
personnel who are fit for duty, operationally ready facilities, correct equipment
that is current in any required calibration and preventive maintenance, and current
approved procedures.
b. Contractors must ensure the configuration and condition of a nuclear explosive
and its safety features are determined as early as practicable during any planned
NEO. For operations occurring prior to this determination, or in the event a
determination cannot be made, incompatibility with or isolation from external
energy that may lead to credible NES consequences must be demonstrated.
14. Change Control. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and
facilities must establish and implement a NES change evaluation process in accordance
with NNSA SD 452.2, current version. This NES evaluation is separate and independent
from the unreviewed safety question (USQ) process required by 10 CFR Part 830,
Nuclear Safety Management, and must be completed before approval and implementation
of the change.
Contractors must ensure that their change control process captures all proposed changes
to approved NEOs, including the following:
a. Proposals that may have direct NES implications (e.g., procedural, equipment, or
facility changes to an approved NEO).
b. Proposals that may have indirect NES implications (e.g., changes or new
activities that could impact the foundation established by previous NES
Master Studies).
c. Changes in knowledge affecting an approved NEO (e.g., new understanding of a
potential threat to NES or new data regarding the response of a nuclear explosive
to a stimulus).
15. Anomalous Unit Processing. An anomalous unit might be created or discovered in the
course of NEOs performed by NNSA or its contractors, or might be received from the
Department of Defense (DOD) in a known anomalous condition.
Contractors must support the Office of Secure Transportation (OST) NEO change control
process to ensure anomalous units accepted for transport are safe to ship and that any
special handling, receiving, or staging requirements are known and accepted in advance
by the receiving organization.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only
7-27-2020 Page 1-7
The following apply to anomalous units at the production agency:
a. The production agency Process Engineer, production agency NES
representative, and design agency System Engineer collectively have the
authority to declare a unit anomalous. If the three cannot agree that the unit in
question is not anomalous, then the unit will be treated as anomalous. The
design agency System Engineer should solicit input from their respective
design agency NESSG member(s) prior to making an anomalous unit
Section 17
determination.
b. Before operations with the anomalous unit can be resumed, the NEO change
control process must be completed in accordance with paragraph 14. A design
agency engineering release must be developed as input to the change control
process.
(1) The responsible design agencies, to include a NESSG-certified member
from the design agency, must specifically review the engineering release
for impact on NES. This review must be documented in the engineering
release.
(2) Transportation operations, if applicable, must be specifically addressed in
the engineering release. Offsite transportation operations are subject to the
Office of Secure Transportation NEO change control process.
c. A decision to resume other activities in the facility must include consideration of
possible interactions with the anomalous unit.
d. If additional information is obtained after a unit has been declared anomalous
(e.g., from a radiograph), the new information shall be evaluated to determine if
the unit should remain anomalous.
16. Configuration Management. Contractors responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated
activities and facilities must develop and implement a configuration management
program incorporating elements applicable to NEOs and NEO-associated activities and
facilities. To ensure consistency with design requirements and the safety basis, the
configuration management program must include the following:
a. the physical configuration of a nuclear explosive and its components; the tooling,
equipment, and procedures used in NEOs and NEO-associated activities; and the
interface with the facilities in which these operations and activities are conducted;
b. unique identification of special tooling and equipment used in NEOs;
c. positive identification of tooling and equipment requiring calibration or testing
within a calibration or testing control program; and
Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only DOE O 452.2F
Page1-8 7-27-2020
d. incorporation of approved changes into all affected documents (including design
documents, drawings, procedures, and safety basis documents) and programs
(including maintenance and training).
17. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies (NELAs).
a. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Standards. Contractors responsible for NELA
operations must ensure those operations meet the following qualitative NELA
standards.
(1) There must be positive measures to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized
assembly of a nuclear explosive in place of a NELA configuration.
(2) There must be positive measures to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized
transfer of a nuclear explosive in place of a NELA configuration.
In the context of these NELA Standards, the term prevent is applied as described
for the Nuclear Explosive Surety Standards in DOE O 452.1, current version.
b. Contractors responsible for NELA operations must make NELA determinations in
accordance with the criteria in Attachment 4 of this directive. If a NELA has been
determined to exist based on the requirements in Attachment 4, this determination
must be documented and retained by the determining authority. Organizations
with a NEO mission that are responsible for NELA operations must implement
the NELA requirements in Attachment 4 of this directive. Organizations without a
NEO mission that are responsible for NELA operations must implement the
NELA requirements in Attachment 5 of this directive.
18. Marking Instructions. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked to distinguish
Section 18
configurations capable of a nuclear explosive detonation from those that are not.
Contractors responsible for NEOs or NELA operations must permanently mark nuclear
explosives and NELAs in accordance with the instructions in Attachment 6 of this
directive.
19. 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 CRD to DOE O 243.1, Records Management Program,
current version).
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 2 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 2-1
ATTACHMENT 2:
TWO-PERSON CONCEPT REQUIREMENTS
Note: This Attachment applies to both Federal and contractor organizations.
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 Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG)-evaluated security
system. The TPC is also required for Category 1 electrical equipment as specified in
Attachment 3, paragraph 2.c., of this Order and for certain nuclear explosive-like
assembly (NELA) verification and assembly steps as specified in Attachment 4,
paragraph 4., of this Order. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) field
element offices may also require TPC protection for other operations or equipment.
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 include the
following:
(a) Exposed conventional high explosive (CHE) main charge in an
NEA.
Attachment 2 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 2-2 7-27-2020
(b) Main charge high explosives (HEs), both CHE and insensitive high
explosive (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 Attachment 3,
paragraph 2., of this Order.)
(2) In addition, configurations requiring person-to-person coverage may be
determined based on specific system characteristics. The application of
person-to-person coverage allows recognition of the protection provided
by design 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).
Section 19
3. WHEN TO APPLY PERSON-TO-PERSON COVERAGE.
a. Assembly and Disassembly Operations Involving CHE Main Charge.
(1) For assembly operations involving CHE main charge, person-to-person
coverage of the CHE components must begin when the CHE container is
opened in an NEA.
(2) Coverage continues until the nuclear explosive is in a configuration in
which the application of design-specific environmental stimuli or unique
or coded signals is necessary for nuclear explosive detonation or
detonation of the main charge HE.
(3) For disassembly operations, this requirement applies in reverse.
b. Assembly and Disassembly Operations Involving IHE Main Charge.
(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 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 explosive 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 or 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 O 452.2F Attachment 2 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 2-3
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 six 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 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.
(4) Based on an approved NES evaluation, other means to achieve the person-
to-person coverage objective may be authorized.
Section 20
d. When operations are not being performed on a configuration requiring person-to-
person coverage:
Attachment 2 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 2-4 7-27-2020
(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.
(2) the two-person concept team is not required to be in the immediate
vicinity of the configuration when other individuals are not in the
immediate vicinity of the configuration. However, team members must
remain in a position to directly observe the approach of any individual to
the configuration.
e. Only one configuration requiring person-to-person coverage is allowed in a
vacated bay or cell. This requirement does not apply to emergency evacuations.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 3 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 3-1
ATTACHMENT 3
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Note: This Attachment applies to both Federal and contractor organizations.
1. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. For purposes of defining electrical equipment requirements,
this Order categorizes electrical equipment used in nuclear explosive areas (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.
As used in this Attachment, a high explosive (HE) subassembly is defined to be a main
charge HE component with at least one detonator attached.
2. CATEGORY 1 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical equipment intended for
connection to an electrical circuit of a nuclear explosive or main charge 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) Each item of Category 1 electrical equipment must have safety features
independent of the nuclear explosive’s safety features.
(2) Category 1 electrical equipment must have a safety requirements
document that identifies the safety features.
(3) Category 1 electrical equipment must use the lowest values of internal
and output currents and voltages required to perform the function(s) and
be documented and justified.
(4) Category 1 electrical equipment must not apply unacceptable stimuli or
electrical energy in excess of its design limits as the result of a single-
point failure.
(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) NES evaluations:
(a) A NES evaluation of Category 1 electrical equipment and its
interface with a nuclear explosive is required prior to its
implementation in a nuclear explosive operation.
(b) A NES evaluation is required prior to changing approved Category
1 electrical equipment.
Attachment 3 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 3-2 7-27-2020
Note: Approved Category 1 electrical equipment is under formal NES
change control and authorized for use in an NEO.
(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 or part number
Section 21
and associate it with the nuclear explosives for which it is authorized and
the NES evaluations that examined its specific applications.
(9) Category 1 electrical equipment shall incorporate engineered tamper
indication features. These features shall be inspected prior to each use, to
include calibration and maintenance.
b. Computer-Controlled Electrical Equipment.
(1) When software is used to achieve the safe state of the unit under test, a
separate (non-software) means of verification must also be employed to
verify the safe state of the unit. Verification must be done before relying
on the safe state of tested components.
(2) If software is used to evaluate the safe state of a unit, a separate
independent means of verification must also be employed to verify the
safe state of the unit. If a separate means of verification is not feasible,
other Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG)-evaluated
positive measures must be incorporated to ensure the electrical
equipment is performing as intended immediately before and after a test.
(3) Category 1 electrical equipment must be designed such that software is
incapable of causing bypass of any safety feature of the electrical
equipment.
(4) Software failure must not compromise the safety attributes of the
equipment or unit under test.
(5) A formal software safety analysis is required to document compliance
with the requirements in paragraphs 2.b.(3) and 2.b.(4).
(6) Software and firmware shall be developed, tested, installed, and updated
using secure processes to guarantee functionality and minimize the risk
of alteration.
(7) Software and firmware attributes shall be verified prior to each use.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 3 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 3-3
c. Two-Person Concept (TPC). Category 1 electrical equipment requires two-
person concept protection. (The TPC is delineated in Attachment 2 of this
Order.)
(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 1 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 NESSG-evaluated security
system.
3. CATEGORY 2 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical equipment that is not intended
for connection to an electrical circuit of a nuclear explosive or HE subassembly, but
makes mechanical connection to, or could come in contact with, a nuclear explosive or
HE subassembly, is referred to as Category 2 electrical equipment. Category 2 electrical
equipment must be clearly identified and meet the following minimum requirements.
a. General Requirements.
(1) Category 2 electrical equipment must not be intentionally connected to
the electrical circuitry of a nuclear explosive or HE subassembly.
(2) Category 2 electrical equipment must be positioned in a manner to
preclude contact with a nuclear explosive or HE subassembly except
when a mechanical connection is required to perform its intended and
authorized function.
(3) The potential for inadvertent connection between the Category 2
electrical equipment and the nuclear explosive circuitry must be
minimized.
b. Positive Electrical Isolation. Positive electrical isolation must be established and
Section 22
demonstrated for Category 2 electrical equipment that makes a mechanical
connection to a nuclear explosive or main charge HE subassembly. 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 (including the technical basis for the
“defined safe value” used in 3.b.(1) and 3.b.(2) below) 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.
Attachment 3 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 3-4 7-27-2020
(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 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 this Order and detailed in NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety
Evaluation Processes, current version.
Design agency documents which specify general design and process requirements for
Category 1 electrical equipment used on nuclear explosives (e.g., DG10001 and
EP401075) are subject to NES evaluation (i.e., during applicable evaluations such as the
Approved Equipment Program Master Study). Changes to these documents must be
concurred on by each design agency NES organization. This concurrence must be
documented in an engineering authorization. However, each change does not require
formal NESSG review.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 4 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 4-1
ATTACHMENT 4
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS FOR SITES
WITH A NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OPERATION (NEO) MISSION
Note: This Attachment applies to both Federal and contractor organizations. The following
requirements support the NELA standards defined in paragraph 4.a.(17)(a) of this Order and
paragraph 17.a. of the CRD (Attachment 1 of this Order).
1. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY DETERMINATIONS.
a. All new NELA determinations must be documented, justified, and auditable.
b. Where practicable, determinations should be made as early in the project planning
stages as possible (e.g., design).
Section 23
2. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION. A NELA may exist at
any level of assembly from one representing a basic nuclear explosive configuration (HE
and pit) up to and including one representing a fully assembled weapon configuration
(e.g., mock primary, trainer, Joint Test Assembly, etc.).
All NELAs have the following two attributes:
a. A NELA resembles a nuclear explosive in the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile
(past, present, or planned) to the degree that it can be mistaken for a nuclear
explosive without any disassembly.
b. A NELA lacks main charge high explosive (HE) (or propellant), primary fissile
material, or both.
3. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY TYPES. There are three types of NELAs:
a. A High Explosive NELA contains live HE main charge and dummy pit, void, or
other non-nuclear items in place of the live pit.
b. An Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA contains a live pit and mock HE, void, or substitute
non-explosive material in place of the main charge.
c. An Inert NELA contains mock HE, void, or substitute non-explosive material in
place of the main charge and a dummy pit, void, or other non-nuclear items in
place of the live pit.
4. VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
BEFORE ASSEMBLY.
a. High Explosive NELAs. Verification requirements of this section are not
necessary for NELA configurations for which physical dimensions preclude
substitution of a live pit.
Attachment 4 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 4-2 7-27-2020
(1) High-Fidelity Dummy Pit Verification Requirements.
(a) Before assembly into a high explosive NELA, the high-fidelity
dummy pit must be examined by radiation detection means to
verify the absence of radioactive material. If radiation is detected,
the pit must be assayed using gamma spectrometry to verify the
absence of fissile material. This verification must be either
performed or observed by a two-person concept team.
(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, a dual-lock, or
other Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG)-evaluated
security system.
(c) An auditable record of radiation detection verification of the high-
fidelity dummy pit must be available.
(2) Main Charge High Explosive Introduction Sequence. The high-fidelity
dummy pit verification must be accomplished before introduction of the
main charge HE and dummy pit into the same immediate assembly area of
the high explosive NELA.
b. Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs. A two-person concept team is required to perform all
assembly and disassembly operations on Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs.
(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. Clear mock HE refers
to LEXAN or a similar inert substance and does not require
chemical verification. Where possible, preference must be given to
noncombustible formulations. Live main charge HE must not be
colored pink.
(b) Each pink mock HE main charge used in place of live main charge
HE must be chemically verified before assembling the NELA.
(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
Section 24
chemical verification of each pink mock HE main charge used in
place of live main charge HE must be accomplished before
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 4 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 4-3
assembly into an Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA. This verification must
be either performed or observed by a two-person concept team.
(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, a dual-lock, or other NESSG-evaluated
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 3.b.(1) and 3.b.(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.
c. Inert NELAs. 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.
Verification requirements of this section are not necessary for NELA
configurations for which physical dimensions preclude substitution of live main
charge and pit components.
(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. Clear mock HE refers
to LEXAN or similar inert substances and does not require
chemical verification. Where possible, preference must be given to
noncombustible formulations. Live main charge HE must not be
colored pink.
(b) Each pink mock HE main charge used in place of live main charge
HE must be chemically verified before assembling the NELA.
(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 high-fidelity dummy pit
must be examined by radiation detection means to verify the
absence of radioactive material. If radiation is detected, the pit
must be assayed by using gamma spectrometry to verify the
Attachment 4 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 4-4 7-27-2020
absence of fissile material. This verification must be either
performed or observed by a two-person concept team.
(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, a dual-lock, or other NESSG-evaluated security system.
(c) An auditable record of radiation detection verification of the high-
fidelity dummy pit must be available.
5. ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY OF NELAs. NELAs must not be assembled or
disassembled in close proximity (i.e., the same immediate assembly or disassembly area)
to other activities where components (e.g., main charge HE hemispheres or pits) could be
interchanged. This prohibition includes collocated assembly/disassembly of the
following:
a. Any NELA type and a nuclear explosive.
b. Any NELA type and a different NELA type.
6. OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLIES.
Section 25
NELAs considered materials of national security interest must follow the packaging and
transportation requirements of Department of Energy (DOE) Order (O) 461.1C,
Packaging and Transportation for Offsite Shipment of Materials of National Security
Interest. Additional requirements apply in Sections 6.a. through 6.e. of this Attachment.
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) High Explosive NELA.
(b) Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA.
(c) Inert 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.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 4 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 4-5 (and Page 4-6)
c. Permission to Ship Between NNSA Sites. The shipping agency must obtain
permission to ship from the receiving agency before shipment of a NELA.
d. NELA Survey Before Offsite Transport.
(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 found by
radiation detection means must be resolved before shipment.
(2) An auditable record of this survey must be available.
e. NELA Survey Upon Receipt.
(1) Upon receipt 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 found by radiation
detection means must be resolved before release.
(2) An auditable record of this survey must be available.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 5 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 5-1
ATTACHMENT 5
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS FOR SITES
WITHOUT A NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OPERATION (NEO) MISSION
Note: This Attachment applies to both Federal and contractor organizations at sites without a
NEO mission. The following requirements support the NELA standards defined in paragraph
4.a.(17)(a) of this Order and paragraph 17.a. of the CRD (Attachment 1 of this Order). When a
mock primary, comprised of mock HE and/or high fidelity dummy pit, is not considered a NELA
but will be assembled into a higher-level assembly that is treated as a NELA, the agency
responsible for assembling the mock primary must provide the mock component verification
record(s) to the agency responsible for assembling the higher-level NELA. If the mock primary
lacks mock components, justification for a lack of verification record(s) must be provided from
the originating agency in the form of auditable documentation.
1. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY DETERMINATIONS.
Attachment 4, Paragraph 1. applies.
2. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION.
Attachment 4, Paragraph 2. applies.
3. NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY TYPES.
Attachment 4, Paragraph 3. applies.
4. VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
BEFORE ASSEMBLY. Verification requirements of this section are not necessary for
NELA configurations for which physical dimensions preclude substitution of a live pit.
a. High Explosive NELAs.
Section 26
(1) Assembly in a Facility NOT Authorized to Receive or Handle Live Pits.
The high-fidelity dummy pit must be examined by radiation detection
means to verify the absence of radioactive material before assembly into a
High Explosive NELA. If radiation is detected, the pit must be assayed by
using gamma spectrometry to verify the absence of fissile material.
(2) Assembly in a Facility Authorized to Receive or Handle Live Pits.
(a) The HE NELA verification requirements in Attachment 4,
paragraph 4.a.(1) apply.
(b) At non-NEO sites where the security system has not been
evaluated by a Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG),
the dual-lock program or other security system required for control
of the dummy pit after verification must be reviewed by HQ
Attachment 5 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 5-2 7-27-2020
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)/Nuclear
Explosive Safety Division.
(3) Main Charge High Explosive Introduction Sequence. The high-fidelity
dummy pit verifications required by paragraphs 4.a.(1) or 4.a.(2) (if
required) must be accomplished before introduction of the main charge
HE and dummy pit into the same immediate assembly area of the high
explosive NELA.
b. Inert with Live Pit NELAs.
(1) Assembly in a Facility NOT Authorized to Receive or Handle Main
Charge HE.
(a) All mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be non-
detonable and must be clear or colored pink. Clear mock HE refers
to LEXAN or a similar inert substance and does not require
chemical verification. Where possible, preference must be given to
noncombustible formulations. Live main charge HE must not be
colored pink.
(b) Each pink mock HE main charge used in place of live main charge
HE must be chemically verified before assembling the NELA.
(c) An auditable record of chemical verification of the mock HE must
be available.
(2) Assembly in a Facility Authorized to Receive or Handle Main Charge HE.
(a) The verification requirements in Attachment 4, Paragraphs 4.b.(1)
and 4.b.(2) apply.
(b) A two-person concept team is required to perform all assembly and
disassembly operations on Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs.
(c) At non-NEO sites where the security system has not been
evaluated by a NESSG, the dual-lock program or other security
system required for control of the mock HE after verification must
be reviewed by HQ NNSA/Nuclear Explosive Safety Division.
(3) Live Pit Introduction Sequence. The mock HE verifications required by
paragraphs 4.b.(1) or 4.b.(2) (if required) 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.
c. Inert NELAs. Repetition of verification requirements of this section is not
necessary for repeated disassembly and reassembly operations provided the mock
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 5 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 5-3
HE and high-fidelity dummy pit remain in a controlled area where main charge
HE and live pits are not authorized.
Verification requirements of this section are not necessary for NELA
configurations for which physical dimensions preclude substitution of live main
charge and pit components.
(1) Assembly in a Facility NOT Authorized to Receive or Handle Main
Charge HE AND/OR Live Pits.
(a) All mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be non-
detonable and must be clear or colored pink. Clear mock HE refers
Section 27
to LEXAN or similar inert substances and does not require
chemical verification. Where possible, preference must be given to
noncombustible formulations. Live main charge HE must not be
colored pink.
(b) Each pink mock HE main charge used in place of live main charge
HE must be chemically verified before assembling the NELA.
(c) An auditable record of chemical verification of the pink mock HE
must be available.
(d) The high-fidelity dummy pit must be examined by radiation
detection means to verify the absence of radioactive material. If
radiation is detected, the pit must be assayed by using gamma
spectrometry to verify the absence of fissile material.
(2) Assembly in a Facility Authorized to Receive or Handle Main Charge HE
AND/OR Live Pits.
(a) The verification requirements in Attachment 4, Paragraph 4,c,
apply.
(b) At non-NEO sites where the security system has not been
evaluated by a NESSG, the dual-lock program or other security
system required for control of the dummy pit and mock HE after
verification must be reviewed by HQ NNSA/Nuclear Explosive
Safety Division.
5. ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY OF NELAs. For sites designated as meeting the
protection requirements for Category III SNM, the assembly and disassembly restrictions
in this paragraph do not apply.
NELAs must not be assembled or disassembled in close proximity (i.e., the same
immediate assembly or disassembly area) to other activities where components (e.g.,
Attachment 5 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 5-4 7-27-2020
main charge HE hemispheres or pits) could be interchanged. This prohibition includes
collocated assembly/disassembly of any NELA type and a different NELA type.
If operational constraints require an INERT and a LIVE PIT NELA to be collocated
during assembly or disassembly, the operational justification must be provided for review
and approval by HQ NNSA/Nuclear Explosive Safety Division.
6. OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLIES.
The requirements of Attachment 4, Paragraph 6. apply.
.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 6 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 6-1
ATTACHMENT 6
MARKING REQUIREMENTS
Note: This Attachment applies to both Federal and contractor organizations. Nuclear explosives
and nuclear explosive-like assemblies (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 REQUIREMENTS FOR NELAs AT SITES WITHOUT A
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OPERATION (NEO) MISSION. NELAs at sites not
authorized to conduct nuclear explosive operations (NEOs) that are staged or stored in a
facility not authorized to introduce the missing component that would form a nuclear
explosive (live main charge high explosive (HE), live pits, or both), and designated for
irreversible destruction within 6 months of assembly, are not required to be permanently
marked. Where practicable, temporary markings or identification such as tagging or
stenciling should be applied to the configuration or container.
2. SITES ONLY REQUIRED TO MEET PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
CATEGORY III SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL (SNM). NELAs at sites meeting the
protection requirements for Category III SNM are not required to be permanently marked
until the NELA is transferred offsite. Where practicable, temporary markings or
Section 28
identification such as tagging or stenciling should be applied to the configuration or
container. Prior to offsite transfer, the permanent marking requirements of this
Attachment, Paragraphs 3., 4., 5., and 6. apply.
3. 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) High Explosive NELAs. The “HIGH EXPLOSIVE” permanent marking is
applied to a NELA containing live main charge HE and a dummy pit,
void, or other non-nuclear items in place of the live pit.
(2) Inert-with-Live-Pit NELAs. The “INERT-WITH-LIVE-PIT” permanent
marking is applied to a NELA containing a live pit and mock HE, void, or
substitute non-explosive material in place of the live main charge HE.
(3) Inert NELAs. The “INERT” permanent marking is applied to a NELA
containing mock HE, void, or substitute non-explosive material in place of
the live main charge HE and a dummy pit, void, or other non-nuclear
items in place of the 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.
Attachment 6 – Federal Employees and Contractors DOE O 452.2F
Page 6-2 7-27-2020
4. 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.
5. PERMANENT MARKINGS. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked in
accordance with the following requirements. The particular marking method must be
specified by the applicable design agency.
a. The permanent marking method must produce the most durable mark possible,
consistent with acceptable deleterious effect on the material to which the marking
is applied.
(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.
6. 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) 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.
DOE O 452.2F Attachment 6 – Federal Employees and Contractors
7-27-2020 Page 6-3 (and Page 6-4)
(2) Prior to final assembly of a nuclear explosive or NELA, verification of the
Section 29
permanent marking(s) shall be performed and documented by two human
reliability program (HRP)-certified personnel. Dual (or concurrent)
verification is acceptable.
Positive measures must be in place to ensure that NELA permanently
marked components are not inadvertently introduced into areas where
nuclear explosive assembly or disassembly operations are ongoing.
1 PURPOSE. This Department of Energy (DOE) Order (O) establishes requirements to implement the nuclear explosive safety (NES) elements of DOE O 452.1, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, current version, for routine and planned nuclear explos...
2 CANCELS/SUPERSEDES. DOE O 452.2E, Nuclear Explosive Safety, dated 1-26-15. Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect any contractual obligation to comply with the directive. Contractor Requirements Documents (CRDs) ...
3 APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Elements.
(1) This Order applies to NNSA, which is the only Departmental Element that is involved in performing, managing, overseeing, and directly supporting NEOs, NELAs, and NEO-associated activities.
(2) The NNSA Administrator will ensure that NNSA employees comply with their respective responsibilities under this directive. Nothing in this Order will be construed to interfere with the NNSA Administrator’s authority under section 3212(d) of Public...
b. DOE Contractors.
(1) Except for the exclusions in paragraph 3.c., the Contractor Requirements Document (CRD), Attachment 1, sets forth requirements of this Order that will apply to contracts that include the CRD.
(2) The CRD must be included in all contracts that involve performing, managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs or NEO-associated activities.
(3) Attachments 2 through 6 also apply to contractors. These attachments must be included along with the CRD in all contracts that involve performing, managing, overseeing, or directly supporting NEOs, NELAs, or NEO-associated activities. NNSA Field E...
Contracting Officers are responsible for incorporating the CRD and Attachments 2 through 6 into each affected contract.
c. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 452.2F. Exemptions must be requested when release is sought from a requirement in this directive or successor directives. The exemption process is outlined in DOE O 251.1, Departmental Directives Program, current ...
(1) Equivalency. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. sections 2406 and 2511, and to ensure consistency throughout the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the Dep...
(2) Exemption. This Order does not apply to emergencies requiring Accident Response Group action. DOE O 151.1, Comprehensive Emergency Management, current version, addresses emergencies involving nuclear explosives. The Deputy Administrator for Defens...
(3) Exemption. Subcritical Experiments performed at the Nevada National Security Site and conducted under the authority of the Nevada Field Office are exempt from this Order based on their inherently subcritical design features as defined by NFO O 450...
Section 30
4 REQUIREMENTS.
a. Nuclear Explosive Safety Program. NEOs require special consideration because of the consequences of an accident or unauthorized act. The NES program outlined in this section supports the requirement that NEOs must be designed and conducted in a man...
(1) General NESRs. The general NESRs set forth in this paragraph are mandatory for all NEOs.
(a) Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation. NEOs must not be performed until a NES evaluation has been completed and findings indicating a NES standard has not been met have been closed.
(b) Nuclear Explosive Operating Procedures. NEOs must be performed in accordance with approved, written procedures.
(c) One-Point Safety.
1 Tooling and equipment must be evaluated to ensure that their intended use on an NE certified to be one-point safe does not cause an NE or equipment configuration that is not one-point safe.
2 If it is determined that a nuclear explosive no longer meets the one-point safety criteria, all production plant operations (including assembly, disassembly, and onsite transportation) and offsite transportation with that nuclear explosive must be d...
(d) Nuclear Explosive Areas (NEAs).
(e) Electrical Testing. Except as authorized in paragraph 4.a.(1)(f), Anomalous Units, nuclear explosives must not be subjected to:
(f) Anomalous Units.
(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 are required before a NEO is authorized; periodically for ongoing NEOs; and when proposed changes or emerging information affect an approved NEO. NES evaluations must be performed in accordance...
(4) Human Factors.
(a) Elements of NEOs such as new procedures, processes, facilities or facility layouts, new tooling and equipment must incorporate human factors principles during the NEO design and development phase and be maintained throughout the lifecycle of the N...
(b) Organizations developing NEOs must consider the application of established research in human factors and ergonomics, including human-system interface design, human cognition and perception, stress and workload, anthropometry and workspace design, ...
(5) Procedures. Written procedures (paper or electronic) that control the interactions between the nuclear explosive, the operating facility, equipment, and personnel must meet the following requirements:
(a) Design agencies must review and concur with original issues of procedures for NEOs and NEO-associated activities.
(b) All written procedures for NEOs must place proper emphasis on preventing accidents and detecting abnormal conditions by accomplishing the following:
Section 31
(6) Two-Person Concept. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities (to include NELA verifications as specified in Attachments 4 and 5 of this Order) must establish and implement the two-person concept as specified ...
(7) Facilities. Facilities used for NEOs must be characterized, evaluated, and specifically approved for that use, based (in part) on an independent NES evaluation in accordance with NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes, curren...
(8) Equipment. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities must verify that all equipment used in NEAs (including tooling, testers, and other mechanical and electrical equipment) meet the following requirements.
(a) Design specifications and technical requirements must be documented.
(b) Designs must ensure nuclear explosives will remain in a safe condition should a system or component of the tool or equipment fail.
(c) Each item used in a NEO must be specifically approved for that operation. Unapproved, movable items must be excluded from the NEA. Positive measures must be used to prevent the use of facility equipment that is not approved for the NEO, but is imp...
(d) Equipment intended to apply energy to a nuclear explosive must incorporate features that limit application of energy to a known, safe level.
(e) Energy sources associated with equipment used in NEAs must be identified, analyzed, characterized, and documented. Engineered controls relied upon to protect NEs from these energy sources must be validated through analysis and testing.
(f) Energetic equipment intended for use in NEAs by emergency responders (e.g., fire department personnel, security force, and radiological protection) must be evaluated and characterized with respect to potential hazards. Training of expected respond...
(g) Attachment 3 of this Order specifies additional requirements for electrical equipment used in NEAs.
(9) Maintenance of Facilities, Tooling, and Other Equipment. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities must review maintenance programs and activities for impact on NES. Maintenance implementation plans must inclu...
(10) Personnel. Each organization responsible for or involved in NEOs and NEO-associated activities must implement training, qualification, and certification programs for personnel that manage, oversee, perform, or directly support these operations an...
(a) Responsibilities associated with custody of nuclear explosives.
(b) Use of general and supplemental NESRs and Immediate Action Procedures.
(c) Site-, facility-, program-, and operation-specific safety requirements.
(d) The purpose, objective, and responsibilities of the two-person concept for operations.
(e) Explosive safety appropriate for assigned responsibilities.
(11) Transportation of Nuclear Explosives. Nuclear explosive transportation is a mobile NEO and involves a mobile NEA. Requirements specified for NEOs and NEAs elsewhere in this directive apply.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-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 the Office of Secure Transportation (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 4.a.(1)(a) and 4.a.(3).
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(12) Mixed Venues. Nuclear explosives must not be transported or staged with any other assembly that could be mistaken for a nuclear explosive.
(13) Positive Verification.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities must develop and implement a verification process to ensure use of qualified personnel who are fit for duty, operationally ready facilities, correct equipment that is ...
(b) The configuration and condition of a nuclear explosive and its safety features must be determined as early as practicable during any planned NEO. For operations occurring prior to this determination, or in the event a determination cannot be made,...
(14) Change Control. Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities must establish and implement a NES change evaluation process in accordance with NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes, current ...
(a) Proposals that may have direct NES implications (e.g., procedural, equipment, or facility changes to an approved NEO).
(b) Proposals that may have indirect NES implications (e.g., changes or new activities that could impact the foundation established by previous NES Master Studies).
(c) Changes in knowledge affecting an approved NEO (e.g., new understanding of a potential threat to NES or new data regarding the response of a nuclear explosive to a stimulus).
(15) Anomalous Unit Processing. An anomalous unit might be created or discovered in the course of NEOs performed by NNSA or its contractors, or might be received from the Department of Defense (DOD) in a known anomalous condition.
(a) The production agency Process Engineer, production agency NES representative, and design agency System Engineer collectively have the authority to declare a unit anomalous. If the three cannot agree that the unit in question is not anomalous, then...
(b) Before operations with the anomalous unit can be resumed, the NEO change control process must be completed in accordance with paragraph 4.a.(14). A design agency engineering release must be developed as input to the change control process.
1 The responsible design agencies, to include a NESSG-certified member from the design agency, must specifically review the engineering release for impact on NES. This review must be documented in the engineering release.
2 Transportation operations, if applicable, must be specifically addressed in the engineering release. Offsite transportation operations are subject to the Office of Secure Transportation NEO change control process.
(c) A decision to resume other activities in the facility must include consideration of possible interactions with the anomalous unit.
(d) If additional information is obtained after a unit has been declared anomalous (e.g., from a radiograph), the new information must be evaluated to determine if the unit should remain anomalous.
(16) Configuration Management.
(a) Organizations responsible for NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities must develop and implement a configuration management program incorporating elements applicable to NEOs and NEO-associated activities and facilities.
(b) To ensure consistency with design requirements and the safety basis, the configuration management program must include the following:
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(17) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assemblies (NELAs).
(a) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Standards. All NELA operations must meet the following qualitative NELA standards.
(b) Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly Requirements. Attachment 4 provides the criteria that must be used to make NELA determinations. If a NELA has been determined to exist, this determination must be documented and retained by the determining authority...
(18) Marking Instructions. Nuclear explosives and NELAs must be marked to distinguish configurations capable of a nuclear explosive detonation from those that are not. Organizations responsible for NEOs or NELA operations must implement the marking re...
b. Independent Oversight. The Associate Administrator for Safety, Infrastructure and Operations executes independent oversight through the Office of the Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety of this directive’s implementation and associated NNSA Supplementa...
c. 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 243.1, Records Management Program...
d. Implementation. This revision does involve substantive administrative or programmatic changes from the previous directive, DOE O 452.2E. An implementation plan is required.
5 RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs.
(1) Ensures implementation of NES Programs.
(2) Approves exemptions to this Order.
b. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Stockpile Management. Responds within 90 days to NA-50 independent oversight recommendations with a proposed corrective action plan, or justification for no action.
c. Assistant Deputy Administrator for Secure Transportation. Supports NA-12 by providing a proposed corrective action plan or justification for no action for oversight recommendations directed toward an NA-15 area of responsibility.
d. NNSA Field Element Managers responsible for NES Program Implementation.
(1) Provide oversight of NNSA management and operating (M&O) contractors.
(2) Provide direction to the Contracting Officers to ensure that the CRD and Attachments 2 through 6 of this directive are included in the appropriate contracts.
e. Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety. Provides independent oversight of the implementation of this Order and associated Supplemental Directives by NNSA personnel.
f. Director, Office of Stockpile Sustainment.
(1) Provides federal leadership for project teams formed to develop nuclear explosive operations at NNSA production agencies.
(2) Ensures that NNSA nuclear explosive operations are designed in a manner that satisfies the NES Program requirements.
g. Director, Office of Stockpile Modernization.
(1) Provides federal leadership for project teams formed to develop nuclear explosive operations at NNSA production agencies.
(2) Ensures that NNSA nuclear explosive operations are designed in a manner that satisfies the NES Program requirements.
h. Director, Office of Stockpile Production Integration.
(1) Manages the NNSA NES evaluation processes.
(2) Provides support to NNSA field element offices as needed for NES oversight of the NNSA M&O Contractors.
i. Chair, Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group.
(1) Implements the NNSA NES evaluation processes.
(2) Provides the official interpretation of the NES Standards and other NES criteria for use by the Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group during the performance of NES evaluations per 4.a.(3).
Section 34
6 INVOKED STANDARDS. This Order does not invoke any DOE technical standards or industry standards as required methods. Any technical standard or industry standard that is mentioned in or referenced by this Order is not invoked by this Order. Note: DOE...
7 DEFINITIONS. Definitions from DOE O 452.1, current version, are not repeated here.
a. Access. The proximity to a nuclear explosive that allows the opportunity to divert, steal, tamper with, or damage the nuclear explosive in spite of any controls that have been established to prevent such unauthorized actions.
b. Anomalous Unit. A configuration in a nuclear explosive operation that has any of the following:
(1) Damage or other condition not identified as a credible deviation or otherwise explicitly addressed in an approved technical operating procedure.
(2) Damage or other condition that results in an unanalyzed configuration or a configuration not covered by a NES evaluation.
(3) Other damage or condition potentially adverse to nuclear explosive safety.
c. Custody of Nuclear Explosives. Responsibility for access to, and control of, nuclear explosives.
d. Dummy Pit. A component or set of components designed to simulate a live pit, but that does not contain fissile material and cannot create a nuclear explosive if placed in the central cavity of an implosion system. A “high-fidelity” dummy pit is one...
e. Electrical Equipment. Includes items that contain or use an electrical energy source and the interface (if any) with the nuclear explosive (NE). For Category 1 electrical equipment (as defined in Attachment 3 of this Order), this includes associate...
f. Facility. Any equipment, structure, system, process, or activity that fulfills a specific purpose.
g. Human Factors. A scientific discipline that applies knowledge about human abilities, characteristics, and limitations to design of tasks, equipment, and environments.
h. Human Reliability Program (HRP). A program established by 10 CFR Part 712 to ensure that individuals who occupy positions affording access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs meet the highest standards of relia...
i. Main Charge. The high explosive that implodes the pit.
j. 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.
k. Mock Primary. A surrogate nuclear explosive in its basic configuration (e.g., consisting of mock high explosive and dummy pit designed to simulate the geometry of a primary).
l. Nuclear Explosive Assembly. An assembly made up of a nuclear explosive subassembly and a higher level of assembly up to a fully assembled weapon configuration.
m. Nuclear Explosive Subassembly. A subassembly made up of a main charge high explosive and a pit.
n. Nuclear Explosive Duty. Work assignments that allow custody of a nuclear explosive or access to a nuclear explosive device or area.
o. Nuclear Explosive-Like Assembly (NELA). An assembly that resembles a nuclear explosive in the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile (past, present, or planned), and represents a nuclear explosive in its basic configuration (main charge high explosive (HE)...
p. 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 subasse...
q. Nuclear Explosive Safety Rules (NESRs). Requirements that significantly contribute to minimizing the possibility of nuclear explosive detonation or high explosive violent reaction in nuclear explosive operations.
r. 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 explosive yield of greate...
s. Permanent Marking. A durable method, normally by metal deformation or engraving, indicating on an external area of an assembly, whether it is a nuclear explosive or a nuclear explosive-like assembly.
t. Safe and Stable. Stabilization of a nuclear explosive intended to ensure it is placed in a configuration that precludes potential hazards from affecting the unit, using the minimum actions necessary.
u. Safety Basis. A safety basis means the documented safety analysis and hazard controls that provide reasonable assurance that a DOE nuclear facility can be operated safely in a manner that adequately protects workers, the public, and the environment.
v. Two-Person Concept (TPC). A concept of operations implemented to ensure no lone individual has unrestricted access to a nuclear explosive or other crucial asset as specified by this Order.
Section 35
8 REFERENCES. The following list contains references that are relevant to this Order.
a. 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.
b. 10 CFR Part 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 occ...
c. 10 CFR Part 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 ...
d. 10 CFR Part 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 faciliti...
e. Joint Department of Energy/Department of Defense (DOE/DOD) Technical Publication 20-7, Chg 6, Nuclear Safety Criteria, dated 07-20-16.
f. Joint DOE/DOD Technical Publication 35-51 Chg. 4, General Instructions Applicable to Nuclear Weapons, dated 12-21-16.
g. Joint DOE/DOD Technical Publication 45-51 Chg. 8, Transportation of Nuclear Weapons Materiel, General Shipping and Limited Life Component Data (LLC), dated 11-17-17.
h. Joint DOE/DOD Technical Publication 45-51A Chg. 3, Transportation of Nuclear Weapons Materiel (Supplement), Shipping and Identification Data for Stockpile Major Assemblies, dated 09-13-16.
i. DOE O 151.1, Comprehensive Emergency Management System, current version, which addresses responses to unplanned events.
j. DOE O 226.1, Implementation of Department of Energy Oversight Policy, current version, which provides direction for implementing DOE P 226.2, Policy for Federal Oversight and Contractor Assurance Systems, current version, which establishes DOE poli...
k. DOE O 231.1, Environment, Safety, and Health Reporting, current version, defines a minimum set of occurrence reporting requirements for DOE (including NNSA) elements and contractors and includes categorizing occurrences related to safety, environme...
l. DOE O 232.2, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information, current version, which provides requirements for categorizing and reporting non-emergency NES occurrences.
m. DOE O 243.1, Records Management Program, current version, which provides a framework for managing information in accordance with Department policy and National Archives and Records Administration-approved DOE record schedules.
n. DOE O 251.1, Departmental Directives Program, current version, which details the process for requesting exemptions from directives requirements.
o. DOE O 360.1, Federal Employee Training, current version, which establishes requirements and assigns responsibilities for DOE federal employee training, education, and development under the Government Employees Training Act of 1958, as amended.
p. DOE O 414.1, Quality Assurance, current version, which ensures that the quality of DOE (including NNSA) products and services meets or exceeds the customers' expectations.
q. DOE O 420.1, Facility Safety, current version, which establishes the DOE (including NNSA) facility safety for nuclear safety design, criticality safety, fire protection, and natural phenomena hazards mitigation, and includes the configuration manag...
Section 36
r. DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, current version, which establishes selection, qualification, and training requirements for management and operating contractor per...
s. DOE O 433.1, Maintenance Management Program for DOE Nuclear Facilities, current version, which defines the safety management program required for maintenance and the reliable performance of structures, systems, and components that are part of the s...
t. DOE O 452.1, Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program, current version, which establishes requirements and responsibilities for the DOE Nuclear Explosive and Weapon Surety Program.
u. DOE O 461.1, Packaging and Transportation for Offsite Shipment of Materials of National Security Interest, current version, which establishes requirements and responsibilities for the packaging and transportation of all DOE offsite shipments of Mat...
v. NNSA SD 452.2, Nuclear Explosive Safety Evaluation Processes, current version, which provides requirements and guidance for nuclear explosive safety studies, operational safety reviews, and nuclear explosive safety change evaluations.
w. DOE-STD-1020-2016, Natural Phenomena Hazards Analysis and Design Criteria for DOE Facilities, dated 12-04-16, provides criteria and guidance for the analysis and design of facility structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that are necessary to im...
x. DOE-STD-1073-2016, Configuration Management, dated 12-23-16, which defines the objectives of a configuration management process for DOE nuclear facilities (including activities and operations) and provides detailed examples and supplementary guidan...
y. DOE-STD-1104-2016, Review and Approval of Nuclear Facility Safety Basis and Safety Design Basis Documents, dated 12-21-16, which describes DOE review and approval of documented safety analyses and Technical Safety Requirements for existing Hazard C...
z. DOE-STD-1212-2019, Explosives Safety, dated 11-27-19, which describes DOE’s explosives safety requirements applicable to operations involving the development, testing, handling, and processing of explosives or assemblies containing explosives.
aa. DOE-STD-3009-94 Chg. 3, Preparation Guide for U.S. Department of Energy Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety Analyses, dated March 2006, which describes a Safety Analysis Report preparation method that satisfies 10 CFR Part 830 requirements.
bb. DOE-STD-3009-2014, Preparation of Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety Analyses [DSA], dated 11-12-14, which provides an acceptable methodology for meeting the 10 CFR Part 830 requirements for the preparation of DSAs for both new and exis...
cc. DOE-NA-STD-3016-2018, Hazard Analysis Reports for Nuclear Explosive Operations, dated 10-16-18, which clarifies the requirements and provides guidance for conducting hazard analyses and preparing Hazard Analysis Reports for nuclear explosive opera...
9 CONTACT. Questions concerning this Order should be addressed to the Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety, 505-845-4404.
ATTACHMENT 1 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT DOE O 452.2F, NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
ATTACHMENT 2: TWO-PERSON CONCEPT REQUIREMENTS
ATTACHMENT 3 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
(a) A NES evaluation of Category 1 electrical equipment and its interface with a nuclear explosive is required prior to its implementation in a nuclear explosive operation.
(b) A NES evaluation is required prior to changing approved Category 1 electrical equipment.
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ATTACHMENT 4 NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS FOR SITES WITH A NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OPERATION (NEO) MISSION
a. All new NELA determinations must be documented, justified, and auditable.
b. Where practicable, determinations should be made as early in the project planning stages as possible (e.g., design).
a. A High Explosive NELA contains live HE main charge and dummy pit, void, or other non-nuclear items in place of the live pit.
b. An Inert-with-Live-Pit NELA contains a live pit and mock HE, void, or substitute non-explosive material in place of the main charge.
c. An Inert NELA contains mock HE, void, or substitute non-explosive material in place of the main charge and a dummy pit, void, or other non-nuclear items in place of the live pit.
ATTACHMENT 5 NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE-LIKE ASSEMBLY (NELA) REQUIREMENTS FOR SITES WITHOUT A NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE OPERATION (NEO) MISSION
a. High Explosive NELAs.
(a) The HE NELA verification requirements in Attachment 4, paragraph 4.a.(1) apply.
(b) At non-NEO sites where the security system has not been evaluated by a Nuclear Explosive Safety Study Group (NESSG), the dual-lock program or other security system required for control of the dummy pit after verification must be reviewed by HQ Nat...
b. Inert with Live Pit NELAs.
c. Inert NELAs. Repetition of verification requirements of this section is not necessary for repeated disassembly and reassembly operations provided the mock HE and high-fidelity dummy pit remain in a controlled area where main charge HE and live pits...
(a) All mock HE used in place of live main charge HE must be non-detonable and must be clear or colored pink. Clear mock HE refers to LEXAN or similar inert substances and does not require chemical verification. Where possible, preference must be give...
(b) Each pink mock HE main charge used in place of live main charge HE must be chemically verified before assembling the NELA.
(c) An auditable record of chemical verification of the pink mock HE must be available.
(d) The high-fidelity dummy pit must be examined by radiation detection means to verify the absence of radioactive material. If radiation is detected, the pit must be assayed by using gamma spectrometry to verify the absence of fissile material.
(a) The verification requirements in Attachment 4, Paragraph 4,c, apply.
(b) At non-NEO sites where the security system has not been evaluated by a NESSG, the dual-lock program or other security system required for control of the dummy pit and mock HE after verification must be reviewed by HQ NNSA/Nuclear Explosive Safety ...
ATTACHMENT 6 MARKING REQUIREMENTS