The Use of “Grading” in the Application of the CSA N286.7 Standard for Quality Assurance of Analytical, Scientific and Design Computer Programs for Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Computer programs used for the design and safety analysis of nuclear reactors must comply with the Canadian standard CSA N286.7-99, “Quality Assurance of Analytical, Scientific, and Design Computer Programs for Nuclear Power Plants”. Although “grading” is acknowledged in the N286 series of Standards, an appropriate level of guidance for implementation is not provided. A collaborative effort was undertaken by the CANDU Industry to provide guidance on the application of the Standard - based on Industry experience. This guidance included a graded approach to meeting the requirements of the Standard and that approach is described and illustrated with a worked example in this paper.