CSA N290.20:21

This is the first edition of CSA N290.20, Aging management requirements for nuclear power plants.

The CSA N-Series Standards provide an interlinked set of requirements for the management of nuclear facilities and activities. CSA N286 provides overall direction to management to develop and implement sound management practices and controls, while the other CSA Group Nuclear Standards provide technical requirements and guidance that support the management system. This Standard works in harmony with CSA N286 and does not duplicate the generic requirements of CSA N286; however, it might provide more specific direction for those requirements.

This Standard reflects the operating experience of the Canadian nuclear power industry.

Users of this Standard are reminded that the design, manufacture, construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Canada are subject to the provisions of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its supporting Regulations.

Scope:

1.1

This Standard specifies requirements and guidance for the aging management of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Specifically, this Standard addresses the aging management of

a) structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that are important to safety; and

b) SSCs that, in the case of failure, would prevent SSCs important to safety from performing their safety function.

Note: Other nuclear facilities may apply this Standard using a graded approach commensurate with risk.

1.2

This Standard addresses the integration of NPP programs to support aging management.

1.3

This Standard applies to the following life cycle phases of the NPP:

a) design;

b) construction (including procurement, fabrication and installation, delayed construction, storage, and transportation activities);

c) commissioning;

d) operation (including long-term operation and extended shutdown, if applicable); and

e) decommissioning.

1.4

This Standard addresses two aspects of aging management of SSCs: physical aging and non-physical aging (obsolescence).

1.5

This Standard excludes management of obsolescence that is due to non-equipment-related drivers.

Note: For example, changes to current regulations, codes and standards, or loss of staff knowledge due to workforce changes.

1.6

This Standard does not address the broader topic of asset management.

Note: Although asset management is not addressed in this Standard, the concepts and guidance may be adapted and used for establishing strategies to optimize the management of facility assets.

1.7

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.