10 CFR 50 Appendix J Program Training

The course provides comprehensive training regarding the implementation of the programmatic aspects of 10 CFR 50 Appendix J, focusing on the performance-based Option B. The training covers regulatory and industry guidance documents, including RG 1.163, NEI 94-01, ANSI/ANS 56.8, and NUREG-1493, and details the purpose, scope, and execution of Type A (ILRT), Type B, and Type C (LLRT) containment tests. It emphasizes test interval extensions based on performance history and risk insights, outlines the impact of plant design and modifications, and provides guidance on documentation, inspection, and industry operating experience. Attendees gain practical understanding of program interfaces, NRC expectations, and strategies for maintaining long-term compliance and program excellence.

COURSE CONTENT

Managing a power plant’s Appendix J Program requires talents from and interfaces with various disciplines, practical ability and a good understanding of the regulatory requirements. The course is designed to provide an initial conceptual overview of Appendix J and the regulatory documents that provide implementation guidance and requirements, followed by comprehensive and in‐depth practical application of those requirements. In addition, discussions related to specific plant activities, that, when implemented facilitate program incorporation of industry best practices, are ongoing throughout the course. The course curriculum has been designed to meet the student’s needs regardless of experience level.

• Basic Appendix J concepts and applications
• Historical Perspective on 10 CFR 50 Appendix J
• Regulatory requirements with added emphasis on NEI 94-01 Revision 3-A Implementation
• Program Plan Content, Bases & Revision
• Program Notebook Content & Revision
• Outage / Cycle Reports
• Outage Test Scope Development and Review
• Monitoring of LLRT Activities, Review of Work Packages (pre-& post-completion)
• Pre-and Post-Maintenance Testing requirements/guidance
• Long Range Planning, i.e., next ILRT, budgetary forecast, regulatory changes, etc.
• Review of Plant Modifications and Impact upon Appendix J Program
• Review available options for reducing component LLRT scope
• Containment airlock LLRT requirements and impact of Maintenance activities
• Review of contemporary Industry Appendix J Operating Experience
• Interface of the Appendix J Program with other Programs such as AOV, MOV, SOV, IST, Check Valve, PRA, ISI
• Discussion of industry Appendix J related “Hot Topics”
• Classroom exercises designed to demonstrate implementation of program principles and requirements utilizing actual nuclear industry OE as their basis
• Review of recent APOG member-benefit-focused area self-assessment results
• Participation benefits realized by joining the Appendix J Program Owners Group (APOG)

GSE is integrally involved in the Appendix J Owners Group (APOG) and the InService Testing Owners Group (ISTOG) and has performed Appendix J and InService Testing Program-related assessments.  GSE has also presented IST, Thermal Performance, Heat Exchanger, and GL-89-13 training throughout the nuclear industry.