A systematic approach to implementation of new materials control and accountability requirements

In early 1988, the materials control and accountability (MC ampersand A) section at the Savannah River site (SRS) was given the task of implementing the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) MC ampersand A order 5633.3. The requirements of this order are significantly different than those of the previous DOE MC ampersand A order. This, coupled with the size and complexity of operations at SRS, made implementation of this order a formidable task. The MC ampersand A section at SRS took a somewhat unique approach. First, the order was broken down into 240 individual requirements. Each requirement was given a number, summarized in a short phrase, and entered into a computer data base. This data base was then used to prepare a check sheet for evaluating each material balance area (MBA). The described method of approaching order implementation provided an organized systematic way to compile and organize the data necessary to prepare an implementation plan and exception requests and track action items. In fact, this approach was so effective that it was recently used at SRS to address compliance with new DOE orders in the area of waste management