Quality assurance concept in the field of low and intermediate radioactive waste packaging

Using quality assurance measurements, it is possible in connection with radioactive waste packaging to guarantee that a process and the final product fulfil all requirements for the protection of human beings and the environment. The requirements stipulated in regulations, guidelines and standards are included in the specifications for treatment, packaging, transport, handling and storage. Compliance with the requirements is demonstrated by means of type tests. The type test requirements are then the obligatory minimum in the specifications for the manufacture of all standard packages. Compliance with the specifications can be guaranteed by means of an integral quality assurance programme which includes checks of packaging and radioactive waste materials supplied, the treatment and conditioning, the waste matrix and the final product. Quality control is carried out by the manufacturing staff themselves since the responsibility for high quality products always rests with the manufacturer. There can be no delegation of a quality or compliance assurance function to a separate or independent organization, as this would have a demotivating effect on the manufacturing personnel. (author)