Preserving EQ as per CSA N290.13: EQ of equipment for CANDU NPP

EQ is basically a Quality Assurance process that ensures that required safety related equipment will performed their safety functions during accident generating harsh environmental condition. As any good Quality Assurance Program, EQ activities have to be imbedded in the normal tasks of the people at the plant in such a way that it is not an extra concern but part of the things to be assessed and done on a regular basis so that the EQ Status of the equipment will not be compromised. The experience shows us that even with brand new plants there are discrepancies between equipment designed to be installed and that installed (wrong model or wrong instrument). Improper installation was also found. To eliminate these mistakes it is recommended to have a thorough initial inspection during construction or commissioning and later at regular intervals during operation. To avoid new mistakes during maintenance, crews have to be properly qualified and trained on completed procedure with appropriate work report that will required to be scrutinized for possible common cause failure and OPEX report. Procurement and handling of equipment and spare parts require a thorough revision of procurement and storage practices to guarantee proper storage, availability and identification of equipment for EQ replacement. A shelf life program for degradable material shall be implemented. Condition monitoring program could be use to extend life of equipment or as a qualification methods, caution should be use to look very precisely to the critical parameters that need to be monitored and to carefully tailor the monitoring program. EQ program should also consider barriers, they are not EQ equipment; it is usually made out of non-ageing material like metal or concrete. But there could be sealing material used in conjunction with the barriers and these may need special care. The impact of EQ parameters changes related to services conditions, new technical data or condition monitoring has to be addressed and dealt with in timely manners to avoid compromising the EQ status of the equipment. EQ, as a safety related program, could reflect the Safety Culture of an organization by the level or care taken to set and to maintain the EQ Program. (author)