QN 1 – Nuclear Coating

QN1

Nuclear coating supplement

This supplemental procedure describes a method for evaluating the primary qualifications of industrial coating contractors that perform work in nuclear power plant and shop facilities that coat parts or components for installation in primary containment or other safety-related areas of light-water nuclear power plants. It defines a minimum standard for qualification.

The QN 1 procedure encompasses the field application of protective coatings for corrosion control and decontaminability of concrete, non-ferrous metal, and steel surfaces in service level I and III areas of nuclear power plant facilities. It also covers the shop application of coatings for parts and components to be installed in service level I and III areas.

The requirements of this procedure are intended to supplement the requirements of QP 1 (field application of steel surfaces), QP 3 (shop painting in a fixed facility), and QP 8 (field application of concrete surfaces). Contractors seeking qualification to QN 1 (Nuclear Coatings Supplement) must first be qualified in good standing to the appropriate core qualification (i.e., QP 1, QP 3, or QP 8), depending upon the type of coating work performed.

Get the QN 1 Supplement

To be accredited to QN 1, contractors must demonstrate competence in several key areas:

  • Audits
  • Control of purchased materials, items, and services
  • Document and data control
  • Handling, storage, shipping, and preservation
  • Inspection
  • Job quality monitoring
  • Measuring and test equipment
  • Nonconformances and Corrective Actions
  • Organization and Personnel
  • Procurement
  • Quality assurance program
  • Quality assurance records
  • Technical capabilities
  • Technical procedures

Please Note: Safety, health, and general environmental compliance requirements for fieldwork are evaluated in QP 1 or QP 8 are not evaluated separately in this supplement. These items are not evaluated as part of QP 3 for fabrication or paint shops and will be evaluated for facilities coating components or structures for installation in safety-related areas.

The evaluation process

Like the other QP programs, the program guidelines are first evaluated through the required submittals that describe the contractor’s procedures, practices, and programs. Then an assigned auditor performs an impartial, initial audit of the active job site to verify the use of the submitted practices and programs.

  1. Submittal or written application package
  2. Review of the application package
  3. Initial auditing of the contractor or shop facility
  4. Exit interview
  5. Evaluation of application and determination of the status
  6. Method of appeal
  7. Reconfirmation of qualification
  8. Revocation
  9. Qualification period
  10. Qualifying agency files

We suggest that the contractor perform a self-evaluation using the checklist to be sure all areas are addressed prior to an audit. More detailed on-site audit criteria can be found in both the QN 1 application and the Internal Audit Checklist.

Resources

Application and Audit Checklist for QN 1

QN 1 Supplement

Auditor Evaluation Survey

Disciplinary Action Criteria (DAC)

Job Notification Form