A product critical for safety in the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant means supplies, services or works, non-conformity of which to requirements set in technical documents, procurement documents or legal acts may affect nuclear safety.
Information on whether the procured supplies, services or works are classified as products critical for safety is presented in documents of a specific procurement.
A supplier taking part in the procurements must:
These requirements are not a mere formality – they are meant to ensure that supply processes are managed well and comply with strict nuclear safety principles.
The verification of a supplier can be carried out by employees of a unit appointed by Altra or the client’s employees at any time throughout the contract performance. The supplier is to be informed of the planned audit or inspection in advance.
Audits may be carried out:
Supplies, services or works are considered products critical for safety where their non-conformity may affect nuclear safety, breach safety functions of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant or disrupt the operation of systems critical for safety. Whether a product is critical for safety or not is indicated in the procurement documents.
The supplier quality management system (QMS) must conform to ISO 9001:2015 standard and be certified by an independent accredited certification body. SE Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant audits the QMS in accordance with the established procedure. By signing the contract, the supplier agrees to being inspected.
The supplier’s activities shall be controlled by employees appointed Altra unit (the client), who shall check the supplier’s compliance with the QAP, perform inspections and evaluate the workers’ qualification and safety culture.
The supplier’s workers, working in a protected or controlled area, must take part in special trainings and certifications in accordance with Altra training program.
If the supplier fails to comply with the requirements, its activity in the nuclear facility site may be suspended and violations/instances of non-compliance may be documented in the reports. All corrective actions shall be supervised by a responsible division of Altra.
The cost of the QAP preparation must be borne by the supplier, whereas the mandatory training at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant is organised free of charge.