Allocation of NRC inspection effort to risk-related activities in nuclear power plants

The inspection modules in the NRC inspection program for the Preoperational Test, Startup Test, and Operation phases of nuclear power plants were examined to assess whether manhours invested in each inspection were commensurate with the potential of these inspections for detecting conditions which would contribute significantly to risk. No basis was found in this assessment for fundamental changes to the inspection program. However, to improve program effectiveness, some modifications to specific parts of the program appear to be warranted.