Audits

Independent audits and self-assessments provide a continuing, candid, unbiased, and technically reliable information on the adequacy of radiological protection programs to enable timely correction of deficiencies. These audits and assessments identify strengths and areas needing improvement but not currently out of compliance.

NQS provides applied health physicists, including CHPs , who are also NQA-1 lead auditors and auditors, to client facilities to perform internal audits and self-assessments. Internal audits and self-assessments include examination of program content and implementation processes either as broad scope (complete annual radiation protection program evaluation) or specific functional element evaluation (for those programs on a greater than annual review frequency, e.g., every 36 months) as requested by the client.

These audits and assessments help the client ensure the program, or functional elements within the program, meet client established requirements and regulatory compliance and assess the effectiveness of corrective actions. Examination also includes review of nonconformances, effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions, previous audits and assessments, and audit frequency of functional elements based upon risk management of the topic.

These audits and self-assessments meet the requirements of 10 CFR 835, 10 CFR 20, and DOE Order 458.1. Audit checklists are developed either by NQS or supplied by the client, as appropriate.