1.1 This guide provides guidance for establishing a surveillance test program to monitor the performance of boron-based neutron absorbing material systems (absorbers) necessary to maintain sub-criticality in nuclear spent fuel storage racks in a pool environment. The practices presented in this guide, when implemented, will provide a comprehensive surveillance test program to verify the presence of sufficient neutron absorbing material within the storage racks. The performance of a surveillance test program provides added assurance of the safe and effective operation of a high-density storage facility for nuclear spent fuel.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.