The following definitions of basic quality assurance terms used in this chapter have been taken from various publications (AENOR, 1995a) and two IAEA publications (IAEA, 2006b, 2007):

• Design. The process and the result of developing the concept, plans, calculations and specifications.

• Construction. The process of manufacturing, assembling, installing and erecting the structures, systems and components.

• Commissioning. The process by which structures, systems and compo­nents, having been constructed, are made operational and verified to be in accordance with design criteria.

• Nuclear safety. The achievement of proper operating conditions, preven­tion of accidents and mitigation of accident consequences, resulting in protection of workers, the public and the environment from undue radiation hazards.

• Operation. The activities performed to achieve the purpose for which the plant was constructed.

• Regulatory body. The authority or system of authorities designated by a State as having legal authority for conducting the regulatory process.

• Responsible organization. The organization having overall responsibility for the nuclear power plant.

• Quality. The assembly of characteristics and aspects of a product or service that make it adequate to satisfy an expectation.

• Quality assurance. The assembly of planned and systematic actions nec­essary to provide adequate confidence that an item, service or process will perform its intended function as desired.

• Quality assurance programme. The assembly of policies, resources and actions applied to assure the quality required.