What authority do quality assurance personnel have?

Quality assurance personnel play a critical role in maintaining safety and compliance in nuclear facilities, which is why they have the authority to stop work when they identify conditions or activities that may pose a risk to safety, security, or compliance with regulations. This authority enables them to act decisively in situations where procedures are not being followed or when there are safety concerns, thereby protecting workers, the public, and the environment.

Their ability to halt operations is essential in the nuclear industry, where the consequences of oversight can be severe. This authority is not simply a recommendation; it is part of the protocols that ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained. Other roles, such as reporting concerns or suggesting improvements, are valuable, but they lack the immediate and impactful response that the power to stop work provides.