[mountn man]

When constructing a nuclear power plant, every single welding rod is accounted for from cradle to final weld.

BS!!!!!!!!

There is a hugh difference between building a nuclear power plant, and the effects it can have, and a private farmer raising a cow, and possible effects that could have.

In fact comparing building a nuke to raising a cow really makes no sense in the article.

[SatinDoll]

I worked in Environmental Qualifications at the Trojan Nuclear Plant, Goble, Oregon, 1986 - 1993. Yes, all welding rods have to have quality related documents that follow them from manufacuring to when used in the field.

So sorry, but you are mistaken.

[cowboyway]

In fact comparing building a nuke to raising a cow really makes no sense in the article.

Actually, it kinda does. Both a diseased cow and a radiation release present potential public health and safety issues.

(Note: the tracking of all welding rods, both during construction and maintenance and modifications after the plant is online, is more for Foreign Material Exclusion concerns. Individual welding rods aren't numbered.)