At the Vallecitos Atomic Laboratory a tightly integrated audit system has been established among the reactor-operating staff, independent-audit and technical-assistance groups, and Laboratory management. Safe operation of the reactors is a responsibility of reactor management, with enforcement of safe practices by Laboratory management depending heavily on the review and recommendations of an independent nuclear-safety engineering organization. Cost of the total audit effort is about $60 000/y, with a similar amount required for nuclear-engineering activity supporting the audit. The audit program has contributed significantly to increased reactor-operating efficiency and cost savings. Several examples that demonstrate tangible benefits derived from this technique are given.