Commission seeks to harmonise the safety of nuclear installations
The European Commission, DG XI, has published a call for proposals for a study examining the current practices followed in various European countries with the aim of reaching common technical positions on key nuclear safety issues. This would involve the selection, prioritisation and evaluation of the ageing of structures, systems and components (SSCs) which are important to plant safety. An analysis of dominant mechanisms affecting SSCs, design of monitoring and mitigating measures and an examination of the systems in place to manage the ageing-related aspects of SSCs would also be required. The study, while taking into account elements such as the different types of reactors operating in the EU and national and international experiences, should identify: - Important safety-related areas; - Areas of consensus and divergence; - Areas for further research; - Areas of significant uncertainties; - Main documents of reference including existing regulations in different countries; - Recommendations of good practice. Particular attention should be paid to: - Lifetime criteria for SSCs; - The use of risk-based methods; - The impact of the integration of SSCs on different technological generations on the operational safety of NPPS; - The use and requirements of databases for collecting and processing applications; - The impact of human actions and organisations on plant-life operation; - Changes based on improved "knowledge" on the evaluation of technical issues. The final report should also contain a set of recommendations for the treatment of the above in different European countries. For further information, please contact: European Commission DG XI - Environment, nuclear safety and civil protection Unit C2 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels