Enriching nuclear safety via training Improving the safety of industrial and medical nuclear installations is of paramount importance for the EU and its citizens. An EU initiative developed new training modules to help enhance safety culture of managers of nuclear installations and hospitals in Europe. Industrial Technologies © Thinkstock One way to promote safety is to build a culture of nuclear safety through the whole chain of design, construction, operation and dismantling of nuclear facilities. Enhancing managerial competences and leadership is of paramount importance in building nuclear safety culture. The EU-funded project 'Training schemes on nuclear safety culture' (TRASNUSAFE) worked on realising this ambitious goal to increase safety in nuclear environments. Researchers analysed the needs of potential trainees, and studied their professional environment and expectations. They examined the relationship between radiation protection and nuclear safety culture to define the content of the training modules through questionnaires and workshops in different regions of the European Union. All the accumulated data was then used as a basis for the creation of five modules. The project team developed an all-purpose training module aimed at improving knowledge of key accountabilities and the responsibility of decision makers in developing, supporting and fostering a culture of safety. It also promoted understanding of systems for radiation protection, safety and safety culture, as well as the business and safety gains of a solid culture. Four other specialised modules were designed that deal with contractors' awareness of safety systems, the design of management systems, management tools that determine organisational flaws, and the financial importance of safety culture in medical applications. The modules target safety managers in the industrial and medical facilities. In an EU-wide context, the project also integrated the concept of a European Passport acquired through training using the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET). Five pilot sessions were held at different locations that tested and assessed each training module. TRASNUSAFE has provided valuable learning tools to decision makers so they can retain and advance their know-how and competencies in nuclear safety. The project envisions safer industrial and medical nuclear installations for both Europe and the rest of the world. Keywords Nuclear safety, nuclear safety culture, radiation protection, training, management systems, observation techniques
