D. A. MENELEY, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd, Canada

Abstract: Nuclear safety includes all aspects of protection of humans and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation existing or produced during operation. This chapter outlines all aspects of the safety of nuclear-electric generating stations with the exception of conventional industrial safety. Due to the very broad scope of this subject, extensive reference is made to open literature on the subject. The objective of the chapter is to assist those persons interested in starting a new energy venture to reach a basic understanding of this technology and its application to satisfy human needs for energy.

Key words: protection of the public, international standards and guides, national regulatory body, operational safety, safety management systems.

10.1 Introduction

Close attention to nuclear safety is easily justified on each of three factors: protection of the public, protection of the operating staff, and protection of the plant. As identified in governing regulations (IAEA, 2006), safety is the full responsibility of the plant licensee (INSAG, 1999a, p. 15). From first principles, any delegated responsibility still remains in full force with the delegator. Each regulatory agency acts in the role of safety auditor during operation in order to ensure that the plant is operated within the scope of the licensee’s authority and in accordance with national standards and regu­lations. The operating organization holds, at all times, authority to operate the plant only within the provisions of the operating licence, and commen­surate with its stated responsibility. This authority normally is delegated by the regulatory agency on behalf of the government of the country. Since delegated responsibility always remains in full force with the delegator, the government and regulatory agency remain ultimately responsible for safe performance of the nuclear energy enterprise.