Over the past several decades the IAEA has utilized the technical expertise of its member states to formulate and publish standards related to all aspects of nuclear reactor safety. These standards can be used immediately by the regulatory authorities of member states, to establish their own unique safety regulations as befit their unique circumstances and to incorporate these regulations, as desired, into their national governance structure.

The standards and guides developed by the IAEA have been augmented over the years by the work and publications of the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group, appointed by the Agency’s Director General.

Because of their concise format and their high standard of intellectual integrity, this summary of the international safety regime uses these INSAG documents as the primary source of guidance to new plant users.