LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE OPERATIONAL SAFETY REVIEW MISSIONS OSART

The IAEA Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) programme provides advice and assistance to Member States in enhancing the operational safety of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Careful design and high quality of construction are prerequisites for a safe nuclear power plant. However, a plant's safety depends ultimately on the ability and conscientiousness of the operating personnel and on the plant programmes, processes and working methods. An OSART mission reviews a facility's operational performance against IAEA Safety Standards and proven good international practices. OSART reviews are available to all countries with nuclear power plants in operation, and also approaching operation, commissioning or in earlier stages of construction (Pre-OSART). Follow-up visit is a standard part of the OSART programme and are conducted between 12 to 18 months following the OSART mission. This paper highlights the most significant findings from missions conducted during the period 2010-2012.