Optimization of testing and maintenance of safety related equipment: An IAEA research project

This paper presents an outline of an IAEA Go-ordinated Research Project (CRP) on "Development of methodologies for optimization of surveillance testing and maintenance of safety related equipment at NPPs". It describes the CRP ultimate aims, its objectives, scope of activities and technical areas covered by the 16 research groups. It also presents a brief discussion on the role of maintenance optimization processes in NPP safety management. Finally, it provides some preliminary lessons learned and open issues for further development. An accompanying paper "Methods for testing and maintenance of safety related equipment: examples from an IAEA research project:" provides more detailed information on the technical work being developed during this IAEA project.