Eighth Nuclear Regulatory Inspection Workshop

Toronto, Canada
1-3 May 2006

Scope, content and outline of the workshop

A brief overview of the concepts and issues for each of the topics is provided in the following paragraphs. Actual issues discussed during the workshop were generated by the organising committee members based on the responses submitted by participants with their registration forms. This helped ensure that issues considered most important by the workshop participants were covered during the group discussions.

How regulatory inspections can promote, or not promote, good safety culture

Strong compliance-based regulation only delivers absolute compliance. The attributes of a mature organisation are that it develops a self-learning and developing approach.

It is important that a regulatory body carries out its inspections in a way that promotes this attitude and does not inadvertently upset it.

This workshop topic was adopted to allow inspectors to discuss and determine a) where we should carry out inspection, and b) how we inspect, such that our actions and behaviour promote this positive attitude rather than disrupt it.

Inspection of interactions between the licensee and its contractors, and

The use of contractors at nuclear plants is increasing, with a possible dilution of the knowledge base. Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of maintaining a close eye on contractors. Verification steps by the regulator and licensee must be planned, controlled and evaluated. At the same time difficulties in the interaction between the regulator, licensee and contractor have been experienced. The workshop reviewed the issue and determined some commendable practices when dealing with this interface.

Future challenges for inspectors

Continuous development of nuclear activities, such as new technologies like digital I&C, organisational changes and financial effects of deregulation are some examples of current and new challenges for inspectors.

This requires continuous adjustments in the regulatory inspection programme, including the inspected items, methodologies used and required competence available to the regulator.

This process must be made possible by the country's legal regulatory system and by the guarantee of necessary resources. A regulator's self assessment programme should include the development of expertise based on investigations to define regulatory needs.

Inspectors will review the current situation and determine opportunities to address these future challenges.

Format

The formal workshop sessions were divided into an Opening Session, Discussion Sessions, Open Discussion Session (including poster exhibits by the host country) and a Closing Session. Additionally, informal opportunities were made available throughout the workshop for participants to exchange information and communicate on other inspection topics.

Opening session

This included presentations by invited speakers from both regulatory and other organisations. The lead WGIP Facilitator for each topic introduced the main topics to be addressed during the workshop, based on participant survey responses and WGIP discussions.

Discussion sessions (three half-day sessions)

Participants were divided into smaller groups to discuss one of the main topics. A trained facilitator and recorder worked with each group to stimulate and encourage discussions. Based on experience at previous workshops, each group remained the same throughout these sessions, although facilitators were rotated to enhance the exchanges of information. Each group was expected to develop a list of conclusions and recommendations for the topics under discussion.

As a result of previous workshops, most participants commented that advance information is very valuable to the discussions.

Open discussion session

Prior to the closing session an open informal discussion (morning) session will be held. Participants will be given the opportunity to discuss and review all of the workshop topics in an informal setting. This may include poster sessions or short presentation on selected related topics arranged by the workshop host, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Closing session

One facilitator from each topic presented the conclusions and proposed commendable practices that were developed by their respective groups. A panel discussion including all facilitators and recorders for the topic answered questions from the audience. Following the presentations, there was an open panel discussion on the results of the workshop.

CNRA Working Group on Inspection Practices