An International Atomic Energy Agency inspection team leader commended the Institute for Energy Technology's (IFE) commitment to safety at the JEEP II 2000 kW reactor 20 miles north of Oslo, Norway, but also noted that further improvements were needed at the research plant.
“IFE Shows a commitment to safety and has initiated several activities to develop and maintain a strong culture for safety,” said Amgad Shokr, who lead the eight-member IAEA Integrated Safety Assessment for Research Reactors (INSARR) team during a week long inspection of the facility.
“IFE has also made good progress in establishing an effective program for the refurbishment and modernization of the reactor system,” said Shokr. “In the meantime, there is a need for further improvements in these areas as well as in areas related to training and qualification, safety documentation, operational radiation protection and operating instructions.”
The team's report on the inspection called safety conditions at the plant “inadequate,” according to the NRK news agency from Norway, The IAEA did not use the word “inadequate” in its website write up of the team's visit to the plant.
The INSARR team, consisting of experts from Argentina, Australia, France, the Netherlands and South Africa, plus three IAEA officials, cited 30 shortcomings at the plant, Sputnik reported.
The IAEA write up noted improvements needed in 1) Strengthening the reactor's operational organizational structure by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of staff to avoid potential conflict of duties and authorities, assigning a radiation protection officer dedicated to the reactor and establishing a JEEP II safety committee. 2) Developing further an integrated management system that supports continuous development and maintenance of a strong culture for safety, particularly in view of IFE restructuring under consideration. 3) Establishing a formal continuing training program for reactor staff. 4) Enhancing the operational radiation protection program through improvement to existing radiation monitoring practices. 5) Completing the revision of the reactor safety and operating documents to reflect recent reactor refurbishment and modifications.