IAEA assesses prerequisites for start of safe operation of Olkiluoto 3 EPR plant unit

23.3.2018

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded a pre-OSART mission at the Olkiluoto 3 EPR (OL3) plant unit, reviewing the prerequisites for safe operation at the unit. The review process, which took a total of 18 days, focused on operations that are in the core of the operational safety of OL3.

The team which consisted of 11 experts identified numerous good practices at OL3, such as the development of personnel competence and systematic methods for the assessment of safety culture during construction and commissioning. The solids analysis methods utilising a microscope, an imaging program and digital camera technology were commended, as well.

The team also provided recommendations for the development of the operational safety of the plant. For example, the expectations of TVO Group should be set and communicated to the personnel more clearly. The effectiveness of FME (Foreign Material Exclusion) controls should be improved. Practices related to fire protection are also in need of further development.

The team consisted of experts from Belgium, China, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

- Pre-OSART provides a great opportunity to have international top experts come to Olkiluoto to carry out an independent review of the safety of our new plant. Following the principle of continuous improvement, we are going to take the development suggestions made as a result of the process into account in our operation, says Marjo Mustonen, Senior Vice President, Production.

IAEA will return in Olkiluoto within 18 months of the completion of pre-OSART to evaluate the effectiveness of the action taken.

OSART
An OSART mission is a review process designed for the development of operational safety at nuclear power plants. The review does not replace regulatory inspections, and no opinions are given on the plant technology. The objective of the reviews is to enhance operational safety. Safety is assessed objectively based on IAEA’s safety standards, and suggestions are made for improvements, where necessary. The OSART programme started in 1982, and the OSART mission at OL3, which had been requested by the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, was the 201st review in this programme.

More information about the OSART missions is available on IAEA’s website.

For further information, please contact:
Marjo Mustonen, SVP, Production, TVO, Tel. +358 (0)2 8381 2100

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