Abstract:
This paper discusses the review methods used by assessors of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) in advising the CEO of ARPANSA on the application to by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for a facility licence authorising it to operate the OPAL reactor. It focuses on an aspect of that review that considered the operational readiness demonstrated by ANSTO in relation to the OPAL reactor. The review involved the systematic audit and assessment of the OPAL Business Management System against a comprehensive set of guidelines which were previously avaliable to ANSTO. Assessment was also undertaken against international standards, principally the IAEA Safety Series. The paper concludes that there is benefit to the assessment of nuclear and radiation safety of a regulator gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the business management system implemented by the operating organisation. This benefit extends beyond the licensing decision into operation using targeted inspection and informed application of regulatory check and balances.