IAEA follow-up mission highlights Spain’s commitment to nuclear safety and radiological protection
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently conducted a follow-up mission in Spain that reaffirmed the country's dedication to nuclear safety and radiological protection. This mission evaluated the progress made since the 2018 review, focusing on the implementation of prior recommendations.
In 2018, the IAEA commended the expertise and commitment of personnel from various Spanish institutions, including the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and ENRESA. The agency identified the following notable achievements across these organizations:
- Developing a Human Resource Plan, including a systematic approach to training for all staff.
- Strengthening the Safety Culture of the CSN.
- Establishment of a National Radon Action Plan.
- Ensuring CSN’s collaboration with the autonomous communities.
Two good practices were also highlighted:
- The Digital Radiation Passbook, a digital platform created by CSN that provides users with real-time dose data, reduces the need for manual data input, and enables the regulator to conduct real-time statistical analyses; and
- A centralised digital dosimetry system, provided by the CSN, to be used during emergencies for real-time radiation dose monitoring of emergency workers of all off-site response organizations.
The IAEA highlighted the expertise and commitment as well as good practices of Spanish institutions
For the CSN, five key areas were highlighted for improvement:
- Establish cooperation agreements with other authorities to manage contaminated areas.
- Conduct regular self-assessments of its management system.
- Develop regulatory provisions for emergency preparedness and response.
- Engage in dialogue with the government to adjust its organizational structure as needed.
- Enhance training activities through a more systematic approach.
Since then, the CSN has actively addressed these areas, implementing concrete actions to strengthen its regulatory framework. CSN President Juan Carlos Lentijo emphasized the Council's unwavering commitment to nuclear safety and radiological protection and expressed his gratitude to all involved institutions for their dedication during the review process.
The follow-up mission encompassed a comprehensive review of various exposure scenarios, regulated facilities and activities, including nuclear power plants, waste management, medical and industrial radiation sources and emergency preparedness. The IAEA's Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) missions aim to bolster national nuclear regulatory infrastructures by leveraging IAEA safety standards and international best practices.
The follow-up mission encompassed a comprehensive review of various exposure scenarios, regulated facilities and activities
Spain's engagement with the IRRS dates back to 2008, with subsequent follow-up missions in 2011 and a combined IRRS-ARTEMIS mission in 2018. The ARTEMIS service provides expert advice on radioactive waste and spent fuel management. A follow-up to the ARTEMIS mission is scheduled for October this year.
The recent mission included experts from the IAEA and reviewers from regulatory bodies in the United States, Switzerland, Germany and France, as well as representatives from several Spanish ministries. This collaborative effort underscores Spain's ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing nuclear safety and radiological protection.
Source: CSN
