27 Apr (NucNet): Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) needs to attract competent and experienced staff, and develop skills relevant to nuclear and radiation safety through education, training, research and increased international cooperation, according to the text of an International Atomic Energy Agency report released by the NRA.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission report says Japan must amend relevant legislation with the aim of allowing the NRA to improve the effectiveness of its inspections.
The report says authorities should continue and strengthen the promotion of safety culture including “a questioning attitude”.
The NRA has demonstrated independence and transparency since it was set up in 2012, but needs to further strengthen its technical competence in light of the planned restart of nuclear reactors following the March 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi accident, the report says.
Greater priority needs to be given to the oversight of the implementation of radiation protection measures, and requirements and guidance need to be developed for emergency preparedness and response.
In January 2016 the IRRS team carried out a 12-day mission to assess Japan’s regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety, which was modified following the Fukushima-Daiichi accident.
The modifications included the establishment of the NRA.
The report is online: http://bit.ly/21f60TX
