Task forces suggest changes in safety norms at N-plants

Four task forces appointed by the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) have recommended sweeping changes in the existing safety applications at the country’s 20-odd nuclear plants and also those in the pipeline. These task forces, formed after the recent nuclear disaster in Japan to revisit safety measures, operating as well as emergency operating measures at the nuclear plants, on Tuesday submitted their findings to NPC Chairman and Managing Director S K Jain.

“Major recommendations were made with regard to upgrading and strengthening the cooling system, a provision of mobile generators and water capacity and installation of alarm systems at coastal nuclear power plants. There will not be any shortcut to safety, as it continues to be quite crucial in the development and operation of nuclear plants in the country,” an NPC official, who did not want to be quoted, told Business Standard.

The official recalled that after the nuclear disaster in Japan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee had said noted safety applications would be strengthened even though it would require additional cost. The NPC official reiterated that safety management and safety culture were important issues in activities related to nuclear and radiation facilities.

The task forces have suggested that there should be a provision of direct hook-up of external water sources to provide emergency cooling for removing decay heat. Besides, mobile generators and a mobile water capacity should be made available at the nuclear plants so that if all other systems fail they can be used for pushing water for cooling the reactors.