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Any company seeking to manufacture parts, components or systems for future South African nuclear plants will have to meet the requirements of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR). "We set safety standards," NNR special nuclear projects coordinator Peter Bester told the Nuclear Industries Association of South Africa nuclear compliance workshop on Friday.
The NNR has regulatory oversight over nuclear manufacturing as well as nuclear design, siting and construction. There are different levels of safety for different elements of a nuclear plant, dependent on their situation, role and importance. The safety requirements for non-nuclear parts of the plant are not as high as those for the nuclear element. "Before you [the manufacturer] do anything, we need to agree on the safety context," he cautioned.
"South Africa does not have national nuclear industry codes and standards," he pointed out. "The NNR is therefore nonprescriptive when it comes to the use of industry codes and standards. Generally, we require well-proven codes and standards." These would usually be those of the nuclear technology vendor country, but the company would still have to show that these codes and standards align with the NNR's requirements and local conditions.
All organisations involved in the entire life cycle of a nuclear plant, whose activities, components, systems or constructions could have an influence on the nuclear and radiation safety of the plant, must adhere to the NNR's regulations. The vendors, manufacturers and operators are primarily responsible for safety in nuclear plants.
Nuclear suppliers and manufacturers must have an integrated management system. That is, a system in which quality control, safety and compliance are an integral part of the company and especially management culture. "We were the first country to insist on integrated management for nuclear facilities -- even before the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency]," highlighted Bester.
The aim is to prevent accidents or, if an accident occurs, to minimize its impact on the workforce, public and environment, both on-site and off-site, particularly with regard to radiation exposure. "That's why there are specific codes for nuclear components."
"Nuclear facilities should, therefore, be soundly and conservatively designed, constructed, maintained and operated in accordance with appropriate quality levels and engineering practices," he affirmed. "Authorisation to Manufacture is required. Typically, this is included with the Authorisation for Construction." The relevant documents must be submitted by the manufacturer to the NNR before authorisation can be given. (Manufacture of long-lead items can be given pre-authorisation approval.) The NNR can require a company to be audited or carry out an audit itself.