ONR publishes progress report on Fukushima 'lessons learned'

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ONR Press Release: 01.11.12

A report published today by the Office for Nuclear Regulation confirms that UK industry and other stakeholders have responded well to the lessons learned from Fukushima Dai-ichi, but there is always more work to do.
 
The independent nuclear safety and civil nuclear security regulator has conducted a thorough review of progress made in responding to the recommendations made by the UK chief nuclear inspector, Mike Weightman, in his report to Government, and to the outcomes of 'stress tests' reviews.
 
Today's publication fulfils a commitment made in October last year to provide a report on progress against 38 recommendations highlighted in Dr Weightman's report to the UK Government. It also reports on progress against findings in two 'stress test' reports  - one which was requested by the European Council, relating to nuclear power stations only, and another for all other UK facilities, undertaken at the instruction of Dr Weightman. 

Andy Hall, deputy chief inspector, said:

"All those involved have responded positively, shown commitment to addressing the issues and, importantly, have made significant progress in delivering many of the safety benefits offered by implementation of the learning from the Fukushima Dai-ichi event and the stress test reviews."

"The Office for Nuclear Regulation will continue to monitor progress, assess proposals, inspect and report on implementation through its operational regulatory programmes, and, if necessary, consider enforcement action to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented."

ONR staff have recorded almost 6,000 man days against work associated with compiling and monitoring progress on the outcomes of the three separate reports published by ONR since the Fukushima Dai-ichi event in March 2011. This is in addition to the routine yet vital regulatory activities undertaken by ONR to ensure nuclear operations in the UK are safe and secure.
 
The report is available here.

ENDS