While at the site, the OSART members write technical notes on their observations and conclusions. These notes are the preliminary report of mission results to the host plant and are discussed in detail with the plant counterparts. They are also the basis for the oral presentation at the exit meeting at the conclusion of a mission. The technical notes are presented to the plant management before the team leaves. These technical notes are not the official report and are provided only to the host plant. They form the basis of the official report prepared by the team leader after each mission. This report summarizes the team's observations and conclusions, and includes reference to all recommendations and good practices identified by the team.
Before the official report is finalized, the utility and regulatory authority concerned are given the opportunity to provide comments. The approved official report is then submitted through official channels to the Member State that requested the OSART. The distribution of each official report is initially restricted to the IAEA, the members of the OSART team and the utility and regulatory authority involved. Any further distribution at this time is at the discretion of the Member State. Ninety days after the official report is issued, it is automatically derestricted and made available for release to the public unless the host country requests otherwise. Alternative reporting arrangements may be possible if requested by the host country. (Click here to view photo.)
The results of follow-up visits are reported in a similar manner, with technical notes being presented to the plant management before the team leaves the site. An official detailed report is then prepared, using the detailed findings of the original mission augmented with the results of the follow-up visit. Publication of the official detailed report proceeds as before with an opportunity for the host country to comment, followed by initial restricted distribution and automatic derestriction after 90 days unless the host country indicates otherwise. Since 1986, most of the OSART reports have been derestricted and are available to interested individuals and organizations.
Summaries of OSART missions results and good practices from 1983 have been published in the following documents: OSART Results, IAEA TECDOC-458 (1986-87); OSART Results II, IAEA TECDOC-497 (1987-88); OSART Mission Highlights, TECDOC-570 (1988-89) and OSART Mission Highlights, TECDOC-681 (1989-90). OSART Mission Highlights for 1991-92 was published in Spring 1995.
In addition, a database has been developed, which contains the major results of all OSART missions from 1991 onwards and their follow-up visits. The database can, for example, provide information on OSART results for specific review areas and individual topics within those review areas for all OSARTs since 1991. This will enhance results and maximize their application in the industry. The database is continuously updated with the results of OSARTs and the active database comprises ongoing records for the most current five year period. This data can be obtained by contacting the Nuclear Power Plant Operational Safety Services Section of the Division of Nuclear Safety.