Various types of missions are available within the OSART programme. The scope and depth is decided during a preparatory visit and can be tailored to the desires of the host country and the needs of the plant. The most common missions are `full scope' covering all of the areas applicable to the mission type, as outlined below.
OSART teams also specifically review the safety culture at each plant visited. Safety culture is defined as that assembly of characteristics and attitudes in organizations and individuals which establishes that, as an overriding priority, nuclear plant safety issues receive the attention warranted by their significance. At the conclusion of each mission, an assessment of the safety culture at the plant is included in the report of the mission. (Click here to view photo).
During 1995, the following types of missions were available:
OSART missions to plants in operation
OSART missions can be conducted at any time after a plant is placed in commercial operation. They are not normally conducted during the first year of operation, nor until completion of the first refuelling cycle outage for light water reactors. These missions focus on the performance of management processes and plant personnel in achieving safe operation. OSART missions usually review performance in the eight areas shown below. They can cover fewer areas, but must include the first five areas in order to provide an overview of plant safety and performance.
Pre-OSART missions to plants under construction/commissioning
Pre-Operation Safety Review Team (Pre-OSART) missions are conducted during the construction and commissioning phase of a plant's life. The purpose of these missions is to assist the utility in achieving high standards of engineering and construction and to help ensure effective preparations for commissioning and operations. The areas reviewed are based on the status of the plant with regard to construction and commissioning. Pre-OSARTs which are conducted close to the time of initial startup normally review the same areas as a regular OSART mission plus commissioning activities. Pre-OSARTS conducted earlier in the construction phase normally review the following areas:
Safety Review missions consist of a regular OSART mission, combined with an in-depth examination of design features most closely related to safe and reliable operation. These missions were developed to assist nuclear plants in addressing both human performance issues and recognized design weaknesses in an integrated way.
Technical Exchange missions to power plants under construction or in operation
The term Technical Exchange is used to describe missions other than those already defined. To date, seven Technical Exchange missions have been conducted. A limited number of areas are reviewed, focussing on specific topics. In each case, the depth and scope of review is carried out in accordance with the wishes of the host country and the needs of the host plant. However, since the scope of Technical Exchange missions is limited, they are not intended to provide comprehensive information on operational safety other than for the topics covered.
Follow-up Visits
Follow-up visits are carried out at the request of the host country approximately one year to eighteen months after an OSART mission. They have become so universally requested that they are now considered an integral part of the OSART process. Their purpose is to provide an independent assessment of progress in the resolution of issues identified in the OSART mission. There is also opportunity to assist with the clarification of issues and their resolution where necessary. Follow-up visits also help the IAEA measure the effectiveness of the OSART programme and provide information that can be shared with the nuclear industry on the successful resolution of problems.