The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed the safety evaluation of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station in Japan, the agency announced on Monday.
The IAEA led an international team of nuclear experts who looked over the practices of the plant and its staff over a 14-day period. Following the conclusion of their review, they commended several practices of the plant and put suggestions forward in order to reinforce and enhance current plant safety measures.
The Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) stated that among the measures that work well for the plant is the plant’s undertaking of comprehensive defensive measures immediately following the disaster that took place at the Fukushima Daiichi caused by an earthquake and tsunami. They also commended the plant’s establishment of control over combustible materials and the frequent drills that take place.
Among the team’s recommendations for improvement are implementing clear documentation and integration of emergency plans, systems that can gather operational data and accident management guidance toward all potential events with regard to spent nuclear fuel and other waste.
OSART’s review covered areas of management and leadership, operating experience, emergency preparedness and issues relating to radiation protection and severe accident management.
The team consisted of representatives from the U.S., Canada, France, Sweden and Finland, among others.
