IAEAsikkerhetsstandarder

The IAEA safety standards are a set of internationally recognized guidelines developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure the safe use of nuclear technology. They provide a framework for the protection of people, the environment and safeguards for nuclear material used in peaceful applications. The standards cover all stages of a nuclear facility’s lifecycle, from design and construction through operation, decommissioning and eventual disposal.

The core of the safety standards is the Safety Standards Series (SSS), which is structured into hierarchical levels. Level 1 establishes the safety principles, Level 2 defines safety objectives and requirements, Level 3 details the expected safety performance in operational contexts, and Level 4 provides guidance on specific technical measures. The SSS is complemented by an Expressive Standard on the application of the safety principles, and additional guidance documents that address specific technologies or operational scenarios.

IAEA safety standards are intended for use by Member States as part of their national regulatory frameworks. The Agency also provides assistance in implementing the standards through training, technical cooperation, and inspections. The standards are periodically updated to reflect advances in technology, new scientific information, and lessons learned from operational experience. The most recent revision of the SSS was promulgated in 2022, incorporated recent developments in radiation protection and advanced reactor design.

Implementation of these standards is considered essential for maintaining public confidence in nuclear activities and for meeting international commitments to nuclear safety and security. The IAEA promotes adoption through its Standard Safety Review Guide, which audits the adequacy of a country’s regulatory scheme against the SSS. The global uptake of IAEA safety standards has resulted in harmonised safety requirements and consistent risk assessment practices across a wide range of nuclear applications.