nuclearsafety

Nuclear safety refers to the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation produced by nuclear energy, research reactors, nuclear medicine, and other uses of radioactive materials. The aim is to prevent accidents and incidents and to limit any radiological consequences through a combination of design, operation, waste management, and emergency response. Core principles include defense in depth, redundancy and diversity of safety systems, physical containment, safety margins, and a strong safety culture supported by an effective management system.

Scope covers the lifecycle of nuclear facilities and materials: siting, design, construction, operation, decommissioning of power reactors and fuel-cycle facilities; handling, transport and use of radioactive sources; and management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, along with radiation protection for workers and the public.

Regulatory frameworks rely on national regulators with independent powers to license, inspect, and enforce safety standards, guided by international bodies such as the IAEA and ICRP. International conventions and safety standards, including the Convention on Nuclear Safety and related agreements, promote harmonization and peer review. Safety analyses, licensing reviews, plant modification programs, quality assurance, and continuous improvement support oversight and accountability.

Emergency preparedness and response arrangements coordinate actions among plant operators, regulators, and authorities, with public communication and cross-border cooperation in case of radiological release. History of major accidents has driven safety enhancements in design, operation, and culture. Current challenges include aging facilities, adoption of new technologies such as small modular reactors, waste management and disposal, cyber and physical security, and extreme natural hazards.