epr-method (2003) - IAEA Publications - International Atomic Energy ...

A3 - TAKING MITIGATORY ACTION Threat category Responsibility
Elements I II III IV V O L N
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A3.5 Arrange for the operator to take mitigatory action to prevent escalation of the threat, return the facility to
a safe and stable state, reduce the potential for releases of radioactive material or exposures, and mitigate the
consequences of any actual releases or exposures. In developing these arrangements take into account: the
necessary operational actions; operational information needs; workload and conditions of the operational staff
(such as in the control room); responder actions necessary in the facility; conditions in the facility where
responder actions are necessary; and the response of personnel, instrumentation and systems of the facility
under emergency conditions. Include emergency operating procedures and information for mitigatory action
for severe conditions by the operator, for the full range of emergencies, including accidents beyond the design
basis (4.39).
This should be consistent with Ref. [26] and include emergency operating procedures and severe accident
guidelines for operator response to severe emergencies. Through the procedures, monitor the symptoms that
indicate success or failure of key functions (e.g. to protect fission product barriers) critical to the protection
of workers, the public and the environment. The procedures should state the immediate action to be taken to
restore the performance of the functions whenever a symptom indicates that these functions have been lost,
degraded or threatened. They should be usable under emergency conditions (see Elements B4.9, B4.10)
A3.6 Arrange to provide technical assistance to the operational staff. Make teams available for mitigating the
consequences of an emergency (e.g. damage control, fire fighting) in the facility. Needed equipment should be
placed at the most suitable location to ensure its ready availability at the time of need and to allow human
access to it in the anticipated emergency or environmental conditions. Provide personnel directing mitigatory
actions with an operating environment, information and technical assistance that allow them to take effective
action to mitigate the consequences of the event. Ensure that support can be obtained promptly for police,
medical and fire fighting services from off the site. Afford off-site support personnel access to the facility and
inform them of on-site conditions and the necessary protective actions (4.40).
Establish a technical assessment group outside the control room with a communications link to the operating
staff. If on site, locate it in a technical support centre (TSC) capable of being staffed under emergency
conditions (see Appendix 14). Make provisions to access key sources of technical support, including the
designer or builder of the facility. Ensure that information crucial to the implementation of accident
management procedures, technical assessment, classification and accident mitigation is available/displayed