PROSPER guidelines - Nuclear Safety and Security - IAEA

2.3. STRATEGY
To provide timely identification, analysis and correction of adverse deviating conditions
important to NPP safety, it is desirable that utility/NPP operators have in place a systematic
OE process. The deviating conditions addressed by the OE process ranges from significant to
near miss events and thus allow for the correction of initiators and prevention of their
recurrence, which could lead to significant safety events. The OE process also includes a
feedback mechanism to correct minor OE process deficiencies, which will then contribute to
improved safety performance.
2.3.1. Attributes
The utility/NPP operator takes account of regulatory policy and guidance when establishing
and implementing an OE process. The regulatory requirements or guidelines are regarded as
minimum criteria.
In order that the OE process is effectively managed and retains credibility, the utility/NPP
must make a positive commitment to its implementation and execution. The overall aim of the
OE process is set out in a clear policy statement which commits the utility/NPP to the
enhancing the prevention of events important to safety, i.e. the required capability of Process
and activities to identify, analyse and eliminate latent weaknesses and hence prevent
recurrence.
Due account is taken of any available national and international guidance including the IAEA
Safety Standards and good practices in the OE process management.
The scope of the OE process is clearly defined and includes the identification of unresolved
safety issues of a generic nature.
2.3.2. Documentation
a) regulatory policy and requirements (nuclear, health and safety, environmental, etc.)
b) international guidelines (IAEA, WANO, INPO, NEA, etc.)
c) operational experience review policy of the utility/NPP
d) reporting criteria (regulatory, utility, plant).
2.3.2. Self-assessment review topics
a) Is the policy of the nuclear safety regulatory authority on operational experience review
complied within the written plant guidance documentation?
b) Are any additional regulatory requirements and guidance provided by other bodies
(environmental, health and safety, etc.) included in the written plant guidance
documentation?
c) Within the operational experience review policy documentation of the NPP, are there clear
policy statements regarding:
• the use of OE results;
• the operator’s commitment to the OE process;
• regular effectiveness reviews (e.g. monthly) and self-assessments (e.g. yearly);
• the operator’s intent to continuously improve performance through the use of OE
review.
8