Defence in Depth in Nuclear Safety INSAG-10

Headquarters of the Agency are situated in Vienna. Its principal objective is "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world". The International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group (INSAG) is an advisory group to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose main functions are: (1) To provide a forum for the exchange of information on generic nuclear safety issues of international significance; (2) To indentify important current nuclear safety issues and to draw conclusions on the basis of the results of nuclear safety activities within the IAEA and of other information; (3) To give advice on nuclear safety issues in which an exchange of information and/or additional efforts may be required; (4) To formulate, where possible, commonly shared safety concepts. Defence in depth in nuclear safety : INSAG-10 / a report by the International Nuclear Safety Advisory group. The International Atomic Energy Agency's activities relating to nuclear safety are based upon a number of premises. First and foremost, each Member State bears full responsibility for the safety of its nuclear facilities. States can be advised, but they cannot be relieved of this responsibility. Secondly, much can be gained by exchanging experience; lessons learned can prevent accidents. Finally, the image of nuclear safety is international; a serious accident anywhere affects the public's view of nuclear power everywhere. With the intention of strengthening the IAEA's contribution to ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants, leading experts in nuclear safety were invited by the Agency to form the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group (INSAG). This group serves as a forum for the exchange of information and for the provision of advice to the IAEA on nuclear safety issues of international significance. INSAG seeks not only to identify such issues, but also to draw conclusions on the basis of research on nuclear safety and operational experience. It advises on areas where additional efforts are required. Where possible, it seeks to formulate common safety concepts. The present report deals with the concept of defence in depth in nuclear and radiation safety, discussing its objectives, strategy, implementation and future development. The report is intended for use by governmental authorities and by the nuclear industry and its supporting organizations. It is intended to stimulate discussion and to promote practical action at all levels to enhance safety. I am pleased to have received this report and am happy …