CRA Hosts Nuclear Institute Young Generation Network (YGN) Rough Guide to Nuclear Safety and Regulation 2010

On the 8th/9th November 2010 Corporate Risk Associates (CRA) hosted the inaugural YGN Rough Guide to Nuclear Safety and Regulation with 30 young engineers participating. The venue was the Preston Cross Hotel in Bookham, Surrey.

The key aim of this event was to introduce safety assurance and regulation with a focus on the nuclear industry in the UK. It also provided an international perspective on safety and regulation in this as well as in other industries.  Presentations on the first day were delivered on behalf of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII), International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA), World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), the Environment Agency (EA), the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), and Magnox South.

Safety cases and emergency planning workshops were run by CRA chief consultants Colin Taylor and Professor Paul Leonard respectively, these being designed to provide delegates with an opportunity to apply the principles presented throughout the day, adding active and practical aspects to the sessions.  The first day concluded with convivial drinks and a pleasant dinner.

Day 2 of the Rough Guide was a site visit to EdF’s Dungeness B Nuclear Power Station in Kent (DNB).  Delegates visited both the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) and the Central Control Room Simulator (CCRS).  DNB staff illustrated DNB’s response to a nuclear emergency by outlining scenarios in the CCRS and the ECC similar to those run during their emergency exercises. Station Director Graham Finn and Technical and Safety Manager Chris Hall joined delegates during lunch, answering questions on DNB and on their approach to safety.  This Q&A session, coupled with the ECC and CCRS visits, helped to build upon the theoretical basis of day one. Day 2 provided a ‘real world’ perspective to the course, allowing delegates to see how nuclear safety is ensured at a British nuclear facility, and to appreciate the impact of real life considerations such as dealing with the media and the public, ascertaining the whereabouts of station personnel, and nuclear security considerations.

The successful first YGN Rough Guide gave delegates a sound introduction to the application and regulation of safety in the nuclear and other industries, both in the UK and internationally.  By combining theoretical and practical elements the event delivered a course that not only informed the delegates, but also provided a glimpse into the realities of applying theory to real life situations.