Framework for Implementation
Areas of Competency
The areas of competency (at the specialized knowledge level) are identified according to the structure of the IAEA Safety Standards to emphasize the fact that all the training provided by the IAEA is based on international standards and recognized international practices. Member States are expected to follow the same approach when providing nuclear safety training.
At the level of basic knowledge, training is intended to provide a broad overview of nuclear safety concepts and their application to NPP and RR design and operation. Its nature and scope are primarily oriented to junior professionals recently involved in nuclear safety related activities. It is also appropriate for some highly specialized professionals who lack a broader view of nuclear safety. The Basic Professional Training Course (BPTC) is the main course to be offered at this level. This course is unique and fulfils a recognized gap in the education and training of nuclear safety worldwide. Versions for different reactor types and translation to different languages are envisaged.
Recent experience indicates the need to provide some academic education in fundamentals of nuclear engineering, including basic topics such as reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, instrumentation and control, materials, reactor technology, etc. That level of knowledge is essential for students who want to enroll in the BPTC. This training is essential to those engaged in the nuclear safety field and is increasingly difficult to obtain due to the phasing out of nuclear engineering programmes in many universities worldwide. The use of distance learning tools for self-study is attractive and work is underway.
At the level of specialized knowledge, standard training courses are offered in all areas of competency. Target groups are technical staff of the regulatory bodies, technical support organizations, NPP operators, RR operators and users, scientific personnel from research institutes, and educators. Textbooks for some of these courses have been drafted others need to be developed.
At a more specific expert level, workshops are generally preferred as they provide more appropriate conditions for an effective exchange of information and experience among practitioners. Some topical courses and workshops at this level are also indicated in Fig. 1(see below).
The framework for education and training is complemented by opportunities for practical on-the-job training awarded as Scientific Visits and Fellowships by the IAEA on a case-by-case basis. This form of training, normally in a host country, depends on acceptance by this country and is considered in cases where the other training opportunities have been exhausted.
A complementary and highly effective form of delivering training and exchange of experience among practitioners is that of offering workshops in the frame of the IAEA safety services. This type of training is of immediate use in activities related to self-assessment. Training courses are an integral part of some safety services and associated seminars and workshops.
Framework for Education and Training on Nuclear Safety
| Primary audience: | Regulatory body staff | Technical support organizations | Operators and utility staff | Research reactor organizations & educators |
| Basic knowledge | Basic Professional Training Course on Nuclear Safety Video lecture series on basic concepts, safety assessment, operational safety and managerial safety |
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| Fundamentals of nuclear engineering Modules/self-study on reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and basic safety concepts |
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| Specialized knowledge |
Standard training courses and lectures on IAEA Safety Standards: |
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| Regulatory control of NPPs (RC) | Safety assessment of NPPs (SA) | Operational safety of NPPS (OS) | Safety of research reactors (RR) | |
| Specific expert knowledge | Tailor-made workshops on developing safety issues from IAEA safety standards on: | |||
| Regulatory control of NPPs (RC) | Safety assessment of NPPs (SA) | Operational safety of NPPS (OS) | Safety of research reactors (RR) | |
| Practical experience | On-the-job training Scientific visits, fellowships, observers in IAEA safety review missions |
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For further information please contact Christer Viktorsson.
