The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has responded to recent statements regarding the regulatory overseeing of the construction of the replacement research reactor (RRR) by emphasising that all components must meet the regulator’s requirements before they are put to use.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) issued a licence for the construction of the RRR in April. This licence committed ANSTO and its contractors to meeting specific engineering and international safety standards.
In addition, ARPANSA reviews each work package in the construction, in accordance with its Act. This review occurs before construction of the particular item begins.
"There is nothing unusual in ARPANSA issuing additional licence conditions at this stage of the construction process," ANSTO CEO Professor Helen Garnett said. "It was expected that there would be additional conditions and this does not warrant the undue attention it appears to be attracting.
"ARPANSA may deem it desirable to request measures that go beyond the standards, such as additional inspections, or it may require its interpretation of a standard to be met. ANSTO and its contractors accept these and integrate them into the construction process. ANSTO and its contractors have developed quality assurance processes to ensure that ARPANSA’s conditions are met and these are regularly reviewed.
"In any complex engineering project such as this one, there will be instances where one or another party raises questions on the paperwork process and the detailed procedures. This is normal and not a cause for concern," Professor Garnett added.
ANSTO emphasised that there is no basis for questioning the quality of workmanship in components that have been used in the construction of the reactor.
"ANSTO, its contractors and ARPANSA are all committed to delivering a safe research reactor," Professor Garnett stated. RRR construction is due to be completed in 2005. It is currently in the civil construction phase, which will continue throughout 2003.