The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) will conduct a nuclear regulatory emergency exercise at NECSA’S Pelindaba site on 22 October, 2009. This regulatory emergency exercise is undertaken to ensure that NECSA and the local authorities can respond adequately towards a simulated nuclear accident scenario, and also to ensure that adequate provisions for emergency planning and preparedness are in place by the nuclear authorisation holder. Participants in this exercise will include NECSA, Madibeng Disaster Management, representatives from national and local government, members of the public, the media and the NNR.
According to the NNR’s acting CEO, Mr Guy Clapisson “the main objective of this regulatory emergency exercise is to validate NECSA’S plans and procedures and to test its performance in terms of emergency planning and preparedness. This exercise will also provide us with an opportunity for training in a realistic situation and explore and test new concepts and ideas for emergency arrangements.”
One of the statutory functions of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is to establish or adopt standards of safety and implement regulatory oversight in the development and application of nuclear energy in South Africa. In terms of the NNR Act No.47 of 1999, the NNR is required to ensure that the holder of a nuclear authorisation, in this instance NECSA, establishes an integrated emergency plan which is effective in dealing with potential nuclear and radiological emergencies. To this end the NNR conducts announced and unannounced emergency exercises to ensure compliance with the authorisation holders licence conditions and assesses the practical effectiveness of the emergency plan.
The role of the NNR in the event of a nuclear emergency
If a nuclear accident occurs the holder of the nuclear authorisation must report it to the NNR. The NNR will;
• investigate such accidents and its causes, circumstances and effects;
• define particulars of the period and the area within which, the risk of nuclear damage connected with the accident exceeds the limitations for public exposure via all pathways.
• direct the holder of the nuclear authorisation to obtain names, addresses and identity numbers of all persons who were within that area during that period;
For more information contact:
Gino Moonsamy
Manager: Stakeholder Communications
Tel: +27 12 674 7844 Mobile: 082 535 5365 Fax: +27 12 663 5513
Email:gmoonsamy@nnr.co.za Web: www.nnr.co.za |
|
|
|