An operator's experience and lessons learned in implementation of IAEA safeguards
After 18 months and seven IAEA inspections, considerable first-hand experience has been obtained in the implementation of IAEA safeguards in a U.S. bulk-handling facility. This paper reviews the experience in the Exxon nuclear fuel fabrication plant and presents examples of lessons learned. Two important conclusions can be made at this time. First, IAEA safeguards in a low-enriched fuel fabrication plant are not overly burdensome to the plant operator. Second, inventory verification by Agency inspectors can be made to an adequate degree of exactness with a minimum random sample size using largely state-of-the-art measurements. Of high importance among the reasons for those above results is good communication between the inspectors and the operator. A cooperative, non-adversarial approach is found to offer the best chance of minimizing the burden and improving the efficiency. The unique window that the U.S. inspection effort provides should also assist materially in a better understanding in the U.S. of the IAEA's capabilities and the true burden of international safeguards.
- Research Organization:
- Exxon Nuclear Company, Inc. Richland, Washington
- OSTI ID:
- 5895232
- Journal Information:
- Nucl. Mater. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Mater. Manage.; (United States) Vol. XI:2; ISSN NUMMB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
055001* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability-- Technical Aspects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
COOPERATION
EFFICIENCY
EXXON FUEL FABRICATION FACILITY
FUEL FABRICATION PLANTS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
IAEA SAFEGUARDS
IMPLEMENTATION
INSPECTION
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PERSONNEL
PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL
SAFEGUARDS