The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has formed the International Nuclear Safety Group (INSAG) to examine and share experience of fundamental safety issues. It will provide advice and guidance on safety approaches, policies and principles at all nuclear facilities.
IAEA director general Mohamed ElBaradei, speaking in Germany last October, noted that despite continued efforts, safety incidents with similar root causes continue to occur. He went on to say: “A focused commitment is needed to ensure that lessons learned in one country are effectively and thoroughly communicated to all countries.”
Richard Meserve, the former chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, will chair the group, which draws its members from 15 nations. Meserve said the group would “work to identify major safety issues and recommend ways and means to resolve them.”
The group expects to meet twice yearly, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in Vienna in November.
