AERB sets 2015 deadline for additional safety measures in N-plants

Kancheepuram: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has set December 2015 as the deadline for nuclear units in the country for putting in place additional safety measures recommended by it. [caption id=“attachment_1759437” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] After the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, an extensive audit was carried out by Board (AERB) and three categories of safety protocols were mandated for nuclear installations here - short term, mid-term and long-term, Board Chairman SS Bajaj said. The short and mid-term measures have been completed and the long-term measures would also be met, he told reporters after inaugurating the ‘31st Safety and Occupational Health Professionals Meet’ on Bharathiya Nabhikiya Vidhyuth Nigam (BHAVINI) premises at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. Referring to the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, BHAVINI Chairman Prabhath Kumar said complying with safety norms was seen to be more pressing than achieving criticality. These have to be complied with, and only then can the loading of the 500MW PFBR with Liquid Sodium commence,he said. He said phases attending the loading include synchronisation of conventional auxiliary systems followed by switchyard for power transmission. These would follow in a phased manner and criticality itself can be attained in six months time, he added. BHAVINI, a public sector undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy, has built the PFBR at Kalpakkam, 60 km from Chennai. PTI