REPORT 2008 - Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority Report-2008.pdf · PAKISTAN NUCLEAR REGULATORY...

PAKISTAN NUCLEAR REGULATORY AUTHORITY

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Mr. Jamshed Azim Hashmi (Chairman)

Mr. Mohammad Shakilur Rahman

Mr. M. Anwar Habib

Lt. Gen. Khalid Ahmed Kidwai

Dr. Inam-ur-Rahman

Dr. Qazi Abdus Saboor

Mr. Asif Shuja Khan

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali Maud

Mr. Zia-ul-Hassan Siddiqui

Prof. Dr. Inayat Shah Roghani

Mr. Anwar Ali*

Dr. Younus Sheikh*

Mr. Jawad Azim Hashimi*

Syed Badshah Husain*

PRESENT AND FORMER

MEMBERS OF PNRA

* Former Member

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Message from the Chairman

It is a pleasure to address you through this report, which is my last as the Chairman of PNRA. On thecompletion of my tenure of eight (08) years, I would like to thank all of my colleagues andstakeholders who have helped me in effectively performing my duties as the chief nuclear regulatorof the country.

I must say that PNRA has faced many challenges—of resources, of independence and ofcompetency building—but our team has responded ably to meet these challenges. I would like totake this opportunity to point out that many challenges still remain to be addressed. There is a needfor continuous vigilance about our performance as a regulator. We also need to address the issue ofresource management and career planning of our younger officers, whose number has increasedfrom a few to around 200 in the last eight years.

The ability to make competent regulatory decisions based on sound technical grounds and free fromthe influence of politics, personal preference, or other interests that may conflict with safety requiresleadership at all levels of the organization. Leaders are not born but are developed through carefulgrooming and planning, and this development needs to start early in the career of an employee. In2008, PNRA has initiated a Leadership Development Program in collaboration with the LahoreUniversity of Management Sciences. The program will help in identifying and grooming futureleaders of PNRA. Our leadership development framework consists of 4Cs and 1P:

Competence

Compassion

Credibility –

Consistency –

Passion –

This leadership framework of PNRA has gained international recognition and appreciation and isexpected to be adopted as the international model for leadership development within regulatorybodies. I sincerely believe that this program should continue with its current vigour as it will helpPNRA in grooming its future leaders and equipping them with the technical as well as leadershipcompetency to take up the regulatory challenges of the 21st century.

In the end, I will only emphasise that PNRA should continue to focus its efforts to: “Become a worldclass regulatory body with highly trained, competent and dedicated personnel working in unisonwith zeal to foster a positive safety culture in their licensee.”

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– having the ability to make competent regulatory decisions based on safety fromtechnically sound and objective position.

– being caring, willing to motivate, and capable of counselling, coaching andmentoring.

being reliable, professional and authentic while dealing with licensees andstakeholders.

being consistent in decision making and achieving targets, and energetic forachieving objectives.

having heartfelt, deep and authentic excitement about our stakeholders, the professionand PNRA.

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ACIURI Advisory Committee on Improving Utility-Regulatory Interface, PNRA

ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable

C-1 Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1




CNPO China Nuclear Power Operation Technology Corporation

CNS Centre for Nuclear Safety, PNRA

COMTEX Communication Test Exercise

ConvEx Conventional Exercise

DNSRP Directorate of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection

HMC Heavy Mechanical Complex

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency

JTS PNRA-PAEC Joint Technical Study Program

K-1 Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 1

K-2 Karachi Nuclear Power Project, Unit 2

KINPOE Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering

LUMS Lahore University of Management Sciences

MRML Mobile Radiological Monitoring Laboratory

MWe Megawatt-electric

NDPCL National Dosimetry and Protection Level Calibration Laboratory

NERS Network of Regulators of Countries with Small Nuclear Programs

NERSP National Environmental Radioactivity Surveillance Program

NNSA National Nuclear Safety Administration, China

NOC No Objection Certificate

NRECC National Radiation Emergency Coordination Centre, PNRA

NuSECC Nuclear Security Emergency Coordination Centre, PNRA

PAEC Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission

PARR Pakistan Atomic Research Reactor

PHWR Pressurized-heavy-water Reactor

PIEAS Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences

PINSTECH Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology

PNRA Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority

PSDP Public Sector Development Programme

PWR Pressurized-water Reactor

RANET Response Assistance Network, IAEA

RNSD Regional Nuclear Safety Directorate, PNRA

RSD Directorate for Radiation Safety, PNRA

SNRS School of Nuclear and Radiation Safety, PNRA

SRS Sealed Radiation Sources

TRANSSC Transport Safety Standards Committee

UNSCEAR United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiations

WSD Waste Safety Directorate, PNRA

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Contents

1. Introduction and Background .............................................................. 01

2. Regulatory Framework ...........................................................................05

3. Nuclear Safety........................................................................................06

4. Radiation Safety......................................................................................10

5. Radioactive Waste And Transport Safety..............................................13

6. Emergency Preparedness .......................................................................14

7. National and International Cooperation ..............................................17

8. Striving for Continuous Improvement...................................................21

Responsibilities, Functions and Organizational Structure............................01

Highlights of Previous Report ..........................................................................01

Major Activities in 2008.....................................................................................02

Regulations.........................................................................................................05

Regulatory Guides ..............................................................................................05

Review and Assessment.......................................................................................06

Licensing of Operating Personnel.....................................................................07

Inspection of Nuclear Installations.................................................................08


Licensing of Radiation Facilities ........................................................................11

Authorization for Import and Export of Radiation Sources and Equipment...11

National Dosimetry and Protection Level Calibration Laboratory ................11

Inspection Activities...........................................................................................12

National Policy on Radioactive Waste ...............................................................13


Inspection of Waste Management and Disposal ................................................13

Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials .........................................................13

Regulatory Aspect..............................................................................................14

Plans and Drills .................................................................................................14

National Radiation Emergency Coordination Centre .......................................14

Progress under the Nuclear Security Action Plan .........................................15

Registration with RANET ....................................................................................15

Training of Medical Professionals in Handling of Radiation Injuries.............15

National Linkages ...............................................................................................17

International Cooperation ................................................................................19

Progress at the Centre for Nuclear Safety.....................................................21

Developing the Next Generation of Regulators...............................................22

Research and Development ................................................................................22

Monitoring, Evaluation and Improvement..........................................................22

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VISION

To become a world class regulatory body with highly trained, competent and dedicated personnel

working in unison with a zeal to foster a positive safety culture in their licensees and to regulate

nuclear safety to protect the public, the workers and the environment from the harmful effects of

radiation and in a manner that wins the confidence of all the stakeholders viz. the public, the

Government and the licensees.

MISSION

To ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities and protect the radiation workers, general public

and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation by formulating and implementing

effective regulations and building a relationship of trust with the licensees and maintaining

transparency in actions and decisions taken by the regulatory body.

CORE VALUES

PNRA staff members work in an atmosphere of openness and trust. They observe the followingcore values while continuously assessing the quality of their work and directing their effortstowards excellence in performance.

Integrity

Transparency

Independence in Decision Making

Competence and Professionalism

Mutual Respect

Caring and Compassionate Attitude

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The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority(PNRA) came into existence in 2001 as anindependent body to regulate nuclear safety andradiation protection matters in Pakistan.

The role that PNRA plays was previouslyperformed by the Directorate of Nuclear Safetyand Radiation Protection (DNSRP), a part of thePakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Inthis arrangement, PAEC was performing thefunctions of both promoter and regulator ofnuclear energy in the country. In 1994, Pakistansigned the Convention on Nuclear Safety. One ofthe obligations under this Convention is thatregulatory functions be institutionally separatedfrom promotional and utilization activitiesinvolving nuclear energy in the country. Fulfillingthis obligation, the Government of Pakistanpromulgated the Pakistan Nuclear RegulatoryAuthority Ordinance in 2001, whereby DNSRPwas transformed into a separate and independentinstitution: the Pakistan Nuclear RegulatoryAuthority.

PNRA is emerging as a progressive public sectororganization committed to ensuring that thesafety and security of nuclear and radiationfacilities are maintained at all times. Transparencyin functioning is a core value of the organization,while maintaining public confidence is integral toour mission. These commitments are manifestedin, among other things, issuance of the PNRAAnnual Report since 2006. The current report isthe fourth in this series and outlines the activitiescarried out by PNRA during 2008. Readersinterested in our past work can access the firstthree reports, covering the periods 2001–05,2 0 0 6 a n d 2 0 0 7, a t o u r w e b s i t e ,http://www.pnra.org.

Under the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory AuthorityOrdinance, PNRA is entrusted with theresponsibility of regulating nuclear installations,radiation generators and facilities using ionisingradiation, which include:

Nuclear power plants;

Nuclear research reactors;

Medical applications of radiation, includingtherapeutic and diagnostic radiography andirradiators for sterilization of medical

equipment;

Industrial applications of radiation, includingindustrial radiography, irradiators andscanners, oil well logging and nucleargauges;

Transport of radioactive material; and

Radioactive waste facilities.

PNRA is fully aware of its responsibility to ensuresafe operation of nuclear and radiation facilitiesand to protect radiation workers, the generalpublic and the environment from the harmfuleffects of ionizing radiation. This is achieved byformulating and implementing effectiveregulations, building a relationship of trust withthe licensees, and maintaining transparency inregulatory actions and decisions.

As its key activities, PNRA prepares regulations,licenses nuclear and radiation facilities, reviewsand assesses safety submissions and cases,inspects facilities, and takes enforcement actionswhere needed. PNRA also ensures that adequateemergency preparedness programs exist at allnuclear and radiation facilities to respond toradiological emergencies. It moreover ensuresthat the safety and security of nuclearmaterial/facilities is maintained at an acceptablelevel. All regulatory activities are carried outaccording to well established regimes based onnational regulations as well as internationalpractices. A system of self-assessment enablesPNRA to continually assess its own performance.

In order to ensure that the nuclear and radiationfacilities are being operated safely and inaccordance with the national regulations, PNRAperforms various types of inspections accordingto the annual inspection plan. For this purpose,PNRA has established three Regional NuclearSafety Directorates (RNSDs) in Islamabad,Kundian and Karachi. Resident inspectors havebeen posted at all the nuclear power plants.

The organizational structure of PNRA ispresented in Figure 1.

The following major activities were detailed in theprevious report:

1. An Operating License was issued to KarachiNuclear Power Plant Unit1 (K-1) for two yearsafter it had completed re-licensing activities.

Responsibilities, Functionsa n d O r g a n i z a t i o n a lStructure

Highlights of PreviousReport

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01

Introduction And Background1

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1956 Pakistan Atomic Energy Council established

1964 Pakistan Nuclear Safety Committee (PNSC) established.

1965 Pakistan Atomic Energy Ordinance promulgated.

1970 Nuclear Safety and Licensing Division (NSLD) established.

1984 Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (PNSRP) Ordinance promulgated under which Directorate of Nuclear

Safety and Radiation Protection (DNSRP) established.

1990 Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (PNSRP) Regulations promulgated.

1994 Pakistan signs the Convention on Nuclear Safety.

1994 Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Board (PNRB) established as a quasi-independent body

2001 Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2001 promulgated thereby creating an independent regulatory body.

History of Nuclear Safety Regime in Pakistan

02

Introduction And Background

2. The licensing net for diagnostic radiationfacilities was enhanced by 10 percent.

3. Three regulations were finalized for approvalfrom the Authority.

4. A Self-assessment of PNRA's performance,conducted in collaboration with the LahoreUniversity of Management Sciences (LUMS),was completed.

5. A Nuclear Security Training Centre and aNuclear Security Emergency Co-ordinationCentre were established.

6. The fifth recruitment drive was completed,increasing the total number of technicalprofessionals in the PNRA team to 180.

7. A media campaign was conducted to createawareness in the general public aboutorphan radioactive sources.

PNRA maintained its close monitoring of the twooperational nuclear power plants in the country,Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 1 (K-1) andChashma Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 1 (C-1).Through 2008, releases to the environment andradiation doses to workers remained well belowregulatory limits at both plants.

Notably, K-1 is an older plant that completed its30-year design life in 2002. After it had carried outthe necessary safety upgradations andimprovements, it was re-licensed to operate fortwo years at 90 megawatt-electric (MWe) inDecember 2007.

C-1 remained operational from January to August2008. In August, the plant was shut down forrefuelling. This was the fifth refuelling outagesince the plant started commercial operation. C-1

is expected to restart in January 2009. The plant'smaintenance performance remained satisfactory.

PNRA also kept a vigilant eye on the constructionwork under way for the Chashma Nuclear PowerProject, Unit 2 (C-2). Civil construction hasalmost been completed and installation of theequipment is in progress.

In addition, PNRA completed its review of the SiteEvaluation Report for Chashma Nuclear PowerPlant, Unit 3 (C-3). A number of actions wereidentified; once the licensee has completedthese, the site will be registered for construction.

The year saw further growth in the regulatoryframework for nuclear safety in the country.PNRA formally notified the following regulations:

Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear SafetyClass Equipment and ComponentsManufacturers (PAK/907);

Regulations on the Safety of NuclearInstallations – Site Evaluation (PAK/910); and

Regulations on Management of a Nuclear orRadiological Emergency (PAK/914).

The National Radiation Emergency CoordinationCentre (NRECC) remained functional as the focalpoint for round-the-clock reporting andmonitoring of nuclear and radiologicalemergencies in Pakistan. It coordinated withother national and international responseorganizations and par t icipated in theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)Conventional Exercises (ConvEx) during 2008.

The Centre for Nuclear Safety (CNS), a technicalsupport organization established within PNRAfor institutional strengthening and capacitybuilding, provided valuable technical support toits line directorates in the following activities:

Major Activities in 2008

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Review and inspection of refuelling activitiesat C-1;

Follow-up of review of the Preliminary SafetyAnalysis Report for C-2;

Inspect ion of C-2 equ ipments a tmanufacturer sites in China and Pakistan;

Review of the Site Evaluation Report for C-3;

Review of fuel channel integrity of K-1; and

Licensing of Mo-99 isotope production plantat the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Scienceand Technology (PINSTECH).

The PNRA School for Nuclear and RadiationSafety, established under the Public SectorDevelopment Programme (PSDP), conductedeleven (11) courses in which 186 officers fromPNRA as well as PAEC participated. In addition,PNRA arranged thirteen (13) training courses atexternal organizations in which twenty-four (24)PNRA officials received training in variousdisciplines.

The Nuclear Security Action Plan projectcontinued in 2008. PNRA set up regional officesat Peshawar and Quetta to assist the lawenforcement agencies in combating illicittrafficking of radioactive sources and materialacross international borders.

In addition, the following new projects wereinitiated by PNRA under the PSDP:

i. Establishment of a National Dosimetry andProtection Level Calibration Laboratory(NDPCL); and

ii. Establishment of National Environmental

Radioactivity Surveillance Program (NERSP).

Finally, PNRA continued to fulfil Pakistan'sinternational obligations under the fourconventions related to nuclear and radiationsafety. PNRA submitted the country's NationalReport on Nuclear Safety and led the Pakistandelegation in the Fourth Review Meeting of theConvention on Nuclear Safety held in Vienna,Austria, in April 2008. The report was widelyappreciated by the contracting parties. Therapporteur report issued by the Fourth ReviewCommittee identified a number of good practicesin Pakistan.

In summary, the key milestones achieved byPNRA in 2008 included the following:

i. Monitoring of the fifth refuelling outage ofC-1, which progressed satisfactorily;

ii. Monitoring of construction work at C-2;

iii. Review of the Site Evaluation Report for C-3;

iv. Issuance of three national regulations relatedto the siting of nuclear installations,manufacturing of safety class equipment, andmanagement of radiological emergencies;

v. Initiation of two new PSDP-funded projects;

vi. Submittal of the Fourth National Report onNuclear Safety in Pakistan in the FourthReview Meeting of the Convention onNuclear Safety; and

vii. Establishment of regional offices at Peshawarand Quetta to assist law enforcementagencies in combating illicit trafficking ofradioactive sources and material.

PNRA Team Searching for a Radiation Source During an Exercise

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05

The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority notified. An amendment was also issued in theOrdinance 2001 provides the statutory basis for “Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear PowerPNRA. Under the Ordinance, the prime Plants Operations (PAK/913)”.responsibility for formulating national regulations

The following three new regulations wereon nuclear and radiation safety lies with PNRA.

formally notified in the Gazette of Pakistan:These regulations are notified by PNRA in the

i. Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear Safetyofficial Gazette of Pakistan for implementationClass Equipment and Componentsthroughout the country.Manufacturers (PAK/907);

The PNRA Ordinance, national regulations andii. Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear

non-mandatory guides form the basis of theInstallations – Site Evaluation (PAK/910); and

nuclear regulatory framework in Pakistan. Theiii. Regulations on Management of a Nuclear orhighest level document in this framework is the

Radiological Emergency (PAK/914).Ordinance. The next tier consists of themandatory national regulations carefully In addition, the following draft regulationsdeveloped and notified by PNRA, which are remained under review in 2008:based on in te rna t iona l l y accept ab le

i. Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authorityrequirements. The bottom tier is comprised of

Enforcement Regulations (PAK/950);non-mandatory guides that describe methods

ii. Regulations on Safety of Nuclear Researchacceptable to PNRA to meet the requirements ofReactor(s) Operation (PAK/923); andits regulations; other methods may be adopted,

iii. Regulations on Decommissioning ofprovided it can be demonstrated to the AuthorityFacilities using Radioactive Materialthat they achieve the same or a better level of(PAK/930).safety and quality.

Regulatory GuidesRegulations

PNRA issues regulatory guides to help itsThe national regulations are binding uponlicensees better understand the nature andlicensees and are formulated to fulfil regulatoryrequirements of national regulations and providerequirements for the nuclear and radiation safetyguidance in implementing these requirements.of facilities and activities in the country. They setDuring 2008, PNRA issued the followingrequirements for the protection of the public,regulatory guides:workers and the environment from the harmful

effects of ionising radiation. Existing regulations i. Dosage and Distribution of Potassium Iodidemay be revised in the light of current safety Tablets (a Thyroid Blocking Agent) inrequirements and international practices, Radiation Emergencies (PNRA-RG-914.01);licensees' feedback, national experiences and andoperating experience feedback.

ii. Probabilistic Safety Assessment of NuclearDuring 2008, the “Regulations on Licensing Fee Power Plants (PNRA-RG-911.01).by PNRA (PAK/900)” were revised and formally

Regulatory Framework2

Cordoning off Dangerous Area During an Exercise

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PNRA regulates all matters related to safety atnuclear installations in the country and ensuresthat an acceptable level of safety, as prescribed innational regulations, is being maintained by thelicensee. PNRA performs review and assessmentof licensees' submissions and grants licences, andconducts inspections to verify that there are nodeviations from licensing conditions and thetechnical specifications that define the 'safeoperating envelope' of their facilities. PNRA alsoensures that the licensee takes necessary actionsto prevent degradation of safety, promote safetyimprovements, and maintain emergencypreparedness at nuclear installations.

This section focuses on the review andassessment, licensing and inspection workperformed by PNRA for nuclear installations inthe country. Further discussion about radiationsafety at nuclear installations is presented inSection 4 of this report; waste management andtransport aspects are outlined in Section 5, andemergency preparedness aspects are discussedin Section 6.

K-1 started commercial operation in 1972 andcompleted its design life of 30 years in 2002.PAEC applied for extension of the plant'sOperating Licence beyond design life in 2002.After fulfilment of regulatory requirements inaccordance with national regulations, K-1 waslicensed, in December 2007, to operate for twoyears beyond its design life, i.e., until December31, 2009, at 90 MWe.

K-1 operated up to 90 MWe during the reportedperiod. The plant tripped fifteen (15) times duringthe year, out of which eleven (11) trips were dueto grid transients. PNRA has taken notice of thisproblem and PAEC has been directed to rectifythe problem in consultation with the concernedauthorities. Some actions have been taken whileothers are being taken to improve plant responseto grid instability and make the grid more reliable.

As part of its regulatory activities at K-1, PNRAconducted an annual safety review, a review ofplant safety performance, as well as review ofmodifications, event reports, routine reports andother documents. The plant's follow-up to licenceconditions was specifically monitored to ensure

that satisfactory actions were taken by thelicensee. In all, PNRA issued nine (09) directivesin 2008, and K-1 responded to all of these bytaking the necessary actions.

PNRA's review and assessment regimen did notidentify any condition requiring issuance of aviolation notice in 2008.

The releases of radioactivity to the environment,as well as radiation doses received by the workersat K-1, remained well below the authorized limits.

C-1 was issued an Operating Licence in 2004 byPNRA. The plant remained in operation in the firsteight months of 2008 and tripped five (05) timesduring this period. Again, three (03) of these tripswere due to grid transients. C-1 has been directedto resolve the issue with WAPDA.

In August 2008, C-1 completed its fifth cycle ofoperation and was shut down for refuelling. Theplant will restart in January 2009 after completionof this fifth refuelling outage. Major review andassessment activities performed during therefuelling outage included review of submissionsrelated to activities such as refuelling, in-serviceinspections, surveillance tests and modifications.During the previous refuelling outage, somedegradation had been observed in the plant'sirradiation surveillance capsule baskets. PAEChad proposed some modifications in thesebaskets, which were reviewed and approved byPNRA. These modifications were implementedduring the fifth refuelling outage.

In addition, PNRA performed review andassessment of plant performance, routinereports, event reports, modifications, andconformance to conditions of the OperatingLicence. PNRA issued thirty-seven (37) directivesto C-1 out of which thirty-two (32) have beenimplemented by the licensee. The remainingissues will be resolved at the Final Safety AnalysisReport stage. No violation notice was issued tothe plant in 2008. Its radioactivity releases to theenvironment and doses to workers remained wellbelow the authorized limits.

Construction work of C-2 remained in progressduring the reporting period. Almost all the civil

Review and Assessment

Karachi Nuclear Power PlantUnit 1

Chashma Nuclear Power PlantUnit 1

Chashma Nuclear Power PlantUnit 2

Nuclear Safety3

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Nuclear Safety

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work at site has been completed and installationof equipment is in progress. Most of theequipment has already been shifted to the site;however, manufacturing of some equipment is inprogress and near completion. It is envisaged thatthis remaining equipment will be shifted to thesite in early 2009.

PNRA is monitoring, both, construction at siteand equipment manufacturing in China andPakistan, in accordance with an approvedinspection program to verify compliance withnational regulations and licence conditions. In2005-6, PNRA had reviewed the PreliminarySafety Analysis Report for C-2 and identifiedcertain actions to be taken by the licensee, someof which were pending at the end of 2007. In2008, PNRA followed up to verify that theseactions had been taken satisfactorily. Seventeen(17) directives were issued to C-2 during the year,out of which fifteen (15) were satisfactorilyaddressed. The remaining two are being followedup by PNRA. No significant non-conformancewas observed.

Under its National Energy Security Plan, theGovernment of Pakistan has tasked PAEC withincreasing the country's nuclear electricitygeneration capacity from the current level of 425MWe to 8,800 MWe by the year 2030. To meetthis target, PAEC plans to install a number of newnuclear power plants.

As a first step, in 2008, PAEC submitted SiteEvaluation Reports for the registration of sites forChashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3 and KarachiNuclear Power Plant Unit 2 (K-2). PNRA hascompleted the review of the report for C-3; someadministrative requirements are pending. Reviewof the report for K-2 revealed the need for furtherinvestigation and additional data, and PAEC wasrequested to re-submit the report after fulfillingthis requirement.

Pakistan Research Reactors PARR-I and PARR-II,located at the Pakistan Institute of NuclearScience and Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad,are mainly used for research and trainingpurposes. In 2008, PNRA carried out inspectionsof annual maintenance activities at PARR-I andissued recommendations for improvement.

During the year, a total of seven (7) regulatoryinspections were carried out at PARR-I andPARR-II in the areas of operation, radiationprotection, environmental protection andradioactive waste management. PNRA renewed26 Operator's Licences at the two reactors.

Heavy Mechanical Complex-3 (HMC-3) hasbeen licensed by PNRA to manufacture nuclearsafety class 2 and 3 equipment for nuclear powerplants in Pakistan. Accordingly, HMC-3submitted its quality plans for manufacturing ofequipment under the licence, which werereviewed by PNRA and a number of controlpoints were selected for inspections.

The Heavy Mechanical Complex applied toPNRA for obtaining a licence to manufacturenuclear safety class equipment. A thoroughreview of licensing submissions and inspectionsof HMC identified various areas that neededimprovement to meet the qualification criteria.Accordingly, PNRA advised HMC to complete anumber of actions. However, since HMC wasunable to complete the required actions, thelicensing process was terminated.

An important concern at PNRA is to ensure thatsufficient number of qualified staff, i.e., staff withappropriate education, training and retraining,are available to conduct all safety-relatedactivities at each nuclear installation throughoutits life. Therefore, PNRA requires licensees ofnuclear installations to obtain Operator'sLicences for their operating personnel. Beforeissuing an Operator's Licence, PNRA verifiesbasic engineering qualifications and training aswell as the medical and psychological fitness ofthe operator. The renewal of Operator's Licencesalso entails a rigorous procedure of oral, writtenand practical examinations.

During the reported period, Operator's Licenceswere granted to five (5) new personnel at C-1 andseven (7) new personnel at K-1. Several licencesof existing plant operating personnel were alsorenewed, including twenty-six (26) at C-1, thirty-four (34) at K-1, and twenty-six (26) at PARR-I andPARR-II.

New Nuclear Power Plants

Pakistan Research Reactors(PARR-I and PARR-II)

Heavy Mechanical Complex-3

Heavy Mechanical Complex

Licensing of OperatingPersonnel

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Nuclear Safety

Status of Existing Nuclear Installations

K-1 K-2 C-1 C-2 C-3 and C-4

StatusLicensed tooperate until2009

Site studyongoing

Licensed tooperate until

2010

Construction to becompleted by 2010

Site studyongoing

LocationKarachi,Sindh

Karachi,Sindh

Chashma,Punjab

Chashma, PunjabChashma,

Punjab

TypeCANDU(PHWR)

PWR PWR PWR PWR

Capacity

(Gross)137 MWe 340 MWe 325 MWe 325 MWe 340 MWe

First Fuel

LoadingJuly 1971 –

November1999

September 2010(expected)

–

First Criticality August 1971 – May 2000April 2011(expected)

–

Date of

Commercial

Operation

December1972

–September

20002011 (expected) –

PHWR: pressurized-heavy-water reactor; PWR: pressurized-water reactor.

Licensing of Operators of Nuclear Power Plants

Inspect ion of NuclearInstallations

The main purpose of regulatory inspections atnuclear installations is to verify that licensees takeappropriate measures to promote safety and alsoprevent degradation of safety at these facilities.Various types of routine as well as unplanned andreactive inspections are carried out inaccordance with the “PNRA InspectionProgram”.

To carry out inspection activities, PNRA hasestablished three Regional Nuclear SafetyDirectorates (RNSDs) in Islamabad, Kundian andKarachi, namely RNSD-I, RNSD-II and RNSD-III,respectively. Resident inspectors have also beenposted at the two nuclear power plants, K-1 andC-1. The RNSDs conduct regulatory inspectionsof nuclear installations in their respective regionsto ensure that provisions of the PNRA Ordinance,related national regulatory requirements, and

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Issuance of New Licenses to CHASNUPP Operators

Renewal of Licenses of CHASNUPP Operators

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K-1

Issuance of New Licenses to KANUPP Operators

Renewal of Licenses of KANUPP Operators

terms and conditions of the licence are beingcomplied with, and that the facility operatesaccording to approved technical specifications.

In 2008, RNSD-II performed periodic inspectionsin addition to routine and daily inspections of C-1.Main Control Room inspections were alsoperformed as part of daily inspections. In all,RNSD-II performed one hundred and ten (110)inspections, including sixty-nine (69) inspectionsas part of the plant's fifth refuelling outage, andissued thirty-seven (37) directives to C-1 requiringvarious actions for safety improvement. RNSD-II,along with PNRA Headquarters staff, performedinspections and observed maintenance, testingand refuelling activities during the refuellingoutage, which remained in progress during thelast quarter of 2008. The findings andobservations of these inspections werecommunicated to C-1 and will be followed-up insubsequent inspections. Aspects of C-1's safetyculture were also monitored during the refuellingoutage; the observations indicated that theplant's safety culture has improved.

At the site of C-2, a new nuclear power plantunder construction, PNRA carried out ControlPoint and Hold Point Inspections. PNRA also

conducted 20 inspections at manufacturing sitesin China to verify that the equipment for C-2 isbeing manufactured as per approved design andquality assurance requirements. Inspectionreports were issued requiring various actionsfrom the licensee, its contractor and sub-contractors. In all, PNRA conducted threehundred and eighty-five (385) inspections andsurveillance activities for C-2 during the reportedperiod.

RNSD-III performed regulatory inspections ofvarious safety related structures, systems andcomponents at K-1. In addition, many inspectionsrelated to re-licensing activities were alsoconducted; actions necessary for improvement insafety were communicated to K-1 and werefollowed up. PNRA conducted a total of fifty-seven (57) inspections and issued nine (09)directives to K-1 requiring various actions to betaken to enhance the plant safety.

RNSD-I performed seven (7) inspections ofPARR-I and PARR-II in 2008. Recommendationswere issued identifying deficiencies and requiringthe licensee to take necessary actions forimprovements in safety.

Regulatory Inspections of Nuclear Power Plants

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Mobile Radiological Monitoring Laboratory of PNRA

Radiation safety is a core concern in overall which PNRA ensured that radiation doses andnuclear safety, and the main concern at other exposure were minimized with the application oftypes of radiation facilities, such as medical the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' (ALARA)radiology centres, agricultural research centres, principle through review, assessment andirradiators, etc. The Directorate for Radiation inspection of activities. Individual doses to theSafety (RSD) at PNRA oversees all matters related workers and plant effluents were found to beto radiation safety at nuclear installations and within regulatory limits, and K-1 made noradiation facilities in Pakistan. In addition to significant contribution to the ambient radiationleading the radiation aspects of all regulatory level.activities at nuclear power plants, RSD conducts

Chashma Nuclear Power Plant,similar review and assessment, licensing,Unit 1inspection and other regulatory activities at the

various smaller radiation facilities in the country. As mentioned earlier, C-1 operated routinely untilAugust 2008, when it was shut down for

Review and Assessment refuelling. PNRA ensured that the ALARAprinciple was applied at the plant in letter andPAK/904 and PAK/908 are the key regulationsspirit by reviewing the ALARA plans andgoverning radiation safety issues. PNRA ensuresassessing dose estimates. It was ensured that C-1that nuclear installations and radiation facilitieskeeps the individual doses to the workers andare complying with the radiation protectionplant effluents within regulatory limits and makesrequirements set out in these regulations throughno significant contribution in the ambientits review and assessment of licensingradiation level.documents; periodic inspections of the facility

and work practices; and monitoring of Notably, PNRA maintains a radiation exposureradioactive releases from nuclear installations. record of occupational workers at nuclearEvery nuclear installation is required by the installations and radiation facilities to review and regulations to have in place a Radiation evaluate the safety of workers, effectiveness ofProtection Program approved by PNRA. PNRA radiation protection, and application of theensures that the facilities are properly designed ALARA management program by the licensee. Atfor their intended work, with provisions for present, the record includes information aboutminimizing radiation exposure to workers, the 7,000 occupational radiation workers employedpublic and the environment in accordance with at K-1, C-1 and other nuclear installations andtheir radiation protection programs. radiation facilities in the country.

Nuclear Installations Radiation Facilities

Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, PNRA also ensures safe use of X-ray machinesUnit 1 and radioactive sources at facilities such as

nuclear medical centres, agricultural centres,As mentioned earlier, after a major refurbishmentresearch establishments, radiography andin 2007, K-1 was re-licensed for operation beyondindustrial units, etc., through regulatorydesign life until December 2009. PNRA is closelyinspections and surveillance.monitoring the plant's operation. Several major

activities involving high radiation exposures were The use of X-ray machines and radioactiveperformed during the reported period, during sources requires a valid licence from PNRA. After

Nuclear installations

Medical therapeutic and diagnostic radiology centres

Nuclear medicine centres

Educational and Agricultural research centres

Industrial radiography units

Irradiators and Scanners

Oil Well Logging and Nuclear Gauges

Types Of Radiation Facilities In Pakistan

Radiation Safety4

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Radiation Safety

Authorization for Import andconducting a thorough review and assessment ofExport of Radiation Sources andsafety provisions, PNRA issues a licence to theEquipmentuser for a specified period and for a specific

purpose. The three RNSDs are designated to With modernization in industry, the use of sealedperform regulatory inspections of licensed and unsealed radiation sources and radiationfacilities to verify compliance with regulatory generating equipment is on the rise. In order torequirements. Strict regulatory control is maintain effective regulatory control over thesemaintained over all radioactive sources being sources of radiation, PNRA follows the concept ofemployed by various types of radiation facilities. 'monitoring from cradle to grave'. The import andPNRA keeps an inventory of all sealed sources export of radiation sources and equipmentand physically verifies it at the premises of requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) fromfacilities. At the end of the reported period, 2,994 PNRA, which is mandatory for customssources were in use at the licensed facilities. clearance. NOCs are issued only to those facilities

that have valid registration or licence from PNRA.PNRA has developed a centralized personalMoreover, PNRA maintains a central registry todosimetry database for radiation facilities tokeep track of such sources and apparatus, andfacilitate independent analysis and control dosesperiodically verifies that they are being kept andof itinerant radiation workers. During theused as specified in the NOC.reported period, the occupational exposure of

workers at almost all radiation and nuclear In addition, PNRA trains Pakistan Customsfacilities remained within regulatory limits. personnel in handling, inspection, clearance, etc.

of radiation sources and equipment.Licensing of Radiation Facilities

These activities were carried out in routine and noPNRA is striving to enhance its licensing net to

significant safety issue arose through thebring all radiation facilities, especially diagnostic

reporting period.facilities, under effective regulatory control. Tomeet this objective, PNRA has adopted a strategy Nat i ona l Dos ime try andof persuasion. Inspectors from the PNRA regional Protection Level Calibrationdirectorates regularly visit radiation facilities, Laboratorydiscuss the potential hazards of radiation and the

The Government of Pakistan approved a PC-1 forways and means for addressing them with thethe project “Establishment of National Dosimetryowners and operators, and convince them to getand Protection Level Calibration Laboratorylicensed. By the end of 2008, the total number of(NDCL)” under the Public Sector DevelopmentX-ray units and radiation facilities licensed byProgramme in 2007. This national laboratory will PNRA had increased by six (6) percent.

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National Training Course on Radiation Detection Equipment at SOST Border

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Radiation Safety

be established by PNRA in Islamabad andKarachi. It will provide personal dosimetryservices to radiation workers at the national leveland to the first responders in any radiologicalemergency situation. The laboratory will alsoperform a quality check on other dosimetryservice providers in the country throughindependent verification.

Different project activities remained in progressduring 2008. Land has been acquired in Karachiand Islamabad for the laboratories andconstruction is expected to start in 2009.

In addition, PNRA conducted 1,570 regulatoryinspections of radiation facilities in the country.

Inspection ActivitiesThese led to improved measures at radiation

During 2008, PNRA's three regional nuclear facilities for minimizing radiation exposure of thesafety directorates conducted a large number of general public, workers and the environment. Theinspections to verify radiation safety at nuclear number of such inspections is rising steadily everyinstallations and radiation facilities in their year with the increase in the number of licensedjurisdiction. Details of such inspections at nuclear radiation facilities (Figure 4).power plants have been presented in earliersections of this report.

Regulatory Inspections of Radiation Facilities

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

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Regulatory Inspections of Radiation Facilities

Tabletop Exercise on "Malicious Act to Contaminate Drinking Water with Radioactivity"Conducted by PNRA in Lahore

Training Course on Radiation Protection and Regulatory Requirements

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PNRA is responsible for regulating andcontrolling licensees' activities related to safety inr a d i o a c t i ve wa s te m a n a ge m e n t a n dtransportation of radioactive materials. WithinPNRA, the Directorate of Transport and WasteSafety (WSD) leads efforts in this area bydeveloping necessary regulations and policiesand verifying that they are followed by licenseesthrough reviews, assessments and inspectionsundertaken jointly with PNRA's RNSDs. WSDalso ensures that waste from nuclear andradiation facilities have a minimal impact on theenvironment from the time that these facilities aredesigned until their decommissioning.

In 2008, PNRA collaborated with the concernedgovernmental organizations for the finalizationand approval of a “N ational Policy on RadioactiveWaste”, aimed at further minimizing thegeneration of radioactive waste and improving itsmanagement so it does not impose undueburden on future generations.

PNRA performs review and assessment of thewaste management programs of nuclearinstallations in accordance with nationalregulations and closely monitors their wastegeneration and treatment activities. During 2008,the average gaseous releases from K-1 remainedless than 1 percent of annual release limits and theliquid effluents released to the sea remained inthe order of 0.15 percent of the annual releaselimit for Tritium.

Likewise, all the liquid and gaseous effluentsreleased to the environment from C-1 alsoremained well within the annual safety limits: thegaseous releases were less than 1.2 percent of therelease limit while liquid effluent releases wereless than 0.1 percent of the annual release limit forthe plant.

PNRA monitored the establishment of a drystorage facility for the spent fuel of K-1. This workstarted in 2007 and is aimed at increasing theplant's spent fuel storage capacity to cater to itsextended operational life. The facility will storespent fuel generated from K-1 up to 2017.

PNRA gives particular consideration to the safe

and secure management of disused sealedradioactive sources (SRS) in the country andmaintains a detailed inventory of sources.Guidance is provided to licensees regarding thesafety and security of radioactive sources and theimportance of their safe disposal after expiry oftheir useful life.

PNRA continuously updates the nationalinventory of sealed radiation sources (SRS). At theend of the reporting period, more than 5,000disused radioactive sources had been transferredto interim storage facilities at PINSTECH and K-1as radioactive waste.

The Regulations on Radioactive WasteManagement (PAK/915) set strict requirementsfor the safe management of radioactive waste inthe country. During 2008, PNRA's regionalnuclear safety directorates conducted numerousinspections of nuclear and radiation facilities toverify compliance with the regulatoryrequirements. The inspections focused onstorage facilities and radioactive wastemanagement programs to assess the safety ofwaste collection, classification, treatment,storage and disposal practices.

PNRA ensures safety in transportation ofradioactive materials in the country and conductsregulatory inspections of the radioactivematerials transported in and out of the country inaccordance with the Regulations for the SafeTransport of Radioactive Material (PAK/916).These regulations were promulgated in 2007 inorder to harmonize national transportationpractices with international requirements.

PNRA has been participating in activities of theTransport Safety Standards Committee(TRANSSC) of IAEA with a view to keeping at parwith international safety standards for radioactivematerial transportation.

PNRA regularly receives information on transportevents that occur in IAEA member states thathave joined the IAEA database system on Eventsin the Transport of Radioactive Material(EVTRAM). This database system provides usefulinformation for improving transport practices inmember states.

N a t i o n a l P o l i c y o nRadioactive Waste

Review and Assessment

I n s p e c t i o n o f W a s t eManagement and Disposal

Safe Transport of RadioactiveMaterials

Nuclear Installations

Radiation Facilities

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PNRA is responsible for ensuring that thelicensees have in place emergency plans,necessary facilities and instruments, andmechanisms for coordination with offsiteresponse organizations for actions to be takenfollowing foreseeable types of nuclear orradiological emergencies. PNRA's NationalRadiation Emergency Coordination Centre(NRECC) plays the key role in such efforts. Apartfrom working closely with licensees anddeveloping the capacity of its own team in thisregard, PNRA also works with other national andinternational organizations to ensure that keystakeholders are prepared for the roles they maybe called upon to play in the event of a nuclear orradiological accident.

In order to prepare the licensee for mitigating theconsequences of any untoward incident, the“Regulations on Management of NuclearAccidents or Radiologica l Emergency(PAK/914)” were promulgated in 2008. Theseregulations formally establish the requirement tomaintain an adequate level of preparedness andresponse during a nuclear or radiologicalemergency. The implementation of theseregulations will minimize the consequences ofany nuclear or radiological emergency to thepublic, property, and the environment.

PNRA ensures that the emergency planning andpreparedness plans of the facilities, havingpotential radiation hazard, are in place. ThePNRA's licensees conduct regular exercises toverify the effectiveness of their emergency plansand procedures. These are witnessed by PNRA toconfirm that the plans are sound, and the facility iswell-prepared to execute them should the needarise.

In 2008, K-1 and PINSTECH conducted suchexercises to evaluate their effectiveness withregard to the newly notified Regulations onManagement of a Nuclear or RadiologicalEmergency (PAK/914). PNRA witnessed these

exercises and issued recommendations forimprovement in their emergency preparednessprograms.

The C-1 emergency exercise was re-scheduled toJanuary 2009 as the plant's refuelling outageremained in progress until the end of 2008.

PNRA maintains a National Radiation EmergencyCoordination Centre (NRECC) to function as thefocal point for round-the-clock reporting,monitoring and coordinating of the nationalresponse to nuclear and radiological accidents inPakistan. Established in 1988, NRECC is also thefocal point for fulfilment of national andinternational responsibilities accruing from theobligations of international conventions to whichPakistan is a party.

During the reported year, NRECC participated inan international emergency exercise (ConvEx)arranged by IAEA, during which the Centre'sE m e r g e n c y R e s p o n s e S y s t e m w a scomprehensively tested for performance in anuclear emergency with trans-boundaryconsequences. The exercise also served toidentify the actions that the National DisasterManagement Authority, Strategic Plans Division,Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistan AtomicEnergy Commission should take in such an event,and these were communicated to the respectiveorganizations.

NRECC also participated in three (03) other IAEAexercises conducted to test its capacity for timelyand accurate information exchange in nuclear orradiological emergencies at the internationallevel. In addition, PNRA performed three (03)Communication Test Exercises (COMTEX) to testNRECC's response capability to PNRA's regionaloffices and the licensee concerned.

Until December 2007, NRECC had only oneMobile Radiological Monitoring Laboratory(MRML) equipped with radiation monitoringequipment, personnel safety equipment and asystem of communication with PNRA and other

Regulatory Aspect

Plans and Drills

National Radiation Emergency

Coordination Centre

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PO Box 1912 Islamabad, Pakistan. Tel: +92 (51) 9262 019, Fax: +92 (51) 9261 724Officer-in-Charge: +92 300 8540 319

Email: [email protected], http://www.pnra.org

National Radiation Emergency Coordination Centre (NRECC)

Emergency Preparedness6

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relevant organizations. In 2008, NRECC wasstrengthened with another MRML with advancedradiation monitoring equipment. The Centre'steam was also bolstered with the designation andtraining of an additional team of standbypersonnel.

With the establishment of the Nuclear SecurityEmergency Coordination Centre (NuSECC)under the Nuclear Security Action Plan in 2006,PNRA has broadened its base for theimplementation of applicable clauses of the IAEACode of Conduct on Safety and Security ofRadioactive Sources and UN Security CouncilResolution 1540.

During the reporting period, regional offices ofNuSECC were set up in Peshawar and Quetta forthe assessment of security levels, up-gradation ofsecurity measures, and propagation of securityculture at nuclear and radiation facilities in thecountry.

Under the Nuclear Security Action Plan, thePNRA Nuclear Security Training Centreconducted various training courses, workshops,seminars and table-top exercises for the staff ofPNRA, as well as officials of public organizations,such as Pakistan Customs, Inter ServicesIntelligence, Frontier Corps, medical andindustrial workers, and the PAEC. Some of theseevents were conducted in collaboration withIAEA. Key events were:

Courses on “R adiation Detection Equipmentto Detect Nuclear and other RadioactiveMaterials at International Borders” for officialsof Pakistan Customs posted at the Torkhumand Sost borders;

Course on “R adiation Protection and Safetyand Security of Sealed Radioactive Sources” inMultan for users of SRS at medical andindustrial facilities; and

Joint PNRA-IAEA training workshop in Beijingon “Ph ysical Protection of Nuclear Materialand Facilities” for PNRA and PAEC officials.

A state-of-the-art Radiation Detection EquipmentLaboratory was established in collaboration withIAEA. In addition, radiation detection equipmentwas provided to Pakistan Customs officials at theSost and Torkhum borders to facilitate the controlof illicit trafficking of nuclear or radioactivematerials.

Pakistan is a party to the international Conventionon Assistance in Case of a Nuclear orRadiological Accident. Availing a provision of thisconvention, PNRA registered Pakistan's NationalAssistance Capabilities with the IAEA ResponseAssistance Network (RANET). RANET is based ona registry of national assistance capabilities ofIAEA member states that can be called upon by acountry under the above-mentioned convention.The integrated system is designed to provideinternational assistance to Member States tominimize the radiological consequences ofaccidents.

A nuclear or radiological accident may result inradiation injuries through overexposure orcontamination. Medical professionals aretherefore among the first responders in suchaccidents. To ensure that capabilities exist forproviding people the best possible care undersuch circumstances, PNRA pays special attentionto the continued training of the medicalcommunity in handling radiation injuries.

In this regard, during the reported period, a two-day seminar was arranged at Rawalpindi GeneralHospital, Rawalpindi, to train physicians torecognize a possible radiation injury and safelymanage contaminated patients. The seminar wasattended by medical doctors, mainly generalpractitioners, from all the major hospitals ofIslamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as residentmedical students of the Rawalpindi MedicalCollege.

Speakers from PNRA, the Pakistan Institute of

Progress under the Nuclear

Security Action Plan Registration with RANET

T r a i n i n g o f M e d i c a l

Professionals in Handling of

Radiation Injuries

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Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory AuthorityMauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad. Toll-free 24-hour Helpline: 0800 777 66

Nuclear Security Emergency Coordination Centre (NuSECC)

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Emergency Preparedness

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Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), PAEC,Kahuta Research Laboratories and the ArmedForces Institute of Pathology made detailed state-of-the-art presentations at the event. The

p r o g r a m m e a l s o i n c l u d e d p r a c t i c a ldemonstration of a Mobile RadiologicalMonitoring Laboratory and other detectionequipment.

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Arrival of Reactor Pressure Vessel at C-2 Site

PNRA Engineers Inspecting Reactor Pressure Vessel of C-2

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Cooperation with national and internationalorganizat ions is essent ia l for PNRA'seffectiveness as a regulatory body. Recognizingthis, the Authority maintains and developsproduct ive profess iona l l inkages andcollaborations with its licensees, especially thenational nuclear energy utility, PAEC; othergovernment bodies that have a role to play alongwith PNRA in protecting the people andenvironment from potential radiation hazards;national academic institutions; and the generalpublic. At the international level, PNRA maintainssound cooperative and technical ties with IAEA,and exchanges expertise under bilateral andmultilateral agreements with other countries.

PNRA maintains a relationship of mutual respectand trust with its licensees. An AdvisoryCommittee for Improving Utility RegulatoryInterface (ACIURI) was constituted by PNRA in2005 to provide a platform for resolving anydispute that arises between a licensee and PNRAin an amicable manner and withoutcompromising safety. ACIURI ensures that anatmosphere of understanding, harmonizationand consensus is maintained between theregulatory body and its licensees on all nuclearand radiation safety issues.

PNRA is working closely with PAEC to prepare forthe heightened regulatory challenges entailed inthe enhancement of the present installed nuclearcapacity of 425 MWe to 8,800 MWe by the year2030 as envisaged in the National EnergySecurity Plan.

In 2008, work remained in progress under thePNRA-PAEC Joint Technical Study Program (JTS)to develop capabilities for preparation and review

of safety analysis reports, per formingindependent safety analyses, and enhancing skillson the use of safety codes and standards for thedesign, operation and licensing of future nuclearpower plants in Pakistan.

In this regard, a joint study was carried out todevelop database and engineering handbookdocuments and perform accident analysis ofselected event sequences for C-1. Following thisactivity, a three-day seminar was organized atPNRA for sharing of technical information andsafety analysis experience gathered during theJTS program. Another significant activity underthe JTS program was a review of internationalsafety codes, guidelines and standards to identifyand compile a list of those applicable to futurenuclear power plants in Pakistan.

PNRA also conducted several courses forlicensed radiation facilities in Lahore, Peshawar,Multan, Karachi and Islamabad to develop anunderstanding on the implementation of relevantregulatory requirements. Various trainings werealso organized to help licensees to furtherimprove their nuclear/radiation securityarrangements, as detailed in Section 6.

Notably, before finalizing and gazette notifyingnational regulations, PNRA routinely shares theirdrafts with the concerned licensees for feedback.The draft regulations are also placed on the PNRAwebsite to inform and receive comments from thegeneral public.

PNRA strives to maintain and further developeffective liaison with other governmental bodiesto enable them to play their roles in maintainingand improving nuclear and radiation safety in thecountry. In this regard, PNRA invited officialsfrom various government ministries to observe

National Linkages

Relations with Licensees

Linkages with the Government

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (http://www.caaapakistan.com.pk

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) (http://www.nepra.org.pk)

Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) (http://www.ogra.org.pk)

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) (http://www.pemra.gov.pk)

Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) (http://www.pnra.org)

Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) (http://www.ppra.org.pk)

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) (http://www.pta.gov.pk)

National Regulators

National and International Cooperation7

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the communication set-up of the NationalRadiation Emergency Coordination Centre atPNRA Headquarters while it was activated duringan integrated emergency exercise conducted atK-1 in December 2008.

PNRA also conducted a meeting of the majornational regulators to share information andexperience regarding regulatory independenceand inspection techniques. This is going to be aregular practice and will serve as a national forumfor discussion on thematic areas of interest for allnational regulators.

PNRA has adopted the IAEA Safety Fundamentalsto bring its performance further in line withinternational standards. In this context, a SafetyFundamentals Committee comprising of officialsfrom various governmental departments andministries has been constituted for theimplementation of the ten safety fundamentalprinciples within the country.

Among other technical activities, PNRA hostedcourses for Pakistan Customs personnel on“Radiation Detection Equipment to DetectNuclear and Other Radioactive Materials atInternational Borders” at the Torkhum and Sostborders in 2008. On these occasions, radiationdetection equipment was also handed over toCustoms officials to aid in the control of illicittrafficking of nuclear or radioactive materials atthese borders. The establishment of NuSECCoffices in Quetta and Peshawar during the yearwas another step towards control of suchtrafficking.

In addition, PNRA pays special attention on thetraining of the medical community on themanagement of overexposed & contaminatedindividuals in order to respond to radiologicalemergencies in an effective manner. In this regarda two-day seminar was organized at theRawalpindi General Hospital where medicaldoctors from all the major hospitals in Islamabadand Rawalpindi and resident medical students ofthe Rawalpindi Medical College were providedtraining in recognizing a possible radiation injuryand managing contaminated individuals. Moredetails are provided in Section 6.

PNRA regularly submits an annual report to theGovernment of Pakistan at the end of eachcalendar year. These submissions, among whichthe current report is the seventh, are importanttools in maintaining transparency and enabling

the Government to keep abreast of PNRA'sefforts for ensuring safety of the people and theenvironment from ionizing radiation.

Apart from arranging its own initiatives to forgelinkages with other government organizations,PNRA actively participates in similar activities ofother organizations. On 16-17 December 2008,PNRA participated in the “P akistan DisasterManagement Exhibition” organized by theNational Disaster Management Authority.

PNRA strives for continuous improvement of itsregulatory performance and is committed toevolving into a world class nuclear regulator. As aproactive approach, PNRA has in place a numberof measures to improve its own regulatoryperformance, some of which are based oncollaboration with prestigious national academicinstitutions.

In 2008, PNRA initiated a LeadershipDevelopment Program in collaboration with theLahore University of Management Sciences forthe purpose of identifying and grooming its futureleaders. The program will help in identifying andgrooming future leaders of PNRA. The leadershipdevelopment framework of PNRA, consisting of4Cs and 1P (Competence, Compassion,Credibility, Consistency and Passion), wasappreciated at international forum of regulatorsand is expected to be adopted as the internationalmodel for leadership development withinregulatory bodies.

PNRA annually awards fellowships to promisingcandidates for masters programs in the nuclearand power engineering disciplines at the PakistanInstitute of Engineering and Applied Sciences(PIEAS) and the KANUPP Institute of NuclearPower Engineering (KINPOE). Ten (10) suchfellows have joined PNRA after completion oftheir studies. Six candidates were awardedfellowships during 2008. These fellows will joinPNRA in 2010 after successful completion ofstudies.

During the year, PNRA also worked on a technicalassistance program with PINSTECH for provisionof assistance in dosimetry and environmentalradioactivity surveillance.

Collaboration with NationalAcademic Institutions

National and International Cooperation

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Relations with the Public

Fulfilment of Obligations

Cooperation with InternationalNuclear Regulators

Cooperation with China

Technical Cooperation with the IAEA

PNRA keeps the general public informed aboutits activities through a frequently updated websiteand a regularly published annual report. Specialactivities and any event at radiation facilities arealso reported through timely press releases.Because of this openness and transparency, theprint and electronic media routinely contactPNRA with queries and provide space promptlyin prominent locations whenever PNRA issuespublic statements.

In 2008, PNRA's annual report for the public wasissued well in time and widely distributed. Anumber of brochures and pamphlets were alsoprepared and are expected to be published in2009.

PNRA has set up a dedicated toll-free line (0800777 66) at which the general public can reportevents and obtain information related toradioactive sources and radiation exposure. Thisline is accessible and manned round the clock.

PNRA continued to fulfil Pakistan's internationalobligations under the following four conventionsrelated to nuclear and radiation safety:

Convention on Nuclear Safety;

Convention on Early Notification of aNuclear Accident;

Convention on Assistance in the Case of aNuclear Accident or Radio logica lEmergency; and

Convention on Physical Protection andSafety and Security of Nuclear Material.

The Fourth National Report of Pakistan wasprepared by PNRA for submittal at the ReviewMeeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safetyheld in Vienna, Austria, in April 2008. PNRA ledthe Pakistan delegation at this event. Pakistan'sreport was widely appreciated by the contractingparties and the rapporteurs' report issued by thefourth review committee identified a number ofgood practices in Pakistan. .

The Network of Regulators of Countries withSmall Nuclear Programs (NERS) is aninternational forum intended to facilitatecommunication between nuclear regulators andinspectors of countries with small nuclearprograms. PNRA is an active member of NERSand maintains and updates its website( ). In 2008, PNRA participated inthe annual meeting of NERS in Prague, CzechRepublic.

PNRA has bilateral cooperation agreements withthe National Nuclear Safety Administration(NNSA), China; China Nuclear Power OperationTechnology Corporation (CNPO); and NuclearSafety Centre (NSC), NNSA, to provide trainingto PNRA staff in regulatory review andassessment. These agreements also provide aneffective mechanism for exchange of safetyrelated information between Pakistan and China.

In 2008, training remained in progress underthese agreements. PNRA also signed a newagreement with CNPO for development ofphysical models of C-1 for the training of PNRAofficials.

The two ongoing IAEA-assisted technicalcooperation projects, namely, “FurtherImprovement of Regulatory Infrastructure inPakistan (PAK/9/028)” and “Applicability of IAEASafety Standards in Licensing of NPP in Pakistan(PAK/9/030)”, made satisfactory progress during2008. A new technical cooperation project,“Strengthening Infrastructure for Radiation,Transport and Waste Safety (PAK/9/034)” wasalso approved by IAEA.

PNRA continued to actively participate in theIAEA program of development of Safety AnalysisReport Review Plan (SARRP).

In addition, PNRA participated in a number ofactivities organized by IAEA in the areas ofeducation and training, knowledge management,and safety review and assessment. Experts fromPNRA were part of an Integrated RegulatoryReview Service (IRRS) mission to Ukraine. PNRAalso contributed its expertise to various activitiesof the Committee on Safety Standards (CSS),Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUCSSC),Transport Safety Standards Committee

International Cooperation

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Bilateral and MultilateralCooperation

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(TRANSSC) and the Radiation Safety StandardsCommittee (RASSC).

From the year 2001 to 2008, seventy five (75)expert missions have visited PNRA and deliveredlectures on various topics. During the sameperiod, twenty seven (27) experts from PNRAhave participated in various internationalactivities organized by IAEA. The number ofexpert missions conducted to and from PNRA in2001–08 is shown in the opposite figure. During2008, twelve (12) experts from PNRAparticipated in various activities organized byIAEA.

In collaboration with IAEA, PNRA organized anumber of training courses pertaining to nuclear

security as part of the Nuclear Security ActionPlan. A state-of-the-art “R adiation DetectionEquipment Laboratory” was also established incollaboration with IAEA under this project.

International Expert Missions Conducted in 2001–08

Signing of Agreement between China Nuclear Power Operation Technology Corporation (CNPO)and PNRA School (SNRS) for development of Physical Models of Nuclear Power Plant's Main Components

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Nu

mb

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of

Mis

sio

ns

Expert Missions to PNRA Expert Missions from PNRA

Re

po

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20

08

21

Striving for Continuous Improvement8

PNRA's vision statement reflects the importance activities pertaining to nuclear power plants andit accords to improving its own capabilities so that nuclear research reactors. During 2008, CNSworkers, the public and the environment are assisted different line directorates of PNRA in thebetter protected from any potential damage from following activities:nuclear and radiation facilities. Committed to

� Review and inspection of refuellingmeeting the highest standards of performance as operation of C-1;a nuclear regulatory body, PNRA proactively

� Review of design of loose-part and vibration seizes national and international opportunities tomonitoring system of C-1;enhance its institutional capabilities, and to

� Review of modifications in the design ofimpart to its team the necessary knowledge, skills,irradiation surveillance capsule of C-1;tools and international exposure for keeping pace

with international practices and state-of-the-art� Follow-up of safety review of C-2 Preliminary

technologies. Safety Analysis Report;

� Inspection of C-2 equipment at manufacturerProgress at the Centre forsites in China and Pakistan;Nuclear Safety

� Review of C-3 Site Evaluation Report;The Centre for Nuclear Safety (CNS) is a technical� Review of ageing management program ofsupport organization that was formally

K-1;established within PNRA in 2005 for institutionalstrengthening and capacity building under a

� Review of fuel channel integrity of K-1; andGovernment of Pakistan PSDP-funded project.

� Licensing of Mo-99 isotope production plantThe main purpose of CNS is to strengthen andat PINSTECH.enhance PNRA's regulatory capabilities for the

licensing of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 2 The performance of CNS is continuouslyand other nuclear power plants to be set up in the monitored by the Planning and Developmentcountry in future. Division, Government of Pakistan.

CNS completed the fourth year of its existence The Centre for Nuclear Safety remained anduring the reporting period. In accordance with important hub for capacity building initiatives.its plan, CNS recruited 55 professional scientists Despite the prevailing financial crunch in theand engineers, most of them fresh graduates from country, the training activities to impart state-of-universities in different engineering disciplines. the-art knowledge to PNRA professional staffThe new officers were provided rigorous training continued during the reported year at nationalin different areas of regulatory work through in- and international level. Six officers were sent onhouse courses as well as learning opportunities fellowships and scientific visits under IAEA-arranged by regulatory bodies of other countries assisted technical cooperation projects tounder bilateral and multilateral agreements as enhance their technical skills in safety review andwell as IAEA. safety analysis. In addition, 15 officers were sent

to different institutes of China. In addition, variousAlthough the establishment of CNS is still in theinternational and local workshops wereproject execution phase, the Centre has begun toorganized to provide hands-on technicaldemonstrate that it is capable of providingexperience to CNS personnel.valuable technical support in different licensing

1. 8th Level - I Training Course (August 25 to October 17);

2. 1st Level-II Professional Training Course on Radiation Protection and Waste Safety (commenced April 7);

3. Training workshop on piping system analysis using peps computer code (**);

4. Mechanical Components of Nuclear Power Plants (January 21 to 25);

5. 4th Level-II Professional Training Course on Pressurized-Water Reactor Systems (June 30 to August 1);

6. Workshop on “Inspection and Enforcement” (June 9 to 11).

Training Courses Conducted by SNRS

PA

KIS

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NN

UC

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GU

LA

TO

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AU

TH

OR

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Striving for Continuous Improvement

Developing the Next Generation appreciated by international regulators and isof Regulators expected to be adopted as the international

model for leadership development withinPNRA has taken a number of initiatives to ensure

regulatory bodies.continuous improvement in its regulatoryperformance. As a forward-looking, knowledge- The PNRA School for Nuclear and Radiationbased organization, it is committed to working Safety (SNRS) conducted/facilitated eleven (11)proactively to develop and maintain the courses during 2008, in which 186 officers fromcompetency of its current and future human PNRA and PAEC participated. In addition, PNRA resources. arranged thirteen (13) training courses at external

organizations in which twenty-four (24) PNRAPresently, there are two hundred and fifteen (215)

officials received training in various disciplines.technical professionals on PNRA's team; by 2015,

During the reported year, the PNRA NuclearSecurity Training Centre conducted varioustraining courses, workshops, seminars and table-top exercises for the staff of PNRA, as well asPakistan Customs officials, and medical andindustrial workers. Two of these courses werespecifically conducted at Torkham and Sostborders for Pakistan Customs officials. Some ofthese were organized in collaboration with IAEA under the Nuclear Security Action Plan. Details

this strength has to be increased to 415 through are provided in Section 6.direct recruitment drives and fellowship schemes

PNRA has also been utilizing other opportunitiesto cater for the country's expanding nuclear

with IAEA for training and learning, such aspower generation capacity. The sixth recruitment

regional (Asia) programs, technical cooperationdrive was successfully completed during the

projects, regional training courses, technicalreporting year and thirty-five (35) scientists and

meetings, project workshops, and expertengineers were inducted. As mentioned earlier,

missions on nuclear and radiation safety.PNRA awards fellowships to candidates for

Research and Developmentmasters programs in nuclear and powerengineering disciplines at PIEAS and KINPOE on

Research and development constitutes a criticalan annual basis. Ten (10) such fellows have joined

component of PNRA's strategic plan. AsPNRA after completion of their postgraduate

mentioned earlier, PNRA is liaising with a widestudies. Six candidates were awarded fellowships

range of national academic and researchduring 2008; they will join PNRA in 2010 after

institutions including PIEAS, Ghulam Ishaq Khansuccessful completion of their studies.

Institute (GIKI), PINSTECH and the NationalCentre of Non-destructive Testing (NCNDT) forAs per PNRA's training policy, newly appointedcompetency building and promotion of researchscientists and engineers are required to rotate inon nuclear and radiation safety. Moreover, PNRAdif ferent directorates to enhance theirmainta ins bi la tera l re la t ionships wi thcompetency level and enable them to acquireinternational research institutions like the Nuclearfirst-hand knowledge and practical experience inSafety Centre, Beijing; China Nuclear Powerall regulatory activities. In addition to in-houseOperation Technology Corporation; and thetraining, newly recruited officers are also trained IAEA for exchange of safety related informationat national and international organizations.and research.

The Leadership Development Program initiatedat PNRA in collaboration with LUMS remained in Monitoring, Evaluation andprogress during the reported period. The Improvementprogram will help in identifying and grooming

As part of its Management System, PNRA hasfuture leaders of PNRA. The leadershipbeen performing annual monitoring anddevelopment framework of PNRA, consisting ofevaluation of its regulatory activities since its4Cs and 1P—Competence, Compassion,inception. In addition to regular self-evaluationCredibility, Consistency and Passion, was

Total Human Resource at PNRA

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50

100

150

200

250

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Engineers Scientists Others Total

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mp

loyees

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08

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Striving for Continuous Improvement

and performance reporting to the Government regulatory oversight of nuclear and radiationand the public, PNRA frequently invites facilities in the country by PNRA. Figure 4international experts for peer reviews. This presents a comparison of PNRA's overallprocess contributes to continuous improvement performance since its inception.of regulatory effectiveness and efficiency and

The self-assessment of PNRA's performancedrives PNRA towards improved performance in

initiated in 2006 in collaboration with LUMS wasall of its activities.

completed in March 2007. A comprehensiveThe monitoring of the regulatory performance of report was submitted by LUMS identifying thePNRA is based on 12 strategic performance strong and weak areas of PNRA's regulatoryindicators and a five-level rating scale. The results performance. During the reported period, PNRAof the assessment for the year January-December focused its resources for improving its2008 are summarized in Figure 2. In September performance in the identified weak areas. In2008, PNRA also published its third report, parallel, PNRA is making efforts to developentitled “PNRA Report 2007”, which was widely meaningful quantitative sub-indicators for thedistributed and is also available on the PNRA annual assessment of its performance.website, http://www.pnra.org.

In addition to conducting self-assessment, PNRAPNRA enjoys a relationship of mutual respect and has prepared a comprehensive plan for thetrust with the Government, and ensures that this development, implementation, and assessmentconfidence of the government is maintained at all of its Management System. Work remained intimes. PNRA regularly submits its annual report to progress on the development of this system and athe Government at the end of each calendar year. draft Management System Manual was preparedAccordingly, the “Performance Review Report- in accordance with international practices during2008” of PNRA was submitted to the Prime the reporting period. The manual is currentlyMinister of Pakistan in February 2009. These under review. It is envisaged that implementationsubmissions have improved transparency and of the Management System will commence inenabled the Government to keep abreast of 2009.

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30

2006-072002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2007-08

50

Years

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of

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ec

ruit

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40

6275

109

150

179

215

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

2 2

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2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

YearYear

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Recruitment of Technical Officers Age Profile

Officers in 2001 Officers in 2006 Officers in 2008

>55 51-55 46-50 41-45 36-40 26-35 less than25

40

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80

120

100

60

20

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Age in years

Yearwise Technical Manpower Strenght of PNRA Local Training Profile of PNRA Officers

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Rating Scale

Green

White

Yellow

Red

Pink

Satisfactory

Minimally acceptable

Needs improvement

Unsatisfactory

Not acceptable

Ensures that acceptablelevel of safety is being

maintained by licensees

(Indicator 1)

Ensures that regulationsand procedures are in

position and understood bylicensees

(Indicator 2)

Strives for continuousimprovement of its

performance

(Indicator 3)

Takes appropriate actions toprevent degradation of

safety and to promote safetyimprovements

(Indicator 4)

Takes appropriate steps forhuman resource

development and hascompetent and certified

regulatory staff

(Indicator 5)

Ensures that adequate legalprovisions exist for

enforcement, e.g., dealingwith non-compliance or

licence violations

(Indicator 6)

Performs its functions in atimely and cost-effective

manner

(Indicator 7)

Ensures that a wellestablished quality

management system exists

(Indicator 8)

Ensures that adequateresources are available forperforming its functions andTechnical Support Centre is

available for specialistassistance when required

(Indicator 9)

Performs its function in amanner that ensures

confidence of the operatingorganizations

(Indicator 10)

Performs its functions in amanner that ensures

confidence of the generalpublic

(Indicator 11)

Performs its functions in amanner that ensures

confidence of theGovernment

(Indicator 12)

Figure 2: Rating of PNRA's Performance in 2008

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Rating Scale

Green

White

Yellow

Red

Pink

Satisfactory

Minimally acceptable

Needs improvement

Unsatisfactory

Not acceptable

July 2001

June 2002

July 2002

June 2003

July 2003

June2004

June 2004

Dec. 2005

Jan. 2006

Dec. 2006

Jan. 2007

Dec. 2007

Jan. 2008

Dec. 2008

Satisfactory

Minimally Acceptable

Needs Improvement

Unsatisfactory

Not Acceptable

Year Reported

Figure 3: Rating of PNRA's Overall Performance, 2001–08

Printed By: Pictorial Printers

Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory AuthorityP.O. Box 1912Islamabad, 44000PakistanTel: +92 (51) 926 3001-6Fax: +92 (51) 926 3007Email: [email protected]

REPORT 2008 - Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority Report-2008.pdf · PAKISTAN NUCLEAR REGULATORY...

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