Confirming Competence of Operators - A Regulatory Approach to Fuel Cycle Facilities

Abstract

For the past 40 years the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC has certified workers in nuclear facilities. The requirement for certified personnel has ensured that workers assigned to positions that have a direct impact on the safe operation of the facility are fully qualified to perform their duties. This certification regime is defined in the regulatory framework under which the CNSC operates. A regulatory approach to confirming the competence of Operators at Fuel Cycle Facilities has been initiated by CNSC staff. In the first stage of the implementation of this new regulatory approach, the CNSC had Cameco Corporation implement a formal internal qualification program for the UF₆ Operators at its Port Hope Conversion Facility (PHCF) in Port Hope, Ontario.