NUCLEAR MATERIAL ACCOUNTANCY EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The UKAEA has been involved in special and nuclear material accountancy for some 50 years. The author has been involved in this subject for about 40 years. The author has drawn on that 40 year experience to identify key features of sound NM accountancy - and hence safeguards. A prime feature is the need for education backed up by detailed training. It is necessary that the education and training be directed at all staffing levels, from senior management, through plant management and supervisors, to the process operatives. An education and training programme is best sold on the basis that effective and demonstrable plant and process control leads almost automatically to good NMA. The NMA constraints need not be an excessive burden if some level of integration with plant control is pursued. Education processes must be tailored to the functions and responsibilities of the “students”. They must stress the positive aspects while clearly identifying the essential regulatory requirements. Real experience - the good and the difficult - should be drawn on both to illustrate issues and to help the audience feel comfortable with the topic.