Test and Training Facilities at JRC, Ispra for Safeguards Inspectors

For the implementation of safeguards in modern and automated nuclear facilities, a large variety of sophisticated verification techniques are being used. The Safeguards Authorities are confronted with the need to test the performances of these techniques, to periodically calibrate instruments and test measurement and inspection procedures and last but not least provide effective training to their inspectors. In this framework, JRC has started several years ago a programme for establishing test and training facilities. They are: PERLA for non destructive assay, LASCO for containment and surveillance, Tank Measurement Lab (TAME) for volume and weight measurement and PETRA for studies of safeguards for reprocessing plant and active waste. PERLA and LASCO are operational and already used by safeguards inspectors, TAME and PETRA will become operational in 1992. The paper will describe the characteristics and functions of the different facilities, their actual use and future plans of development. The feature of the facilities to foster international cooperation will be presented.