The CNSc Safety and Control Area Framework – Considerations Beyond Reactor Design for Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

Many of the international discussions about Small Modular Reactors have been heavily focused on issues related to design acceptance by the regulatory body rather than what an eventual user of these technologies needs to do to prepare to use these technologies safely (i.e. focusing on the ultimate goal of facility operation). CNSC licenses activities that use the technology, not the technology itself. It is recognized that design provides a strong contribution to future safety cases involving these technologies. However, design is only one aspect of an overall case that will be prepared by an applicant for a licence to demonstrate that construction and operation of a facility will be conducted safely and meet regulatory requirements. It is ultimately the user of the technology that must accept how the design ultimately fits into their proposal. This paper reviews the CNSC's Safety and Control Areas (SCAs) that must be addressed by the organization who is proposing to conduct the licensed activities and looks at how the design interfaces with these SCAs.