Personnel Training and Certification and Regulatory Considerations

Abstract

The human performance management Safety and Control Area (SCA) must be included in applications for licences to construct, and subsequently to operate Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Facilities.

Specifically, a description of the program for training and qualification of workers involved in design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance activities of the new nuclear facility, including any proposed full-scope simulator, must be included as part of “Licence to Construct” submissions.

This SCA covers activities through development and implementation of processes that ensures a sufficient number of personnel in all relevant job areas having the necessary knowledge and skills to safely carry out their duties.

This paper focuses on considerations and challenges in the specific areas of personnel training, personnel certification and initial certification examinations/requalification tests, within the context of an SMR overall project timeline.

SMRs differ in size, design, and operation. While SMR designs have varying degrees of uncertainty, early coordinated efforts should be focused on common elements of the training and certification programs, independent of specific designs, to enable early engagement with the federal nuclear regulator - the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).