Decommissioning of research reactors and other small facilities by making optimal use of available resources

The IAEA's programme in support of decommissioning seeks to provide Member States with comprehensive guidance on the planning and execution of safe and effective decommissioning of facilities in which radioactive material has been handled. A considerable literature has been produced on the technological aspects of planning and implementation. In recent years this has been supplemented with information on the organization and management of decommissioning. This report extends the latter area by considering the issues faced in the decommissioning of research reactors and other small facilities, which is often undertaken in situations where the available resources are limited. There are large numbers of research reactors and many more small facilities utilizing radioactive material, some of which are coming to the end of their operating lives and will require decommissioning. These facilities were built in many States, and the extent of local nuclear experience varies widely. Although the radioactive source terms within research reactors and other small facilities are expected to be less in radioactive inventory than in larger facilities, small facilities may still pose significant radiological and other risks, due to ageing and other issues. This report focuses on the matters that must be addressed to safely and efficiently decommission research reactors and other small facilities. Particular consideration is given to the resources required to achieve this and to managing in situations where these are in short supply. These resources are shown to be varied in nature, going beyond simply numbers of people or amounts of available funding. Experience gained in the wider decommissioning industry is recognized as needing to be applied in a fit for purpose and cost effective manner, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Making the best use of existing staff is discussed, along with their possible limitations. The advantages and disadvantages of external support are explored, and international support, for example from the IAEA, is noted as a means to build local capability in decommissioning issues and in being an informed purchaser of goods and services in the international marketplace. An overall requirement to have sufficient resources to safely undertake any work, before it is commenced, is also stressed.