Operational preparedness of the RA reactor, Annex 1

During operation of the RA reactor there was no accident that would affect the integrity of the facility nor affect the staff. But, since the reactor was not operated from 1984, in case of restarting operation it would be necessary to examine the vital components, above all: reactor vessel, pumps in the primary coolant loop, pumps and pipes of the secondary coolant loop, and cables for power supply. Testing of the reactor vessel is indispensable because it was not examined since 1980 and corrosion in the reactor core which was registered during lat few years of operation. Other components must be examined because of the effects of aging and degradation. The quantity of fresh 80% enriched fuel purchased form the former USSR is enough for 15 years of normal operation. The existing quantity of heavy water (of 99.8% quality) is more than enough for normal operation. In case of possible reactor restart it will be necessary to purchase additional quantity of helium which is used as cover gas. All the experimental channels and relevant equipment are operational. Four hot cells are operational and with adequate maintenance could be used independent of reactor operation. Systems for environmental control and meteorology measurements are not adequate because of degradation and no possibility of real time measurements. It is necessary to introduce additional security measures at the reactor building although physical protection system for the nuclear fuel was established in 1997 with financial support of IAEA. The existing number of staff would not be sufficient in case of reactor restart and operation. It would be necessary to prepare documents for reactor startup procedures, testing and full power operation