The relevance of the Chernobyl accident to the safety of power reactors in OECD countries: Report by a NEA group of experts

An evaluation of the Chernobyl accident made by a group of experts from OECD/NEA countries has concluded that the accident has not brought to light any new phenomena or safety issues that are not already covered by current reactor safety programmes for commercial power reactors in OECD countries. No immediate modifications or regulatory actions are considered necessary with respect to such plants as a consequence of the accident. Nevertheless, given the seriousness of the Chernobyl accident, an appraisal of current safety programmes is a prudent course, for example, to determine whether some further verification studies are advisable or if some shift in emphasis between various technical areas should be considered. Such appraisals are well under way in OECD countries on a national basis. (orig.)