Present status of nuclear power safety studies in JAERI

Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute carries out the safety research required for ensuring safety accompanying the development and utilization of atomic energy, dividing the roles with industrial circules, universities and other public research institutes. First, it carries out the research based on the yearly program of safety research, in which the subjects of safety research that the state should execute are decided. Next, it carries out a series of the safety verification test on atomic energy facilities entrusted by the state using the special account for power source development promotion countermeasures. Besides, it carries out the safety research on the specific subjects entrusted by outside organizations. The object and range of atomic energy safety at present are roughly divided into four fields, that is, nuclear power stations, nuclear fuel facilities, waste treatment and disposal, and environmental radioactivity. In order to advance the research effectively, in addition to the generalization department and the execution department, various committees are organized. In 1988, about 260 persons engaged in these four research fields, and the budget for fiscal year 1988 was about 17.4 billion yen. (K.I.)