Safe nuclear power plants: technical support services and contractors

A common concern to both regulators and the nuclear industry is the ongoing gradual loss of experienced and competent personnel in nuclear technology. In the nuclear power plants domain, it was considered worthwhile to identify commendable means used by the operators to maintain such control as well as the type of regulatory oversight that allows the regulator to gain assurance of the adequacy of such controls. In this framework, a forum was organized in june 2004 to have an international exchange of views. The discussions are briefly summarized in this document, presented around three main points: the overall environment, the licensees responsibilities and the regulators responsibilities. (A.L.B.)