Safety of Uranium and Plutonium Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facilities. Revision of Safety Guide SSG-7

This Safety Guide provides specific recommendations on the site evaluation, design, construction, commissioning, operation and preparation for decommissioning of uranium and plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication facilities to meet the applicable requirements established in IAEA Safety Standards No. SSR-4, Safety of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities. This publication addresses main hazards associated with MOX fuel fabrication facilities. The toxicity of plutonium is high and therefore it is important that best practices be employed at all stages of the fabrication of MOX fuel, and that plutonium be handled, processed, treated and stored safely. The recommendations in this publication are aimed primarily at the operating organizations of MOX fuel fabrication facilities, regulatory bodies, designers and other relevant organizations.