Ad-hoc and preventative maintenance system as part of the SAFARI-1 management system

SAFARI-1, the Nuclear Research Reactor located at Pelindaba, has to meet a multitude of requirements relating to corporate policies, strategic planning, preventative maintenance , in-service inspection, plant ageing, quality, conventional and radiological safety, regulatory specifications, security, commercial and financial goals etc., which need to be incorporated into an overall Management System. The control of these various disciplines within the nuclear facility become quite complex if the procedures are to be coordinated, maintained and at the same time managed so as to achieve suitable levels of staff motivation, which will ultimately ensure appropriate implementation. Maintenance is one aspect that was a challenge over the last 12 years to identify, implement and optimize the various disciplines of maintenance. The objective was to ensure fewer plant stoppages as a result of an effective maintenance programme implementation. Although SAFARI-1 has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Certification, it's present commercial and operational schedule takes a very well coordinated operational and maintenance management system to achieve all stakeholder requirements and still function within the design and safety requirements. In order for SAFARI-1 to maintain an exceptionally high operational schedule of 305 out of 365 days it takes good planning and coordination to fit routine maintenance, upgrades and In-Service Inspection activities. This will ultimately ensure the success of the facility to maintain operation requirements. The management system procedures incorporate an interdisciplinary approach, which can integrate all the above organizational requirements, with the emphasis on safety and at the same time encompass a more customer driven focus - this includes customers both internal and external to the SAFARI-1 organization. The integration of a management system requires effective implementation at all levels such as operational schedules and procedures, maintenance procedures, project management, managing design changes, training, QHSE manuals, legislative and licensing requirements, work instructions, etc. All these activities have been satisfactorily achieved within SAFARI-1 management system. (author)