19.05.2008 // Information and PR Center of Smolensk NPP

Press digest of Smolensk NPP

Exchange of operating experience helps to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants

Technical support mission of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) completed its work at Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant on May 15.

A representative of the Moscow Center of WANO, the leading specialists on the use of operating experience of Volgodonsk and Balakovo NPPs of Rosenergoatom Concern, representatives of Armenian NPP (Armenia), Ignalina NPP (Lithuania), Temelin NPP (the Czech Republic) and Smolensk NPP took part in the work of the mission.

The guests visited the control panels of all the three units of the plant and inspected the records of events used for analysis and provision of relevant assistance. They made a number of recommendations, which were submitted to the management of Smolensk NPP in the form of a report.

Operating experience is one of the key components of the safety of nuclear power plant. Smolensk NPP is committed to fulfill all the recommendations of WANO experts and to improve its operation.

Labor protection is key component of safe operation

In line with the schedule of safety inspections of nuclear power plants of Rosnergoatom Concern for 2008, May 19–23 2008 a Rosenergoatom commission will inspect the labor protection system of Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant.

The inspection will be organized and coordinated by the chief inspector of Smolensk NPP Ramil Galiyev.

The findings of the commission will be submitted to the management of Smolensk NPP and the heads of the plant’s departments.

Trade Union of Smolensk NPP sums up the results of 2007

On May 15 the Trade Union of Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant summed up the results of the trade union’s work in 2007. The chairman of the Russian Trade Union of Nuclear Workers Igor Fomichyov was invited to take part in the conference.

The chairman of the primary trade union organization of Smolensk NPP Yuri Kuznetsov made a report on the work of the trade union from Dec 2006 till May 2008.

The conferees approved the results of the work.

The director of Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant Andrey Petrov welcomed the conferees and said that the management and the trade union of Smolensk NPP cooperated very fruitfully and had common goal to protect the interests of their employees: “Today, we closely cooperate and I would like to wish our team more achievements in the next accounting period.”

The conferees approved a statute on the watchdog committee of the trade union of Smolensk NPP. The draft statute was published in Smolensk Atom newspaper so that all employees of the plant could read it. Alexander Beydin, instructor of the training department of Smolensk NPP, was elected the chairman of the committee.

Employees of Smolensk NPP receive high awards

The awarding ceremony of the best engineers from different regions of Russia took place at the Culture Center of the Armed Forces of the Defense Ministry of Russia on May 15.

In 2005 a group of Russian intellectuals, scientists, cultural workers, clergymen and government officials established International Forum “Potential of the Nation.” In 2006 the Forum instituted the annual awarding of the badge of honor “Engineering Glory of Russia.” The organizers say that this ceremony helps to shape positive public attitude towards technical occupations and to enhance the prestige of the profession of engineer.

The purpose of the badge of honor “Engineering Glory of Russia” and the medal «For Zeal and Benefit» is to encourage people working in the sphere of engineering, to enhance the prestige of engineering occupations. The awards are annually granted to the best engineers from all over Russia for their diligence, professionalism and creative approach to their work.

This project has been approved by the Federation Council, the State Duma and the Moscow Patriarchy.

Among this year’s awardees is the deputy chief engineer of Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant Ivan Sidorov.

After graduating from Ural Polytechnic University in 1985 Ivan Sidorov was employed with Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant. In 2000 he was appointed as deputy chief engineer, deputy head of the maintenance service.

Smolensk NPP grants houses to young specialists

On May 19 four families of young employees of Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant were provided with corporate houses in the repaired wing of the plant’s family hostel. It was a reward for their high professionalism, responsibility and devotion.

“Young employees are our reserve, the people who will replace us. That’s why we do our best to make life easier and happier for our youths so they love to work at our plant. We would like their families to live in peace and love. I believe that this good tradition to provide young specialists with new comfortable houses will be continued,” the director of Smolensk NPP Andrey Petrov said.