11.09.2007 // Information Department of Volgodonsk NPP/Press service of Rosenergoatom Concern

Rostekhnadzor commission has completed inspection of Volgodonsk NPP

The experts have checked up if the plant complies with the nuclear, radiation and technological safety standards and the terms of its operating license.

The commission was led by the head of the inspection division of Rostekhnadzor’s department for NPP safety Oleg Lapshev and comprised experts from the Volga and Don offices of Rostekhnadzor.

The commission was satisfied. The experts pointed out that Volgodonsk NPP takes systematic steps to improve its performance and safety, to meet the terms of its license and to comply with the federal rules and standards. Volgodonsk NPP is safe and efficient – that’s what the experts said.

“Volgodonsk NPP is the youngest nuclear power plant in Russia. It has undergone lots of international inspections and one can see it at once: the plant is shining clean and perfectly trimmed. Volgodonsk NPP has always been among the safest in Rosenergoatom: the plant quickly responds to any problems, thoroughly analyses them and tries to find optimal solutions,” Lapshev said.

The experts inspected the plant’s operation papers and instructions and saw that they are available in electronic version and widely accessible for the personnel. The experts had some remarks concerning a number of documents contradicting the existing standards and rules. The managers of the plant promised to quickly correct the irregularities.

Lapshin pointed out that the plant maintains high safety standards and applies the best experience of Russian and foreign NPPs.

He said that in Oct Rostekhnadzor experts, jointly with their Finnish colleagues, will inspect Leningrad NPP. “We will check up if the plant complies with our national rules, while the Finns will focus on the fulfillment of the IAEA recommendations.”

In conclusion, Lapshin wished the personnel of Volgodonsk NPP success in their work. “You must be vigilant lest you might miss even the smallest problem. In fact, there are no small problems as far as safety is concerned.”

The next Rostekhnadzor inspection is to take place at Novovoronezh NPP.