© 2008 Institute of Nuclear Power Operations 

Institute of Nuclear Power Operation

Institute of Nuclear Power Operation

INPO and IAEA Approaches to Describing SafeCultureG. Kenneth Koves, Ph.D.Sr. Program Manager INPO
© 2008 Institute of Nuclear Power Operations 

Overview• Introduction• Similarities Between Approaches• Definitions• Principles/Characteristics• Attributes
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Introduction• Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational 

Psychology from Georgia Tech

• Worked at INPO for 6 years• Was a member of the IAEA Safety 

Culture Assessment Review Team (SCART) mission to Laguna Verde in November 2009
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Similarities of Approach

Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3

INPO – DefinitionIAEA – DefinitionINPO – PrincipleIAEA – CharacteristicINPO – AttributeIAEA – Attribute
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Tier 1 – Definitions• INPO (2004) – Safety culture: An organiz

values and behaviors – modeled by its leaand internalized by its members – that semake nuclear safety the overriding priorit

• IAEA (INSAG 4, 1991) – Safety culture is 

assembly of characteristics and attitudes organizations and individuals which estabthat, as an overriding priority, nuclear plasafety issues receive the attention warrantheir significance
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Tier 2 – Principles and Characteri

INPO (2004)

1. Everyone is personally responsible 

for nuclear safety

2. Leaders demonstrate commitment 

to safety

3. Trust permeates the organization4. Decision-making reflects safety 

first

5. Nuclear technology is recognized 

as special and unique

6. A questioning attitude is cultivated7. Organizational learning is 

embraced

8. Nuclear safety undergoes constant 

examination

IAEA (SC

200

1. Safety is a C

Recognized V

2. Leadership fo

Clear

3. Accountabilit

Safety is Cle

4. Safety is Inte

into All Activ

5. Safety is Lea

Driven
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Example Definition– INPO Principle #8

Nuclear safety undergoes constant 

examination

• Oversight is used to strengthen safet

improve performance. Nuclear safetunder constant scrutiny through a vamonitoring techniques, some of whicprovide an independent ‘fresh look.’
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Tier 3 – Attributes with INPrinciple #1

Everyone is personally responsible for nuclea• The line of authority and responsibility for nuclear s

defined from the board of directors to the individuacontributor.

• Support groups, such as human resources, labor re

business and financial planning, also understand thecontributing to nuclear safety.

• People and their professional capabilities, values, an

experiences are regarded as the nuclear organizatiovaluable asset.

• All personnel understand the importance of adheren

nuclear safety standards.

• Relationships among utilities, operating companies, 

owners are not allowed to obscure the line of responuclear safety.
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Tier 3 – Attributes with IACharacteristic #1

Safety is a clearly recognized value• The high priority given to safety is shown in 

documentation, communication, and decision

• Safety is a primary consideration in the alloc

resources.

• The strategic business importance of safety i

reflected in the business plan.

• Individuals are convinced that safety and pro

go hand in hand.

• A proactive and long-term approach to safety 

shown in decision-making.

• Safety conscious behavior is socially accepted 

supported (both formally and informally).
© 2008 Institute of Nuclear Power Operations 

Questions?