The focus was on preparing for the implementation of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, fostering the exchange of information on safety issues, developing common safety standards, providing a variety of expert services and supporting co-ordinated research work in Member States. The Convention on Nuclear Safety entered into force on 24 October 1996. In June, a third informal meeting of representatives of signatories and other interested States completed draft rules of procedure, financial rules for meetings of the Contracting Parties, and draft guidelines regarding the form and structure of national reports and on the review process under the Convention for consideration at the Preparatory Meeting of Contracting Parties in 1997. Practices are divided into general practices pertaining to certain values needed for continuous evolution of improved safety performance, and specific practices covering a wide range of activities including analysis of events, the regulatory approach, employee participation and safety performance measures. Recommendations emphasize the importance of consistent commitment to improving safety, the learning process and the role of the regulatory body.
Safety is a topical issue in the development of fusion reactors.
Recent developments in fusion safety were reviewed and discussed at a meeting in Naka, Japan. The topics addressed were safety activities within national and international fusion programmes, including selected experimental studies, safety analysis and assessment methods, and considerations relating to magnet and seismic safety, recycling of activated materials and disposal of radioactive waste. Although fusion safety studies have been under way for over two decades, continuing research efforts are required on the optimization of protection as fusion technology develops. Exploration of specific aspects, such as the generation of radioactive dust in fusion reactors, are gaining importance. In the revision process, documents dealing with operational safety will receive the highest priority.