Control room operators spend about eight years in training and must pass a series of examinations before receiving their license. They receive ongoing training throughout their careers. A containment system surrounds the nuclear reactor preventing the release of any radioactive material to the outside environment in the event of an accident. Each component, such as valves, pipes, or electrical systems, must meet stringent qualifications. All important sensing instruments and the main control computer are duplicated.
Some components even have three independent sets of safety monitors.
Therefore safe operation of a station is not jeopardized if one component or one whole system fails. Safe operation of any nuclear facility and handling of any nuclear material in Canada is strictly regulated by Canada's regulatory agency, the Atomic Energy Control Board. It scrutinizes the activities, not only of nuclear power plants, but hospitals, uranium mines, and any industrial user of nuclear material.