Enhance safety, say experts

December 14, 2012

Foreign experts advise Japan on nuclear safety 

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20121214_16.html

US and European experts on Friday offered advice to Japan's nuclear regulator about enhancing nuclear safety in the wake of last year's Fukushima accident.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority met for the first time with 3 foreign experts in the field.

Richard Meserve, a former chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said that staff members must have technical expertise if they are to effectively enforce regulations. He said it is necessary to continuously assess their levels of expertise, and hire foreign staff if necessary.

Andre-Claude Lacoste, a former head of France's nuclear safety authority, pointed out that nuclear plant operators in Japan only implemented the safety measures that were legally required.

He said it is very dangerous for plant operators to think that all they need to do is follow state regulations. He said it is important to establish a system under which plant operators are encouraged to voluntarily enhance safety.

Chairman of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, Shunichi Tanaka, said he is not satisfied with the safety awareness level of plant operators in Japan. He said he wants to promote Japan's own safety measures by listening to the advice of foreign experts.