The IAEA's activities in safeguarding nuclear materials and in developing internationally acceptable safety codes and guides for nuclear power plants

Abstract

Promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and aiming at the international sharing of its benefits are objectives that guide the activities of the Agency. But this promotional work is carried out on condition that security and safety are provided for. Therefore the Agency develops two sets of measures: safeguards are applied to make sure that nuclear activities do not further any military purpose, and in particular not the use of nuclear power for the manufacture of nuclear explosives. In addition the Agency is drawing up standards of safety for protection of health and minimization of danger to life and property. All Agency assistance involving nuclear facilities will be subjected to these standards or other standards, which are proposed by the State, and which the Agency finds essentially equivalent. Safeguards are always applied on the basis of agreements. States Party to NPT are obliged to negotiate and conclude with the Agency agreements which cover all their peaceful nuclear activities. Safeguards agreements concluded outside NPT are applied to specific supplies of facilities, equipment and material. To assist countries in laying down their nuclear safety regulations the Agency's programme for the developing of Codes of Practice and Safety Guides for Nuclear Power Plants draws up guidelines for governmental organizations, siting, design, operation and quality assurance. Codes are the fundamental documents laying down the objectives of each field of nuclear safety. Guides specify their implementation and inspection verifies their achievement.