The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission invites comments on the proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act

In response to the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) established a task force to undertake a review of Canada’s nuclear regulatory framework.

The review concluded that the framework is strong, comprehensive and effectively applied to the whole range of nuclear power plant conditions, including severe accidents. The task force also made recommendations to further enhance the safety of Canadian nuclear facilities.

To apply the lessons learned from the Fukushima event, the CNSC proposes to amend the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations, the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations and the Radiation Protection Regulations. The proposals:

• update and clarify existing requirements for radiation protection during an emergency with current international standards and practices
• ensure that human performance and fitness for duty are addressed by Class I nuclear facility licensees to support workers in conducting their daily tasks and to be prepared to effectively respond to nuclear emergencies
• ensure that nuclear power plant licensees undertake regular reviews against modern codes and standards to identify safety improvements to their facilities to ensure their continued safe operation
• modernize the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations and the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations to reflect the nuclear industry’s best practice of placing paramount focus on safety through the implementation of a management system

The proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on October 8, 2016 for a 30-day consultation period. Comments must be submitted to the CNSC by November 7, 2016.

To comment on the proposed regulations, please send feedback to:

Brian Torrie,
Director General, Regulatory Policy Directorate
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
280 Slater Street
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON  K1P 5S9
Telephone: 613-947-3728, Fax: 613-995-5086
Email: cnsc.consultation.ccsn@canada.ca

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

Quick facts

• The CNSC makes safety its number-one priority and requires licensees to do the same.
• The CNSC continues to ensure strong oversight of all licensees and continues to support the strong safety culture of the nuclear sector.

Additional links

• Nuclear Safety and Control Act
• Radiation Protection Regulations
• Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations
• Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations
• Regulatory framework overview

Contacts

Aurèle Gervais
Media and Community Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
613-996-6860
1-800-668-5284
cnsc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.ccsn@canada.ca