Problems and Delays Overshadow NRC's (Nuclear Regulatory Commission's) Initial Success in Improving Reactor Operators' Capabilities

摘要

The nuclear powerplant accident at Three Mile Island raised many questions concerning the safety of nuclear powerplant operations and, especially, the ability of nuclear power reactor operators to respond to abnormal or accident conditions. In response, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) developed a plan, which included both short- and long-term actions to improve the safety of nuclear powerplants. GAO reviewed the progress in implementing operator training and qualification actions. GAO recommends two actions NRC can take to improve the effectiveness of its effort to improve training and qualifications of nuclear powerplant personnel.