The Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan has presented new safety measures to prevent or minimize the consequences of severe atomic plant crises.
Among other features, utilities will be required to build a special safety facility housing a secondary control room for reactor operations to protect reactors against natural disasters and acts of terrorism, such as the intentional crashing of an aircraft into a nuclear plant. Measures also include the mandatory installation of vents with filters able to reduce the amount of radioactive substances, in the event the reactors must undergo emergency venting. The Fukushima complex had venting systems but not with radiation-screening filters. Utilities will also be told to prepare emergency power sources to ensure reactors stay cool, even during a prolonged blackout.
Draft measures are expected to be finalised in July 2013. They will provide the regulatory framework for Japanese utilities to restart idled nuclear units.
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