OREANDA-NEWS. December 19, 2008. The team consisted 8 experts representing 7 countries, 2 observers, the coordinator of the partner inspection and a representative of the administration of the World Association of Nuclear Operators – a total of 12 specialists, highly qualified professionals in the field of NPP maintenance.

The experts inspected the processes of maintenance and personnel training, interviewed the personnel and examined the relevant documentation.

They pointed out the positive practice of large-scale use of automatic argonarc welding, a highly efficient method to weld joints and to remove defects with little radiation burden on the personnel. They highly evaluated the materials for basic education of personnel and maintenance of their qualification: the plant has special stands instructing the personnel how to work on special equipment and used during exercises.

It was the first WANO inspection of a contractor maintenance organization. Until now WANO has inspected only nuclear power plants.