Safety Evaluation of Fuel Cycle Facilities during Operation (SEDO)

Nuclear fuel cycle facilities are facilities in which radioactive material is processed, used, stored or disposed of in quantities or concentrations that pose potential hazards to workers, the public and the environment. Operators must ensure safety for all stages in the lifetime of these facilities, from siting, design, construction and commissioning to operation and, eventually, their decommissioning.

A SEDO mission reviews the host facility’s good practices; exchanges technical experience and practices at the working level aimed at strengthening the programmes, procedures and practices being followed; and provides recommendations and suggestions for improvement.

Performance assessments are made on the basis of IAEA safety standards and other IAEA publications, as well as the combined expertise of the international review team. A SEDO mission is carried out through interviewing personnel, reviewing documentation and conducting field visits.

Such missions are conducted by an international, multidisciplinary team of experts with direct experience in the areas of review. A team can comprise up to 12 external experts, primarily peers from similar nuclear fuel cycle facilities, but also from regulatory bodies or technical support organizations, plus a team leader and deputy team leader from the IAEA.

SEDO missions last one to two weeks, depending on the scope of the mission and complexity of the facility. The service can be requested by Member States that operate fuel cycle facilities.