Canada's Experience with Building and Maintaining Safeguards Capability

Abstract of the technical paper/presentation presented at:
Safeguards Symposium 2018
November 2–5, 2018

Prepared by:
Omer Elahi, Rowena Maxwell, Brittany Tyler and David Moroz
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

Maintaining a competent and capable workforce for the purpose of safeguards implementation in a state with a broad and diverse nuclear fuel cycle presents unique challenges. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has turned to a combination of strategies to address safeguards human resources challenges. This paper explores a number of these strategies, including: safeguards inspector training and certification; safeguards knowledge management through the post-retirement engagement of experienced professionals; a commitment to new graduate development; cross-training between nuclear material accountancy and safeguards field operations roles; temporary staff assignments; and outreach to universities and licensees to build capacity beyond the CNSC. The paper relates the CNSC’s experience with these strategies to build and maintain safeguards capability in Canada.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada). When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.