The Implementation of an Integrated Management System for TRIGA Research Reactor at LENA (Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Energy) – University of Pavia

The Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Energy (“LENA”) is an Interdepartmental Research Centre of the University of Pavia which operate, among other facilities, a 250 kW TRIGA Mark II Research Nuclear Reactor. The reactor is at the disposal of researchers from Pavia University and of other users, both public and private, for research activities, training and education and other services. The Centre itself carries out research and training activities and provides services for private enterprises, encouraging the transfer of the results of nuclear technology research to the production system, including the education and training of specialists in nuclear technology. The prerequisite for the management of the reactor is the satisfaction of all stakeholders requirements, among which safety constraints, efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of the services. In order to continuously improve the quality of reactor management and the accomplishment of the stakeholder requirements, LENA decided to implement an Integrated Management System in accordance with International Standard ISO 9001:2008. This choice allowed to satisfy both national and international compulsory requirements (i.e. safe reactor operation and maintenance) and typical ISO 9001 requirements (as e.g. continuous improvement, users/stakeholders care and satisfaction). In addition, through this systematic and graded approach, that led to the standardization of all processes involved in reactor operation and maintenance, all the aspects of the reactor management mentioned in the IAEA publication The Management System for Facilities and Activities (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GS-R-3 [1]) were also satisfied. In fact, this publication provides a guidance for establishing, implementing, assessing and continually improving a management system for facilities and activities that integrates safety, health, environmental, security, quality and economic elements.