What changes has the nuclear industry made since the TMI accident?
The U.S. electric power industry responded quickly to lessons learned from the TMI accident. The NRC reviewed and enhanced training and certification procedures for nuclear power plant operators. As a result, the following changes were made: · Training requirements for plant operators are stricter. · Operator trainees must make higher test scores than before to become licensed operators. · All licensed operators must complete additional periodic retraining courses to keep their skills at the highest levels. Many equipment changes also increased safety: · Control rooms have more instruments to improve monitoring of reactor conditions. · Communications equipment and procedures are better, and changes in control room layout have improved efficiency. · Improved monitoring and testing equipment better detect radiation in the air and water. This helps operators track the condition of the reactor when problems occur. The NRC has also made the rules for emergency procedures stricter. Now each
