ADVANCES IN THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY AND SAFETY AT LOVIISA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

摘要

Many performance indicators of quality and safety of a high standard are typical of the Finnish nuclear power plants. One important factor in achieving good results is the principle of continuous improvement. The paper deals with this subject from many points of view. The reference base in developing the quality assurance programme, the international norms related to quality, have widened. The Finnish regulations have made constant progress. One base element in achieving a practical quality assurance programme was the attitude of scrutinizing quality and safety matters based on operational needs. The paper mentions some procedures to support the achievement of the desired quality and safety level. Operating experience feedback is one of the most important areas. The paper presents the root cause analysis and the register of the minor incidents in detail. A vast number of modifications improving safety have been implemented at the two Loviisa units during their combined 33 years of operation. Three examples of recent improvements are presented. It is important to maintain a high level of quality expertise among the personnel, too. Analysis of reports of special events at the power plant clearly indicates that the aim of fast and instruction supported correct operator action to minimize detrimental effects has been achieved. The personnel also feels that the observance of procedures is important and that the procedures and instructions are appropriate and reliable today. The concept of continuous development and improvement is part of the quality and safety activities adopted at the power plant. In the improvement of quality and performance, overall quality management is being emphasized more and more.