The management system evolution of research nuclear reactor IEA-R1

Abstract

The IEA-R1 is the first research nuclear reactor in Brazil and since its inauguration in 1957, has been regularly used mainly for R&D, teaching and production of some radioisotopes for medical and other purpose. Until 1999 the IEA-R1 reactor adopted a Quality Assurance Program based on the Brazilian regulatory body standard (Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission - CNEN) CNEN NN 1.16 and the IAEA Guide SS 50 CQ to control quality and safety requirements, quality procedures and records. In 2001 the Research Reactor Center (CRPq) has began to implement a Quality Management System (QMS) focused on “Operation and Maintenance of the IEA-R1 Research Reactor and Irradiation Services". In 2002 this facility obtained its first NBR ISO 9001:2000 certification on this scope. The present work relates the stages involving the implementation of QMS of IEA-R1 reactor since it started operation until now, reporting the mainly difficulties and results obtained.