The story appears on

Page A3

November 1, 2016

GET this page in PDF

Free for subscribers

View shopping cart

Related News

HomeNation

Legislature reviews nuclear safety law

CHINA’S top legislature began deliberating a draft law on nuclear safety yesterday.

The draft, currently being examined at the bimonthly session of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, specifies safety standards for nuclear facilities; emergency planning and response systems; and rules for information disclosure.

It also details the responsibilities of staff and supervisory bodies, and sanctions for those who fail in their duties.

The legislation aims to enable China to utilize nuclear energy safely; ensure the security of facilities and materials; and prevent and cope with accidents while protecting employees, the public and the environment.

Safety is the top priority of the nuclear cause, Zhang Yunchuan, vice chairman of the NPC’s Environment Protection and Resources Conservation Committee, said in a report.

The legislation would strengthen supervision and increase public confidence in nuclear safety, he said. It would also reassure the world about China’s safety management.

By the end of last June, 31 nuclear power generating units were operating on the Chinese mainland, with a total installed capacity of 29.69 million kilowatts. A further 23 units with a capacity of 26.09 million kilowatts are under construction.

By 2020, China will have the second-most nuclear power generating units in the world, Zhang said.

According to the draft, nuclear facility operators and nuclear material owners must take major safety responsibilities, while institutions that help with the facilities’ site selection, design, construction and test-runs, or provide equipment and other services, should also be held responsible.

The draft proposes the establishment of a three-tier emergency response system: at the national to local level; in institutions that operate the nuclear facilities; as well as an emergency response fund to ensure financial support in case of accidents.

Local governments should widely solicit opinions among people who may be affected by the operation of nuclear facilities.


 

Copyright 漏 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

娌叕缃戝畨澶 31010602000204鍙

Email this to your friend