Balakovo NPP Completes Pre-Audit of Quality Management System

Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant in Russia recently completed a pre-audit of its quality management system, confirming its readiness to undergo the official certification audit within the year. The audit covered multiple international quality standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 9004, and ISO 19443.

Balakovo NPP has previously conducted several audits in accordance with ISO 9001 with favorable results. This time, the plant will undergo audits against the ISO 9004 and ISO 19443 standards for the first time, making it one of the earlier nuclear power plants to be audited against these standards. The pre-audit is a key stage before the official certification audit, primarily aimed at assessing the plant's preparedness, checking the effectiveness of existing processes, documentation status, and staff understanding of the standard requirements.

During the five-day on-site audit, auditors evaluated the operations of multiple departments at the plant, reviewed relevant documentation, and conducted interviews with personnel. One of the key audit focuses was the standards being included in the certification scope for the first time.

Andrey Sologubov, an auditor from the DKS RUS certification body (DKS RUS), stated that the integrated management system at Balakovo NPP is continuously improving and demonstrates high requirements in safety management. The maximum individual radiation dose target set by Rosenergoatom is 16 mSv, while Balakovo NPP has set its internal administrative control level at 12 mSv. This indicator is currently being met, and the plant continues to work on further dose reduction.

The pre-audit results showed that Balakovo NPP has strengths in several areas, including systematic recording and analysis of operating experience, management policies promoting a safety culture, and the organization of technical maintenance and repair works. These achievements are associated with digital applications, PSR project implementation, and process management optimization.

The auditors also commended the plant's training center. The center is equipped with dedicated simulation equipment and radiation safety classrooms, featuring large screens for displaying equipment and process flows, as well as simulators and models for training, helping personnel master theoretical knowledge and operational skills and improve their preparedness for handling non-standard conditions.

Balakovo NPP is a branch of Rosenergoatom located in the city of Balakovo, Saratov Oblast, Russia, on the left bank of the Saratov Reservoir. The plant operates four VVER-1000 improved-type units with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW each, featuring the V-320 reactor design. Units 1 through 4 were commissioned in 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1993, respectively. The plant generates approximately one quarter of the electricity produced in the Volga Federal District.