ENSI oversees and monitors the operation of the nuclear installations in Switzerland. By analysing the reports of the operators, and through inspections and checks, ENSI determines whether the operators are complying with their legal responsibility. It orders all necessary and reasonable measures aimed at preserving nuclear safety and security. In addition, ENSI monitors releases of radioactivity into the environment and the radiation exposure of personnel, attends the annual overhaul shutdowns, assesses incidents, and informs the population about the state of the nuclear installations.
In the event of an incident, ENSI prepares forecasts, ensures that the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is quickly updated, and advises the relevant authorities on ordering protective measures.
It also drafts directives on nuclear safety and security. Guidelines are enforcement aids that convert legal requirements into concrete terms and facilitate uniform implementation. They also specify the current state of the art of science and technology, including the latest backfitting technology.
News
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Oversight authority and operators of Swiss nuclear facilities continue to develop safety culture
The Country-Specific Safety Culture Forum Switzerland took place in Bern on 19 and 20 November 2024. Representatives from various institutions discussed Switzerland’s national culture and analysed its influence on the safety and oversight culture of nuclear facilities. The aim is to continuously improve safety and security. The results will be summarised in a report and…
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After Fukushima, ENSI reviewed its own oversight culture and derived appropriate measures
Analyses of the events in Fukushima revealed that the operator was not solely responsible for the failures in the run-up to the earthquake and tsunami, but rather that the supervisory authorities were also partly responsible. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) therefore took this opportunity to review its own oversight culture.
Background articles
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Series of articles on barriers 6/6: The containment holds radioactive substances in the reactor building
The reactor pressure vessel is enclosed by the containment as the third barrier. This consists of a steel primary containment and a concrete secondary containment.
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Series of articles on barriers 5/6: The water circuit (primary circuit part 2 of 2)
With its pipelines, shut-off valves and other components, the cooling circuit, together with the reactor pressure vessel, is the second barrier for trapping radioactive substances.
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Series of articles on barriers 4/6: The reactor pressure vessel (primary circuit part 1 of 2)
The reactor pressure vessel, together with the water’s cooling circuit, is the second barrier for trapping radioactive substances.