IRRS Germany 2008 Report to the Government of Germany

Nuclear safety is not just about applying technical or engineering standards. It is also crucially dependent on the people and organizations that control the technology, both in the operating organizations and regulatory bodies. Thus it is also based on the attitudes and motivations of people. It requires all those involved to have a challenging and questioning attitude, a never ending quest for improvement, and a passion for nuclear safety as the prime goal. This is especially true for those who lead organizations impinging on nuclear safety if excellence in both nuclear safety and operation is to be achieved.

This report, in particular its recommendations and suggestions, should be seen in this context. And, in inviting the IAEA to conduct such a mission, the German government has expressed its commitment to the basic principle for excellence in nuclear safety - a quest for continuous improvement.