Electrical Safety Rules

AP IMPACT: US nuke regulators weaken safety rules

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Federal regulators have been working closely with the nuclear power industry to keep the nation's aging reactors operating within safety standards by repeatedly weakening those standards, or simply failing to enforce them, an investigation by The Associated Press has found.

Time after time, officials at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission have decided that original regulations were too strict, arguing that safety margins could be eased without peril, according to records and interviews.

The result? Rising fears that these accommodations by the NRC are significantly undermining safety — and inching the reactors closer to an accident that could harm the public and jeopardize the future of nuclear power in the United States.

Examples abound. When valves leaked, more leakage was allowed — up to 20 times the original limit. When rampant cracking caused radioactive leaks from steam generator tubing, an easier test of the tubes was devised, so plants could meet standards.

Failed cables. Busted seals. Broken nozzles, clogged screens, cracked concrete, dented containers, corroded metals and rusty underground pipes — all of these and thousands of other problems linked to aging were uncovered in the AP's yearlong investigation. And all of them could escalate dangers in the event of an accident.

Yet despite the many problems linked to aging, not a single official body in government or industry has studied the overall frequency and potential impact on safety of such breakdowns in recent years, even as the NRC has extended the licenses of dozens of reactors.

Industry and government officials defend their actions, and insist that no chances are being taken. But the AP investigation found that with billions of dollars and 19 percent of America's electricity supply at stake, a cozy relationship prevails between the industry and its regulator, the NRC.

Records show a recurring pattern: Reactor parts or systems fall out of compliance with the rules. Studies are conducted by the industry and government, and all agree that existing standards are "unnecessarily conservative."

Regulations are loosened, and the reactors are back in compliance.

"That's what they say for everything, whether that's the case or not," said Demetrios Basdekas, an engineer retired from the NRC. "Every time you turn around, they say 'We have all this built-in conservatism.'"

The ongoing crisis at the stricken, decades-old Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility in Japan has focused attention on the safety of plants elsewhere in the world; it prompted the NRC to look at U.S. reactors, and a report is due in July.

Online Traders Failing Electrical Safety Requirements | PR.co.nz

( PR.co.nz ) Energy Safety is alarmed at the level of online traders failing to ensure their electrical products are safe – and hopes $33,000 in fines will send a clear message.

All traders, including those using popular online auctions sites, must comply with basic safety rules when selling electrical products, like chargers and plug adaptors.

An Energy Safety audit1 of 50 professional Trade Me traders found that 90 per cent had not taken any steps to establish the safety of the chargers and power supplies they were selling. On further enquiry, 70 per cent could not produce any evidence that their products were safe. Energy Safety has, as a result, fined 23 traders a total of $33,000 and warned a further 15.

Energy Safety Compliance Officer Richard Lamb said too many online traders were failing their responsibilities to their customers.

“Chargers and power supplies are used throughout our homes and workplaces to power laptops, phones and other devices. Their safety is something people take for granted.

“The failure of traders to comply with even the most basic of safety rules is careless and puts people and property at unnecessary risk.”

Mr Lamb said many of the chargers were supplied with plug adaptors, which lack sufficient protection from contact with live parts.

“With these adaptors used at skirting board level and accessible by infants and young children, the dangers are too great for traders to ignore their responsibilities.”

Mr Lamb encouraged online auction site users to take simple steps when purchasing electrical products. “Buyers should be cautious when shopping online and stick with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate safety with ease. Buyers can also ask for a supporting Supplier Declaration that shows how the charger or power supply meets a recognised safety standard.”

Enforcement against non-compliant traders would continue, Mr Lamb warned. “Energy Safety regularly monitors online auction sites and will take action against traders who fail to comply with electrical safety regulations.

“Traders could also find themselves liable for costs if an unsafe electrical product was to cause a fire and, in the event of a fatality, may face more serious charges.

“The rules are simple, traders must ensure all new and used electrical products are safe before they’re offered for sale,” Mr Lamb said.

If sellers have any doubts, they should seek professional advice and visit www.energysafety.govt.nz for information on supplying safe electrical products. Energy Safety is the government agency responsible for encouraging the safe supply and use of electricity and gas.

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