The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on November 19, 2025, issued the Safety Guide for Design of Fuel Handling and Storage Systems for Nuclear Power Plants.
The following has been stated: -
•The Safety Guide outlines design and safety requirements for fuel handling and storage systems in PHWR, LWR, and SFR nuclear power plants and AFR facilities.
•It covers all stages of new and spent fuel receipt, storage, inspection, transfer, loading/unloading, and cask handling.
•Key objectives include ensuring sub-criticality, decay heat removal, radiation shielding, and confinement of radioactive material.
•Systems must prevent undue radiation exposure, fuel damage, and release of radioactivity during normal and accident conditions.
•Design should follow AERB safety classification, withstand all loads, and incorporate measures to prevent dropping or damaging fuel and related safety-important components.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: AERB/NPP/SG/D-24, Rev.1]
