Course in Nuclear Facility Decommissioning
Online 300-hour course in nuclear facility decommissioning. 6 modules covering IAEA GSR Part 6 (decommissioning of facilities), Directive 2011/70/Euratom (spent fuel and radioactive waste management) and VISIPLAN. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the phases and strategies of a decommissioning project.
Plan the initial radiological characterisation of a facility.
Select appropriate decontamination and cutting techniques.
Apply the ALARA principle to decommissioning work.
Manage waste flows and the clearance of materials.
Define the criteria for site release.
Develop a decommissioning plan for a facility.
Who it's for
- Decommissioning engineer looking to specialise in nuclear facility decommissioning.
- Radiological characterisation technician looking to specialise in nuclear facility decommissioning.
- Head of radiation protection looking to specialise in nuclear facility decommissioning.
- Radioactive waste manager looking to specialise in nuclear facility decommissioning.
- Decommissioning project planner looking to specialise in nuclear facility decommissioning.
- Nuclear construction supervisor looking to specialise in nuclear facility decommissioning.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter nuclear decommissioning.
What you'll work with
- IAEA GSR Part 6 (decommissioning of facilities)
- Directive 2011/70/Euratom (spent fuel and radioactive waste management)
- Real Decreto 1836/1999 (Regulation on nuclear and radioactive facilities)
- NUREG-1575 (MARSSIM)
- IAEA GSR Part 5 (predisposal management of radioactive waste)
- Real Decreto 1029/2022 (protection of health against ionising radiation)
- NUREG-1757 (consolidated decommissioning guidance)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Reasons and timing for facility shutdown1.2Strategies: immediate dismantling, deferred dismantling and safe enclosure1.3Project phases and regulatory milestones1.4Final levels: restricted release and greenfield1.5Decommissioning licence and required documentation1.6Project organisation and required profiles1.7Transition from operation to decommissioning1.8Knowledge management of the facility1.9Indicative duration and cost1.10Exercise: choosing and justifying a strategy
2.1Inventory of materials and systems2.2Operating history and significant events2.3Activation of structures and components2.4Surface and internal contamination of circuits2.5Measurement and sampling techniques2.6Characterisation plan by zone2.7Estimation of waste volumes by category2.8Characterisation uncertainty and its cost2.9Documentation of the initial radiological state2.10Practical: characterisation plan for a building
3.1Chemical decontamination of circuits3.2Mechanical decontamination of surfaces3.3Thermal and mechanical cutting techniques3.4Underwater cutting and aerosol control3.5Remote handling and robotics3.6Demolition of concrete structures3.7Scarifying and removal of surface layers3.8Control of contamination spread3.9Selecting the technique according to the objective3.10Practical: comparing techniques for a component
4.1Zone classification during works4.2Planned collective dose and its optimisation4.3Ventilation and dynamic containment4.4Respiratory protection and clothing4.5Conventional hazards: working at height, loads and asbestos4.6Coordination of contractors and work permits4.7Dosimetry and contamination monitoring4.8Emergency plans during works4.9Specific staff training4.10Practical: risk analysis of an activity
5.1Waste flows and management routes5.2Clearance of materials and its verification5.3Recycling of metals and concrete5.4Management of problematic waste5.5Final characterisation of the site5.6Criteria for land release5.7Final report and closure declaration5.8Use restrictions and subsequent monitoring5.9Lessons learned and documentation5.10Practical: release file for an area
6.1Selecting the facility to be decommissioned6.2Project strategy and scope6.3Radiological characterisation plan6.4Dismantling sequence and techniques6.5Estimation of collective dose6.6Waste management plan6.7Final characterisation and release plan6.8Schedule and budget6.9Decommissioning plan report6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is VISIPLAN, MicroShield, RESRAD, Primavera P6, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for radiological characterisation of structures, cutting and segmentation techniques, and measurement for material clearance. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the phases and strategies of a decommissioning project.
Plan the initial radiological characterisation of a facility.
Select appropriate decontamination and cutting techniques.
Apply the ALARA principle to decommissioning work.
Manage waste flows and the clearance of materials.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with VISIPLAN, MicroShield, RESRAD, Primavera P6. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Redundancy course in critical avionics systems
The Critical Avionics Systems Redundancy Course explores the fundamental principles and advanced practices for ensuring the reliability and availability of electronic systems in aircraft. The course…
Course in Ethics in Satellite Monitoring of Natural Resources
300-hour online course in ethics in satellite monitoring of natural resources. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2021/696 (EU Space Programme and Copernicus), UN Resolution 41/65 (principles…
Course in Ethics in Procurement Transparency
Online 300-hour course in ethics in procurement transparency. 6 modules covering Directive 2009/81/EC (defence and security procurement), Law 24/2011 on public sector contracts in defence and…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships