The WENRA noted that regulatory authorities in several countries have already decided to demand safety reviews to check for hydrogen-induced forging defects in reactor vessels from the operators of the plants under their supervision.

Meanwhile, the association has recommended that measures are implemented on the basis of the same criteria.

WENRA recommends a two-step procedure- Firstly, operators should conduct a comprehensive review of the vessel manufacturing and inspection records.

Secondly, if the national nuclear safety authority considers it necessary based on the results of first stage, examination of the vessels should be undertaken using non-destructive testing (NDT) technology.

The examinations must be carried out during the usual scheduled inspections and an unscheduled plant shut-down is not necessary.

WENRA chair Hans Wanner said, "The recommendation to review the reactor pressure vessels of all European nuclear power plants on account of the insights gained from the Belgian plants is an example of WENRA’s active engagement on relevant technical issues concerning nuclear safety."