Regulatory hold points
Regulatory hold points (RHPs) are licence conditions that follow a staged progress through the licensing phases of nuclear facilities.
Establishment of regulatory hold points
If applicable, RHPs are set by the Commission during a Commission proceeding. Details about the RHPs are usually outlined in the power reactor licence or the licence conditions handbook.
Ongoing oversight and compliance
The licensee must demonstrate compliance with the RHP requirements set by the Commission.
CNSC staff follow a compliance plan that aligns with the licensee’s planned activities and schedule. CNSC site staff conduct inspections, technical reviews, and surveillance and monitoring activities, which help staff verify that the licensee has met all the pre-requisites established by the Commission to release each RHP.
Removing regulatory hold points
Licensees are responsible for submitting documentation known as completion assurance documentation for each RHP. CNSC staff verify the completion assurance documentation, along with independent inspections and assessments, which confirms that the criteria for removing a hold point have been met and there are no safety issues.
Licensees cannot proceed past any RHPs without approval from the Commission.
New reactor facilities
Regulatory hold points for new reactor facilities may be established during a licensing decision to enable a step-by-step progression of activities.
Learn more about mandatory checkpoints for new reactor facilities
Refurbishments
Regulatory hold points enable a step-by-step progression of activities during the refurbishment of nuclear facilities. Authorization is needed at each of the 4 steps before a facility’s return to service.
Learn more: Regulatory hold points for facility refurbishments
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