OSART missions, which are only carried out at the request of the Member States, are reviews of items essential to operational management. These missions can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of a power plant. Comprehensive reviews target nine operational areas: management, organization, and administration; training and qualifications; operations; maintenance; technical support; operating experience feedback; radiation protection; chemistry; and emergency planning and preparation. Depending upon individual needs, OSART reviews can focus on areas of particular concern or cover all areas in the review. 
Comparison of power plant operations with international best practices and jointly seeking methods to enhance operational management are characteristics essential to the work of the OSART team members and their power plant-side counterparts. OSART assessments are based on the expertise of OSART team members and the IAEA safety standards documents—including the Safety Standards and the Basic Radiation Protection Safety Standards. The OSART assessments method involves examining documents, interviews with staff, and evaluation of performance quality. The reviews recognize that operating structures may have various means to achieve their safety targets. Proposals for further enhancement of operational management can be based on observing good practices observed in other nuclear power plants. Identifying areas for continuous improvement and formulating proposals targeting these areas is an important aspect of OSART reviews. 
When formulating their opinion, OSART teams also discuss the investigation results with the operating structure and additional comments from the power plant-side counterparts. Implementation of advice or recommendations is, after consideration and accommodations for specific conditions, completely at the discretion of the operational structure.