Implementation of nuclear safety cases

Abstract

This article is based on experience of nuclear safety cases, but much of the learning applies to any industry that uses safety cases. There is currently an increased focus on nuclear safety case implementation, which is a crucial activity if nuclear safety cases are to fulfil their purpose. ‘Safety Designations’, i.e. the implementable parts of a safety case, can be powerful in enabling safety case implementation. Another aid is the use of a ‘Safety Case Summary for Operators’ – see Figure 1 for its central role. ‘Implementability’ of the safety case should be considered even before writing the first word of the safety case. The involvement of operators (the end users) in safety case production should result in safety cases that are not only easier to implement, but are more realistic and pragmatic as well.

Keywords:

• Safety case implementation
• Safety Designations
• Safety Case Summary for Operators
• safety assessment