Examining the Realities of Risk Management

Abstract

Quantitative risk management in nuclear power plants has been demonstrated on a very limited basis. While not yet receiving the general support of plant owners and operators, the results are impressive and encouraging. It is clear that risk can be quantified, contributors pinpointed, and cost-effective changes can be made for controlling and, if appropriate, reducing risk. It is also clear that an integrated safety model of the plant is necessary to be successful. Experience indicates the extreme importance to risk of support systems such as electric power, room cooling, and secondary heat removal systems. External events are also an important class of contributors to risk. There is still the regulatory mind set that impedes rapid progress toward meaningful risk management based on costs, risks, and benefits. Utility executives and decision makers need to embrace the concept for it to be a realistic success. This has not happened although there is a beginning.