Safety and risk assessment of Nuclear Fuel Facilities; Graded approach based on the risk level

Yoshida, Kazuo

Enerugi Rebyu, 40(4), p.19 - 20, 2020/03

The probabilistic Risk Assessment has been recognized to have important role for the safety enhancement of nuclear facilities in Japan. Efforts of developing methodologies and basic data for risk assessment are undertaken actively for NFFs (Nuclear Fuel Facilities) in Japan. The standard for risk assessment for NFFs is consist of simplified assessment detailed one based on the concept of Graded Approach depending on the risk levels of their facilities. Risk-informed application is useful for activities of enhancing safety measures by the licensee rather than in regulatory decision making because of lower risk level of NFFs. The risk assessment has been also required in the periodic safety self-review by the licensees. The correct understanding of significance of risk assessment for safety management of facilities is essential for the risk-informed application. It is key event to apply the risk assessment in the safety self-review and new regulatory inspection system.