Current and future applications of PRA in regulatory activities

Technical Report · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/90932· OSTI ID:90932

Speis, T. P.; Murphy, J. A.; Cunningham, M. A. ^[1]

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1. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States); and others

Probabilistic Risk Assessments (PRAs) have proven valuable in providing the regulators, the nuclear plant operators, and the reactor designers insights into plant safety, reliability, design and operation. Both the NRC Commissioners and the staff have grown to appreciate the valuable contributions PRAs can have in the regulatory arena, though I will admit the existence of some tendencies for strict adherence to the deterministic approach within the agency and the public at large. Any call for change, particularly one involving a major adjustment in approach to the regulation of nuclear power, will meet with a certain degree of resistance and retrenchment. Change can appear threatening and can cause some to question whether the safety mission is being fulfilled. This skepticism is completely appropriate and is, in fact, essential to a proper transition towards risk and performance-based approaches. Our task in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research is to increase the PRA knowledge base within the agency and develop appropriate guidance and methods needed to support the transitioning process.

• Research Organization: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research; Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
• OSTI ID: 90932
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CP--0140-Vol.1; ON: TI95011672
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PROBABILISTIC ESTIMATION
REGULATIONS
US NRC