The EFR safety approach

The paper outlines the approach being taken in the design of EFR in order to meet modern safety standards. Defence in depth and application of the ALARP principle are the main elements of the approach. Safety concerns in the design basis are distinguished from those in the beyond design basis. The paper goes on the explain how to introduction of a 'third shutdown level' and passive means for the rejection of decay heat enhances the safety case. A breakthrough in the safety of fast reactor with large oxide core is claimed for these developments and the paper outlines the impact of this for beyond design basis containment in accordance with the ALRP principle. European safety R and D programmes are itemized and their connection with the safety case is made. (author)