Framework for Qualification of Smart Devices (United Kingdom)

The general approach adopted in the United Kingdom (UK) for the qualification of smart devices aligns with the practice described in NR-T-3.31 and this report. The key principle that underpins the approach to qualification of smart devices for use in nuclear safety applications is based on the regulatory framework in the UK as set out in relevant safety assessment principles [IV–9] developed by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in conjunction with nuclear site licensees and other stakeholders. The key safety assessment principle applicable to smart devices, ESS.27, states: "Where the system reliability is significantly dependent upon the performance of computer software, compliance with appropriate standards and practices throughout the software development lifecycle should be established in order to provide assurance of the final design."