The role of PSA in achieving safety on nuclear chemical plant

The aim of this paper has been to outline the benefits associated with the use of PSA and its constituent techniques within a complete Safety Management System. These benefits can be summarised as follows: 1. Ensures that the Regulatory Authorities receive the information they require in an acceptable format. 2. Identifies problems at an early stage allowing maximum flexibility for remedial action. 3. Enhances the understanding of novel and complex processes resulting in clearer operating instructions. 4. Eliminates/reduces problem areas early ensuring smoother and shorter commissioning periods. 5. Allows estimated Plant Availability to be compared to availability targets and appropriate action taken. 6. Provides a clear cut and consistent basis for decisions concerned with the allocation of scarce safety related resources. In particular it enables a demonstration that the money spent on safety has been spent in those areas where the risk is greatest. In essence the structured and systematic approach which forms the basis of PSA provides a cost-effective tool in the field of Safety Management. (author)