The risk factor: acceptance and acceptability

Any assessment of the risks potentially arising from nuclear installations will always be expressed in probabilistic terms, and decisions on a level of risk that can be accepted must therefore involve an element of judgement. Public acceptance of such decisions will depend on the trust that people are willing to place in the industry and in the regulatory authorities. The procedures by which decisions are taken must be seen to be both open and competent. Procedures will have to be targeted towards achieving the necessary high level of trust and credibility. (author)