An integral approach for the optimization of plant safety

The safety of nuclear power plants is influenced by a variety of factors, so the effects of individual measures can hardly be evaluated without using assessment aids. Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA) allows comprehensive evaluation of a nuclear power plant. In this type of an evaluation, all variables influencing a plant's safety are considered. This also allows to perform well-aimed and effective optimization measures. The greatest possible advantages can be achieved only if PSAs are closely integrated into other measures taken to guarantee the safety of nuclear power plants. (author)