Thinking about technological system for radioactive waste safety

The underlying theories and methodologies on which the systematic engineering of radioactive waste safety is based are illustrated following analyses of the characteristics of nuclear industry technology system. It is revealed that radioactive waste safety represents a complex system both involving management and technology. The roles the varieties of assessment methodology for radioactive waste safety are playing in this system are explored in depth. The reasons why the safety system engineering for the geological disposal for high level radioactive waste has become a problematic issue in the world are discussed. (author)