Rethinking Nuclear Emergency Planning, Preparations, and Response

摘要

The recent disaster involving the Fukushima nuclear complex is a powerful reminder, but only one among many, that it is time to revisit emergency planning for nuclear power plant accidents. Much has been learned since the 1980 planning regulations were put into place, and many new technological resources are now available. There is a clear need for more flexible and adaptive approaches, in both emergency planning and emergency response. Use of a living risk framework can help to ensure that an appropriate range of accident scenarios is considered in emergency planning, that critical resources are accessible and critical information is gathered, and that emergency plans are kept open to critical discussion and improvement. In short, it is time for the nuclear industry and its regulators to move beyond the culture of safety they have nurtured, to achieve a culture of protection.