Managing risk-achieving the balance for Magnox reactors

摘要

The paper outlines how the safety principles involved in the design of Magnox Electric's nuclear power plants have evolved over 30 years. It is a case study of the development of a reactor type from its initial design through a series of reviews, which led to modifications that had to be considered against the criterion of reasonable practicability. A methodology embodying the Health and Safety Executive's 'tolerability of risk' framework is described, which has enabled designers to make judgements regarding the reasonable practicability of particular safety improvements. The paper also describes improvements made to the human aspects of running plants and considers how he balance between engineered features and reliance upon reactor operators has altered over time.