Development of a Safety Analysis Program at the Point Lepreau Generating Station

Abstract

Safety analysis is traditionally viewed as a design related activity that is performed to obtain the operating licence tor a new plant. Its primary function is considered the means by which the adequacy at the special safety systems are evaluated, and the method by which the overall plant design is reviewed to assure that safety objectives are met. Such analyses require large computational resources, specialized technical staff and must be completed on a tignt time frame consistent with the project schedule. Given these constraints, this activity is best done by a large group at a central off-site location.In the case of an operating plant where the station licence must be renewed routinely, Safety Analysis plays an equally important, but somewhat modified role. Hence a slightly different approach is required to meet the need for this ongoing Safety Analysis. Bes ides maintaining the original set of safety analyses and the various associated computer codes, there is an additional requirement to provide timely and cost-effective analytical support as each station encounters its own particular set of design and operdtions related issues. The establishment of a safety analysis group at Point Lepreau fulfilled these needs while at the same time optimizing the useof off-site consulting services in supporting the large scale technical eftort required to address on-going topical licensing and safety analysis issues.This paper outlines the overall philosophy behind the formation of the onsite analysis group, and discusses the benefits of such a group in terms of providing the essential technical support and the enhancement of real operational satety.