Application of the CNSC Risk-Informed Decision-Making Process in Nuclear Power Regulation: An Example

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the CNSC risk-informed decision-making (RIDM) process, as well as an example of its use in a licensing application in power reactor regulation.The CNSC developed the RIDM process as a tool for: 1) Ensuring that all risks are identified and considered for making decisions, 2) Ensuring that interests of affected stakeholders are considered, 3) Enabling the decision-makers to make easier-to-explain, and better justified, decisions, 4) Providing a standardized set of terms to describe risk issues contributing to better communication, and 5) Providing an explicit treatment of uncertainty.The risk management process follows a set of steps, initiated by a decision to be made that could affect a regulatory objective. The problem is identified, a team is established, and risks are determined by identifying and analyzing hazards, evaluating the risks involved to determine the their level and the risk control measures to reduce the levels of risk. The options are then presented to the decision-maker and action is taken; monitoring the impact/effectiveness of the risk control measures concludes the process. The CNSC's approach is consistent with practices of other nuclear regulatory bodies which factor risk into their decision-making process.