ALARP Reviews

Nuclear plant operators are required to ensure that all operations are undertaken in an acceptably safe manner and conform to the general health and safety standards in the Health and Safety at Work Act.  In short, risk must be reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) and compliant with relevant regulatory safety criteria and principles.  Vectra has a high degree of experience in the development of ALARP studies, allowing customers to focus their expenditure where it will have the greatest safety benefit and provide assurance that all risks are ALARP.  Our experience gained within the civil and defence sectors allows Vectra to provide ALARP assessment solutions covering all aspects of the nuclear industry, including:

• Qualitative ALARP solutions: For well known processes which are designed and operated in accordance with published guidance and standards;
• Semi-qualitative solutions: Case specific ALARP evaluations where it is not possible to demonstrate that all “necessary measures” have been taken using qualitative ALARP assessment;
• Quantitative ALARP solutions: Fully quantified solutions using techniques such as Cost Benefit Analysis and Kepner Tregoe analysis.

Our expertise can be applied to situations where:

• Hazards are complex, new or not well understood;
• Potential consequences are substantial or the risks are approaching the intolerable region;
• Measures used to control risk are unusual or novel;
• Highly reliable control systems are needed to ensure adequate safety;
• The justification for not implementing risk reduction measures is not clear cut;
• ALARP assessments are required for regulatory submission;
• Assessments of routine operational dose uptake, environmental impact or comparison with modern design standards are required.

In addition to our assessment capability, Vectra also provides guidance, advice and peer review services for both UK and international regulators; and ALARP training.

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