CSA N290.19: Risk-Informed Decision Making for Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Risk-informed decision making (RIDM) is a process used to ensure a formalized, rational, and systematic methodology for identifying, assessing, and communicating the various factors that support making a risk-informed decision. A RIDM process supports a consistent, transparent, and balanced approach to safety. Its benefits include improved safety, optimized maintenance activities, improved efficiency, and support for the development and improvement of accident management.

This paper provides an introduction to the standard CSA N290.19:18, Risk-informed decision making for nuclear power plants, for which the first edition was published in 2018. The purpose of the standard is to present a systematic approach to assist in decision making at nuclear power plants by providing the application of the RIDM, the bases for risk-informed decisions, the key steps in the RIDM process, and management of the RIDM process.

The standard outlines RIDM methodologies and provides valuable guidance to ensure consistency from one decision to the next, ensure important considerations are not overlooked, and providing a framework for the comprehensive documentation of the basis on which decisions are made.

The standard complements other CSA Nuclear Standards related to reactor safety and risk management (N290B series) by supporting a consistent, transparent, and balanced approach to safety.