Methods for Safety Assessment of Geological Disposal Facilities for Radioactive Waste
Outcomes of the NEA MeSA Initiative
Safety assessment is an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on the scientific
understanding and performance assessment of safety functions as well as the hazards
associated with a geological disposal facility. It forms a central part of the safety
case, and the results of the safety assessments provide evidence to support decision
making. The goals of the NEA project on “Methods for Safety Assessment for Geological
Disposal Facilities for Radioactive Waste” (MeSA) were to examine and document methods
used in safety assessment for radioactive waste disposal facilities, to generate collective
views based on the methods’ similarities and differences, and to identify future work.
The project reviewed a number of approaches used by various national and international
organisations. Following the comprehensive review, a generic safety case with a safety
assessment flowchart was developed and is presented herein. The elaboration of the
safety concept, the use of safety functions, the implication of uncertainties and
the formulation of scenarios are also discussed.
Published on June 21, 2012
In series:Radioactive Waste Managementview more titles