Our company and Swedish Radiation Safety Authority launch JIP in nuclear emergency response software. Find out more here.
RASTEP (RApid Source TErm Prediction) is a diagnosis tool to aid decision-making during accidents at nuclear power plants. It helps operators understand potential probabilities of issues happening given a set of conditions. This output is essential for an operator’s offsite emergency response planning process. Lloyd’s Register Consulting and SSM are currently developing an advanced interface for RASTEP, which will optimise the decision-making process for emergency planning and response personnel in the nuclear industry. By improving the way the questions are organised and the detail in the graphical illustrations, the interface will provide better clarity on decision making for nuclear operators, and help to inform on predicted or likely consequences, which will provide improved offsite emergency response initiatives for industry and better protect the public.
Head of Section of Reactor Technology and Analysis at SSM, Annelie Bergman, says: “We have a long and fruitful experience working with Lloyd’s Register Consulting to achieve a tool that will allow quicker and more efficient emergency management at SSM in case of a nuclear accident. In an emergency situation, SSM’s advice is important for decision makers at the county administrative boards which decide on the right measures to protect the population.”
The need for improving accident diagnosis tools and forecasting likely scenarios was asserted by the Fukushima disaster. It has led to a greater focus on strengthening the nuclear industry’s Defence in Depth (DiD) safety philosophy. The DiD is a comprehensive approach to safety, developed to ensure that the public and the environment are protected from harmful effects of radiation.
The importance of this concept is underpinned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards and the International Nuclear Safety Group (INSAG).
This JIP aims to enhance the application of ‘Level 5’ DiD which provides guidelines for mitigating the consequences of radioactive material release through appropriate offsite emergency response.
The JIP was launched in January 2015 with planned completion by August 2015.