The seminar was organized under the auspices of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). Risk monitoring is a new safety control and management technology for nuclear stations. It has come from the financial industry where it has long been used to monitor financial risks. Risk monitoring is a process of risk identification, analysis and response planning, including follow-up and efficiency assessment. The purpose of risk monitoring at nuclear power stations is to reduce economic losses during the operation.
The Leningrad NPP is currently implementing new risk monitoring tools to enhance safety of the power plant. One of them is Risk Watcher, a software system that analyzes input data from operators and forecasts safety risks online.
Konstantin Kudryavtsev, Leningrad NPP Chief Engineer, said in his opening speech, “Our task is not to overburden the operating staff, but rather make the risk monitor an easy-to-use tool. We want you to take a look at how we use the Risk Watcher at power load, during maintenance or repairs, and share your experience of using similar systems.”
In his turn, Alexei Makushkin from the Leningrad NPP Operations Maintenance Department noted, “The risk monitor is of practical value because it makes use of the probabilistic safety analysis assessment, which is obligatory for every nuclear station.”
Seminar participants took note of positive experience with the risk monitor and asked a number of questions about the implementation of monitoring systems and safety improvements at the nuclear station. Among other advantages, the risk monitor helps optimize the schedule and procedures of safety system maintenance and repairs.
