The Use of Probabilistic Risk Assessment in Emergency Response Planning for Nuclear Power Plant Accidents

Emergency response plans are in place for all operating US nuclear power plants. These plans are designed to meet criteria which were developed by the federal government in the late 1970s, relying in part upon the results of probabilistic risk assessments (PRAs). However, those criteria do not reflect all of the insights which may be gained from PRAs. We outline some alternative principles and criteria for emergency response planning, drawing upon the strengths, weaknesses and potential for further development of PRA methods.