Public involvement as a tool to enhance nuclear safety

Safety remains the most important issue amongst the public throughout the life cycle of nuclear facilities. After the accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant in the United States in 1979 there has been increasing emphasis placed on dialogue with the public as a response to these concerns.Five cases where the dynamic of relationships between the nuclear industry and the public has been well defined are examined in the following paper, a condensed version of a longer study commissioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).Four of the cases provide evidence of public involvement making a significant contribution to improved safety; the fifth case, distinguished by a breakdown of accountability, reviews the continued failure after more than 40 years of a bid to establish a nuclear disposal facility.While there is general agreement that the geological disposal of radioactive waste needs to involve the public, not only for siting purposes but also as regards its long term stewardship, at other stages of the life cycle of nuclear facilities the role of the public is less well defined. However, these findings suggest that public engagement is a potential untapped resource for enhancing safety assurance.

► Safety is the most important issue for public in life cycle of nuclear facilities.
► Research examines the dynamic of public/industry relationship and safety contribution.
► Five case studies from different stages of the cycle are examined.
► Public involvement can enhance both safety culture and acceptance.
►  An open process integrating public involvement can create a positive feedback cycle.