Magnitude of the hazards

DOE-STD-1027-92

In general, a graded approach dictates a more rigorous and more thoroughly

documented analysis and evaluation of higher-hazard facilities than lower-hazard

facilities, given the potential for more widespread and severe consequences if a higher-

hazard facility fails to meet its safety basis requirements. In all cases, however, the

SAR must provide adequate safety analysis, evaluation, and supporting

documentation. The Order provides direction on how the graded approach is to be

applied to the SAR. The level of effort, sophistication of analysis, and the

thoroughness of documentation are to be graded or proportioned commensurate with

the considerations listed below:

(1)

The magnitude of the hazards being addressed

The complexity of both the facility and/or the safety systems relied on to

(2)

maintain an acceptable level of risk

(3)

The stage or stages of the facility life cycle

Magnitude of the hazards

The Order states that contractors shall be required to perform a Hazard Analysis of

their nuclear activities and to classify their processes, operations, or activities. On the

basis of that analysis, they shall evaluate and classify the consequences of unmitigated

releases of hazardous radioactive and chemical material in the following categories:

Category 1 Hazard: The Hazard Analysis shows the potential for significant off-site

consequences.

Category 2 Hazard: The Hazard Analysis shows the potential for significant on-site

consequences.

Category 3 Hazard: The Hazard Analysis shows the potential for only significant

localized consequences.

The hazard categorization process provides a method for assessing potential hazards

and does not consider potential risk. Section 3 and Attachment 1 provide detailed

guidance on a consistent methodology which should be used for hazard categorization.

Complexity of the Facility and/or its Safety Systems

The graded approach directs that the effort should be proportional to the complexity of

the facility and the safety systems relied on to maintain an acceptable level of risk.

Simple facilities would require less sophisticated analysis. Consequently, the

sophistication of the information to be provided in the SAR would be proportioned

accordingly. In many cases, the complexity of a facility may have a greater impact on

the grading of effort than the hazard categorization.