The “practical elimination” approach of accident situations for water-cooled nuclear power reactors

The implementation of the defence in depth principle leads applicants to define provisions to prevent accidents, including severe accidents, and to limit their consequences should they occur. Some severe accident situations potentially lead to large early radiological releases, for which it appears impossible to define realistic and demonstrable provisions to limit their consequences according to current knowledge and the techniques available: applicants shall then use the “practical elimination” approach.

IRSN publishes an orientation document which defines “practical elimination” approach and its place in safety demonstration for nuclear power plants involving pressurized water reactors.

Download the document: The practical elimination approach of accident situations for water-cooled nuclear power reactors (document updated in March 2021)