HSE publishes discussion document on review of strategy for regulating new nuclear power station design

E037:06 27 March 2006

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is today inviting views and comments on a review of its strategy for regulating the design of new nuclear power stations. This follows a request from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as part of the Government's Energy Review, for advice on the potential role of pre-licensing assessments of power station designs.

HSE has set out its thoughts in a short discussion document and is seeking views on these and any other points interested parties think HSE should take into account.

The document examines issues such as: whether the current licensing process is sufficiently transparent; if any features of overseas regulatory regimes offer the UK benefits; and the extent to which HSE should give credit to safety assessments undertaken by overseas nuclear regulators. It identifies areas where HSE would welcome views and poses a series of questions.

The discussion document can be accessed on HSE's website at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/energyreview.htm

Notes to editors

1. The DTI asked HSE to provide an independent expert report on health and safety risks from recent and potential energy developments, including consideration of a new generation of nuclear power stations. In particular, DTI requested advice on the potential role of pre-licensing assessments of designs in the event of new nuclear build (see HSE news release E005:06 of 23 January 2006). In response, HSE decided to undertake a review of its strategy for regulating the design of new nuclear power stations. As part of this process, HSE is seeking the views of stakeholders.
2. The regulatory strategy review is limited to the general process for regulating a new nuclear power station design, and will not consider the licensing of specific reactor designs, as HSE has not been asked to undertake any assessments of them.
3. In conducting its review, HSE is following the guiding principle adopted by the Health and Safety Commission when it responded to the 1994 Government review of the prospects for nuclear power. This was "to ensure, through the regulatory processes and the framework of legislation, that all licensees - existing and new - continue to maintain, or where reasonably practicable enhance, the existing high standards of health and safety achieved by the UK nuclear industry".
4. Further information on HSE's submission to the Energy Review can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/energyreview.htm

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