StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The positivity of risk has been widely used in the business world where it has been used to depict an opportunity. The wide view of risk considers it as an uncertainty, a probability, a threat, or an opportunity (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 2009). …
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93.8% of users find it useful
The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility"

? The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility The Concept of Risk Risk is a crosscutting concept across all disciplines with a broad meaning. It can be viewed from a positive and a negative perspective. However, the negative perspective of risk has been exemplified in many areas, often being associated with precarious incidences. Otherwise, the positivity of risk has been widely used in the business world where it has been used to depict an opportunity. The wide view of risk considers it as an uncertainty, a probability, a threat, or an opportunity (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 2009).). Considering the concept in the light of nuclear power plant, the focus will be on the detrimental effects accompanied by the presence of such a facility. It deals with the unprecedented effects of a potentially precarious activity or event that has not been eliminated or avoided. The radioactive material produced in the nuclear power plants exposes humans to the risk of cancer (Clapp, 2005). 2. Risk Management and its Relevance after the Occurrence of a Disaster Because of the potentiality of a risk to produce undesirable and hazardous results, policies and strategies should be put in place to manage them whenever they occur. This brings in the concept of risk management. Risk management entails a well-structured and organized process of risk identification, and the subsequent measurement of the risk and enactment of systems to handle it. The process can be analyzed through the stages of hazard identification, assessment of the risk, control of the risk, and the monitoring and evaluation of the risk. A hazard is something potentially harmful to the people environment or the property. Any hazardous material in whichever form it is should have their effects analyzed. A nuclear power plant utilizes Uranium that is hazardous when mishandled. There are other radioactive elements that are produced during the reaction process, all of which should be disposed well. Otherwise, the accompanying effects may have a profound effect to the society and the environment for generations. In order to identify hazards in a nuclear plant facility, nuclear reactors incidences should be well documented through use of appropriate report forms. Other strategies will include conducting self-inspection, doing regular maintenance checks, regular observations and consultations, knowledge sharing with other nuclear plants operators and research institutions and seeking of specialists to assist in specific areas. Risk assessment is the second critical process in risk management. Upon realization of a risk, it is imperative that the likelihood of risk occurrence is evaluated. The likelihood of occurrence is a factor of the probability and frequency (Cohen, 2005). Therefore, the probability of a risk should be considered, in the light of the Fukushima Diiachi plant incidence it is evident that the disaster was unprecedented. Considering this fact, the probability and frequency of tsunami can predict the trend in which such disasters can occur. An evaluation of the underlying consequences should also be looked at. The effects of the radioactive material produced in the nuclear plants should be assessed and proper strategies put in place to dispose them and to ensure that in case of a disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunamis among others the harmful material will not spread to harm the environment. In risk assessment it is also important to classify the magnitude of the risk, is it extreme medium or low risk. More focus is given to extreme risks without assuming the low risks. After the risk is assessed, then control measures should be put in place. The adoption of risk control measures should be done in a manner that the most risky situations are given prevalence. In risk control, the main objective is to eliminate the risk, a situation that is not possible instantly. However, efforts should be made to reduce the risk to an extent that its chances remain negligible. A risk is targeted for elimination, contrary to which the risky process or material should be replaced with a less risky one, if not the case then proper engineering systems should be put in place to isolate hazard from people and environment using mechanical aids. Administratively, hazard control policies, procedures and practices should be adopted to ensure that the workers are aware of the risks and how to deal with them. In the nuclear plants, it is important that the workers be provided with proper personal protection equipment that is capable of preventing any uncontrolled radioactive material or accidental exposure. While controlling the risk reassessment is paramount since some of the less risky processes and materials might increase in risk and vice versa. In nuclear plant, reassessment is a very important since it keeps all aware of the changing radioactivity of materials (Cohen, 2005). Finally, monitoring and evaluation should be done regularly. This is done through a thorough auditing of the plant, coupled with environmental impact assessment. The measures for controlling risks should be changed from time to time and the measures adopted should be abided with to the letter. In order to evaluate the risk, an analysis team should constantly keep adjusting to the changing situations. 3. Policy Issues Concerning the Use of Nuclear Power Emanating from the Fukushima Daiichi Disaster and their Relationship with Risk Assessment The nuclear energy policy as adopted worldwide regulation that articulates how the processes of handling nuclear energy should be handled from the mining of nuclear fuels to the ultimate energy production. Following the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan countries have continued to amend the policy to ensure safety of their population while exploring other energy sources (Knowledge @ Wharton, 2011). The use of nuclear power has received mixed reactions all over the world after the Fukushima Daiichi Disaster. The proponents of the energy source have pledged to continue but with much caution. Other countries, such as Germany are shying away from the use of nuclear power; they have closed down eight of their nuclear power stations and expected to do away with the rest by the year 2022. Immediately after incidence, the Japanese prime minister called for drastic reduction in nuclear energy dependency. China had to embark on risk analysis and safety reviews to ensure that adoption of further reactor plants will not predispose the country to danger. They had to put on hold the projected construction of reactors for thorough safety assessment. 4. Differences between Risk Assessment and Risk Management Risk management is an organized process that seeks to apply practices, policies and procedures achieved through risk identification, analysis, evaluation and communication of the risk. On the other hand, risk assessment is part of the process of risk management involving evaluation of the existing risk controls and their capacity to counter potential threats and hazards (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 2009). References Clapp, R W. (2005, Nov). Guest Editorial: Nuclear Power and Public Health. Environmental Health Perspectives. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1310934/ Cohen, B. L. (2005). Risks of Nuclear Power. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.umich.edu/~radinfo/introduction/np-risk.htm IAEA International atomic Energy Agency (2013, Nov 8). Fukushima Nuclear Accident. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/fukushima/ Knowledge @ Wharton (2011, March 30). US Energy Policy after Japan: If not Nuclear, Then What? Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/u-s-energy-policy-after-japan-if-not-nuclear-then-what/ U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2009). Risk Management Handbook. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/faa-h-8083-2.pdf World Nuclear Association. (2013, September). US Nuclear Power Policy. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-T-Z/USA--Nuclear-Power-Policy/ Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility Essay”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/management/1492549-the-risks-of-a-nuclear-power-plant-facility
(The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility Essay)
https://studentshare.org/management/1492549-the-risks-of-a-nuclear-power-plant-facility.
“The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/management/1492549-the-risks-of-a-nuclear-power-plant-facility.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Risks of a Nuclear Power Plant Facility

Nuclear Power: Risk Perceptions and Reality

nuclear power: Risk perceptions and Reality Introduction: There are certain issues pertaining to the modern society and the way of life which rise up heated debates on both sides of the argument.... nuclear power- The Facts: The use of nuclear reactions for electricity generation began soon after the discovery of radioactive elements and their power emission.... It provided a viable method for countries to become self reliant on energy generation and people were enthusiastic about the potential of nuclear power plants....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Nuclear power stations based on fission of uranium

nuclear power Stations Based on Fission of Uranium [Name] [University] nuclear power Stations Based on Fission of Uranium Introduction This paper aims to discuss the nuclear power stations specifically based on fission Reaction using uranium.... In the current era electricity generation through nuclear power has become dominant due to the ever increasing demand for power supply (Nuclear Fission, 2013).... nuclear power Stations are responsible to generate energy using Uranium for fission reaction....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

Environmental conservation is of great priority to any project, and so is the nuclear project (Burgess, 10 Pros and Cons of nuclear power, Grab life by the globe, Energy).... The process of power generation using the nuclear project releases relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide among other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere since nuclear power plants don't smoke.... Experts say that a nuclear plant that is in good functionality can run uninterrupted for up to 540 days (Beth, Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy, LoveToKnow, Green living)....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

A Nuclear Power Plant Proposal for Eaton Corporation

This paper proposes the development of a nuclear power plant by the Eaton Corporation.... As it boils, the water produces steam that drives turbines that… There are a hundred nuclear power plants in the United States, spread over 31 states(U.... nuclear power confers several benefits over electricity that is generated from fossil fuels.... In spite of these benefits, no new nuclear power plants have been built in the U....
5 Pages (1250 words) Research Paper

How to Use Nuclear Technologies with the Least Harm

Since the creation of the first nuclear power plant, the disposing of the toxic by-product has been a problem.... nbsp; This amount is for one nuclear power plant.... nbsp; Despite this fact, nuclear power has become a normal part of everyday life.... nbsp; nuclear power and medicines have revolutionized their respective industries.... nbsp; nuclear power plants pose a danger to surrounding communities due to the toxic waste and potential exposure of radiation due to an accident....
7 Pages (1750 words) Article

Emergency Response to Nuclear Disasters or Incidents

While the first two incidents were deliberate ones caused by the nuclear bomb explosions whereas the Chernobyl disaster was an unexpected accident occurred at Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.... Therefore, preplanning on the basis of established principles of radiation protection and safety is essential” (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2009) Preplanned training modules must focus giving proper training to students, NPP (nuclear power plant) personnel and first responders under abnormal conditions (fire, security threat, etc....
10 Pages (2500 words) Literature review

Instrumental and Control Systems in Nuclear Power Plants

This study “Instrumental and Control Systems in Nuclear Power Plants” looks into challenges of old equipment and the complexity of introducing new control systems – nuclear, process, and radiation monitoring instrumentations - designed to ensure that the nuclear power plant is running safely.... With such technology taking the lead and supporting services for instrumentation, the nuclear power facilities are greatly developing, moving toward a safer and more sustainable power generation cycle....
6 Pages (1500 words) Research Paper

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

A better example is what actually happened in Japan's Fukushima nuclear power in 2011 which left a giant disaster that is still being felt up to date.... Having a look at the whole process, which starts with a nuclear plant producing certain energy to be identified next.... In the nuclear energy-based facility, heat results from atom-splitting through fission.... The paper "Advantages and Disadvantages of nuclear Energy" describes that despite the very interesting benefits we gain from adopting nuclear energy as the main source of energy worldwide, such as being environmentally clean as compared to other generating sources, it also comes along with risks....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us