Multiattribute Risk Analysis in Nuclear Emergency Management

• Published in: Risk analysis Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 455 - 468
• Main Authors: Hämäläinen, Raimo P., Lindstedt, Mats R. K., Sinkko, Kari
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, USA and Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishers Inc 01.08.2000
• Subjects: Communication; decision conferences; Decision Making; Decision Support Techniques; Disaster Planning; Health Policy; Health Priorities; Health Promotion; Humans; Models, Biological; multiattribute utility theory (MAUT); Nuclear emergency management; Online Systems; Radiation Protection; Radioactive Hazard Release; risk analysis; Risk Assessment; Safety; uncertainty
• ISSN: 0272-4332; 1539-6924
• DOI: 10.1111/0272-4332.204044

Radiation protection authorities have seen a potential for applying multiattribute risk analysis in nuclear emergency management and planning to deal with conflicting objectives, different parties involved, and uncertainties. This type of approach is expected to help in the following areas: to ensure that all relevant attributes are considered in decision making; to enhance communication between the concerned parties, including the public; and to provide a method for explicitly including risk analysis in the process. A multiattribute utility theory analysis was used to select a strategy for protecting the population after a simulated nuclear accident. The value‐focused approach and the use of a neutral facilitator were identified as being useful.