Risk evaluation in the United Kingdom: legal requirements, conceptual foundations, and practical experiences with special emphasis on energy systems

Abstract

This report has highlighted some of the unique features of the UK's risk management policy. These are largely the products of its historic development: public inquiries came about following Enclosure of agricultural land, the consensual style of regulation has its roots in 19th century England, and the ALARP principle is based on the 'best practical means' principle first put forward in 1842. Along with other aspects of the UK regulatory system these processes have been the main influences on UK energy risk management. However, the role of the EU in determining the UK's regulatory system is steadily increasing and it is likely that, in the medium-term, several of these approaches will decline in importance or disappear all together. In view of this development it is nevertheless important that the positive aspects of the UK process are not lost and that the negative aspects are not repeated by other countries seeking to rationalise their approaches to managing energy risks.