Foreseeing possible issues for discussion

Four of the most respected experts among those responsible for nuclear safety in Europe have written that the principal qualities of the safety controller are the following (Bourgeois et al., 1996)  

My experience suggests that a very productive quality, but the most difficult to develop, is to be able to foresee, so far as possible, the problems which will come up in discussions with the designer or the future operator of the plant. 

Following the wise words of the above quoted four experts  

In order for this action of persuasion and of assistance to be effective in practical cases, it must be initiated, as far as possible, ahead of time. 

Frequently the plant designs arrive at the safety reviewer s table when the design phase has been declared practically finished and when many components have already been ordered, that is when the finished activities represent such a firm precedent that it cannot practically be put in discussion again, unless large penalties and stresses within the owner organisation are accepted. 

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