Safety Case Reports

The size and complexity of a safety case, including all the supporting evidence, is usually such that it is not easy to deliver, access and comprehend. Consequently, it is common practice to produce a report to present the key parts of the safety case, which can be more easily delivered and comprehended. This Safety Case Report introduces the service(s) to be provided, the system providing it, and the safety case. The report also includes a subset of the safety arguments and evidence that is considered to be adequate for the purpose of the report.

The purpose and role of an Safety Case Report can vary significantly depending on industry sector, legal or regulatory framework and company in which it is being produced, and so its content can vary from being:

• an introduction to the safety case assisting in its comprehension

• a management briefing to obtain release for the safety case

• a representation of the safety case that is sufficient to gain an approval or facilitate an assessment leading to such an approval.

The role of the Safety Case Report is to accurately represent a safety case that has already been prepared, highlighting any gaps identified in the safety case. The Safety Case Report cannot compensate for an inadequate or incomplete safety case.

Out of all of the scenarios for a safety case, one that addresses a change to one or more existing services has the most topics to address, and so the Safety Case Report format specified in the book is designed to address this case. Only minor omissions and alterations will be required to populate or customise the Safety Case Report format for safety cases that address new services, extant services and decommissioning safety cases. Safety Case Report authors will have to exercise their own skill and judgement when doing this. This is thought to be well within the capabilities of those who are entrusted with Safety Case Report authorship. If in doubt, professional or specialist advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the book.