A safety-critical assessment process

Abstract

Use of systems containing software is increasing rapidly in the safety-critical domain. It creates pressure to develop more rigorous process assessment methods for assessing systems and software development. The assessment process aims to ensure credibility and repeatability of assessment results. The Nuclear SPICE method consists of a process assessment model and a documented assessment process for safety-critical domain. The Nuclear SPICE method applies a classification scheme for assessment type that is a combination of assessment class and rigour in safety. This paper presents the Nuclear SPICE assessment process, analyses its strength in covering regulatory requirements, and proposes new lines for its development.