What is "alarp"

init. as low as reasonably practicable

ALARA stands for "as low as reasonably achievable", and is a term often used in the milieu of safety-critical and safety-involved systems. The ALARA principle is that the residual risk shall be as low as reasonably achievable. It has particular connotations as a route to reduce risks SFAIRP (So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable) in UK Health and Safety law. ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) is often used in Australia and UK and refers to same principle.

For a risk to be ALARA it must be possible to demonstrate that the cost involved in reducing the risk further would be grossly disproportionate to the benefit gained. The ALARA principle arises from the fact that infinite time, effort and money could be spent in the attempt of reducing a risk to zero. It should not be understood as simply a quantitative measure of benefit against detriment. It is more a best common practice of judgement of the balance of risk and societal benefit.