7.3.8-2 Deferring Execution of Operations that are Destructive to Stored Information

Whenever practical, irreversible operations that destroy stored information should be deferred and require a separate action for their execution rather than being carried out immediately.

Additional Information:
Operations that are destructive to stored information include modification and deletion of files. One way of making actions reversible is to defer their execution, giving the user an opportunity to reconsider and reverse the action. An example is the command to delete a file. Many computers place the files in a storage location where, depending upon the computer, it may be deleted automatically in the future, or remain indefinitely until the user issues a separate command. This feature allows the user to easily recover the file. Such reversible delete features may be beneficial in NPPs for recovering trend information or other data important for the safe operation of the plant.