RBMKs are actually incredibly safe so long as you follow this short and easy checklist:
- Knowing the way neutron flux travels between columns and the difference between ReaSim and non-ReaSim parts
- Being able to approximate how different fuel types react with each other (e.g. the dreaded linear-linear chain reaction)
- Either using an adequate amount of boilers or using a higher steam compression level (with the consequence being higher average temperatures and more turbine steps necessary)
- Having sufficient cooling and steam processing infrastructure since failure to do so will void excess steam from the reactor, starving the reactor of water with closed-cycle cooling
- Knowing the dos and don’ts of open-cycle and closed-cycle reactors (never do open cycle)
- Knowing how exactly radiation leaks occur and how to stop them
- Being able to design a reactor that both doesn’t waste neutrons unnecessarily by using absorbers or just voiding them while at the same time regulating them enough to not instantly blow up high-reactivity fuels
- Knowing your moderation efficiencies
- Making sure no ducks are present in your reactor room before starting
- Being able to sustain the reaction above a minimum baseline to avoid xenon poisoning
- Having the reactor and all relevant infrastructure chunkloaded at all times
- Knowing the importance of control rods as well as the inherent danger of control rods
- Avoiding hitting AZ-5 on a reactor close to tipping point at all costs
There may just be a couple of points I missed but once you checked all this off you’re (probably, most likely, perhaps) ready to safely (debatable) operate your very own second generation soviet nuclear reactor.