7.18. The primary objective of the safety case is to support decision making relevant to the stage of the development, operation and closure of a disposal facility. For example, at an early stage, the safety case should be used to compare and assess the feasibility of different disposal options. As the programme to develop the disposal facility progresses, the safety case should be used to help focus and direct work on site characterization, research and development, and facility design. The safety case should be used to inform the licensing process and to provide for the establishment of suitable limits, controls and conditions on the development and operation of the disposal facility, which should at all times be consistent with the safety case. The following paragraphs discuss uses of the safety case in more detail.