Radiation control
Work in the field of radiation
For the control of work in the field of radiation, procedures are developed that ensure the evaluation and identification of radiological hazards and adequate protection measures for the execution and management of the works.
a) A system of permits (authorizations) to work in the field of radiation is established, which ensures that all activities in the field of radiation are checked and approved at an appropriate hierarchical level before they are carried out. The level of approval increases proportionally with the increase in dangers.
b) For works in fields with high levels of radiation, a rigorous work planning process is established, which demonstrates that all the necessary factors have been taken into account, and the radiation doses will be in accordance with the ALARA * principle.
c) The staff of the Department of Radioprotection, SM & PSI is involved in the planning, approval and management of works with high radiation hazards.
* ALARA = As Low As Reasonably Achievable – at a value as low as possible. This process includes measurements of radiation fields, protective equipment, contamination and irradiation control, use of special tools, work procedures, facilities for preparation (training), qualification and training of workers, as well as supervision.
Dose limits
The dose limits used at CNE Cernavoda are in accordance with the Fundamental Radiological Safety Norms (NSR-01/2002) and the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) established in publication 60.
The objectives for individual and collective doses are established annually. Dose limitation objectives are established for certain works and teams of workers depending on the existing situation, as an intermediate control measure.
Also, a control system of collected doses is established, to identify problem areas and to take corrective measures in good time.
Monitoring of work spaces. Contamination control.
The Radiologically Controlled Zone is an area subject to special rules for the purpose of protection against ionizing radiation and preventing the spread of radioactive contamination, and in which access is controlled.
From this point of view, the Radioprotection Program covers a main element: the work spaces that will be monitored are established, in order to ensure information on the radiological dangers in the plant.
The nature and frequency of the monitoring of the work spaces are established in such a way as to allow:
- assessment of radiological conditions in all work spaces;
- estimation of exposures in the controlled area.
The routine monitoring of the work spaces aims to confirm the satisfactory conditions of the work environment for carrying out the activities and to highlight the changes that could require the revision of the work procedures.
The monitoring related to certain activities is aimed at providing information about the existing radiological conditions in the spaces where they are to take place and is the basis of the immediate decisions that are taken for their execution.
The following are monitored:
- The radiological conditions in the work spaces;
- Contamination of personnel;
- Contamination of materials and equipment;
The communication and recording of monitoring results are carried out in accordance with the procedures developed by the Radioprotection Department.
Staff training in the field of radiation protection
A key element in the safe operation of a nuclear power plant is the personnel. Our own employees and external workers are selected and trained in order to guarantee their ability to safely perform the tasks received.
The training program provides theoretical and practical training in the field of radiation protection for a sufficient number of employees of the Center and external contractors, at a level that allows ensuring their own radiation protection and assuming responsibility for the protection of other people.