Radiation protection training at Electricite de France

Training in radiation protection is a part of EDF's general risk prevention training program. Operating personnel who work in controlled areas receive specific training focused on ensuring awareness of the risks involved at each phase of an operation. Specific training actions also have been designed for specific target populations. The program calls on an innovative tool a simulator is used for training of operators in managing accidents following steam generator tube breaks. This simulator is linked to a special training-oriented expert system in order to generate key parameters, including graphs showing changes in dose equivalent at the site boundary. During the development of France's PWR nuclear plants, radiation protection was taught as a specific subject. Today, we feel that it can be integrated within a broader context, i.e. training in risk protection, which encompasses both radiation protection and so-called conventional safety training. This thinking has led to preparation of a training plan which targets all personnel -- operating staff, supervisors and managers -- who might take actions in a controlled area. (author)