Occupational exposure to external ionising radiation: Personnel monitoring and dose evaluation at Cernavoda NPP

Cernavoda NPP has two CANDU 600 reactors in commercial operation. For a CANDU reactor the major contributor (95%) to the external dose is gamma radiation. Individual dose monitoring is provided by an accredited dosimetric service, approved by the Romanian regulatory body (CNCAN) at CNE Cernavoda. For all the persons entering radiological controlled areas Health Physics Department provides individual dosimetric surveillance. When entering / working in areas where approved dose rates could be exceeded, beside TLD, an electronic direct reading, a personal alarm dosimeter (PAD) is used. When entering / working in areas with significant neutron dose rates an integrating portable neutron monitor is used. The main purpose of design and implementation of an Individual Dosimetry Program is to measure, assign and record all the significant radiation doses (Hp(10), Hp(0.07) and E50) received by an individual during activities performed at CNE Cernavoda NPP and ensure that all the exposure are kept under ALARA prescriptions. (authors)