Effectiveness evaluation of lead Apron in external exposure control during EMCCR of RAPS-3

En-mass coolant channel replacement of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station is planned from the year 2022. The major activity during this large-scale refurbishment will be carried out at high dose rate area in Fueling Machine Vaults (FMV). In order keep external dose as low as reasonably achievable to radiation workers, Lead Apron as individual shielding is to be used for protection of personnel against external radiation. The study revealed the effective protection factor of Lead apron was 14-27.3% for ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co. Enhancement in protection factor is feasible only by increasing the thickness of lead in the apron. This will consequently increase the weight of the Apron and cause inconvenience to the workers and more time consumption for executing the job. Achieving ALARA exposure requires the optimization of both Time and Shielding