Development and introduction of revised dose uptake criteria and associated assessment methodologies for new plant at British Nuclear Fuels plc

Prior to the start of 1995, the criteria defining acceptable routine exposure of persons to radiation on new or modified facilities on BNFL sites had been used, with very successful results, since the late 1970s. Following consideration of the performance of plant built to these standards, and recent developments in radiological and regulatory advice, a review of those standards was undertaken to determine whether any changes were appropriate. As a result, new design standards and novel approaches to design dose assessment were introduced in January 1995. This paper summarises the reasons for the change, the new criteria and the methodology that is being utilised. (author)