Passive dosimeters benchmarking

French regulations originally required film to be used as a passive dosimeter. This ruling was changed with the publication of the decision dated 23 March, 'stipulating the rules concerning external dosimetry for workers assigned to tasks involving exposure to radiation'. This decision lays down certain obligations in terms of results, but does not impose any particular technology. Moreover, technological advances have made the future of silver film uncertain, for both photographic and dosimetry purposes. Consequently, in early 2001 the Management at the EDF Group's Nuclear Generation Division (DPN) decided to undertake a study, looking at the feasibility and potential benefits of adopting a new passive dosimeter technology. (author)