Management of external dose and contamination risk at the Belgonucleaire MOX fuel plant in Dessel

In its facilities located at Dessel, Belgonucleaire is producing MOX fuel for light water reactors, yielding an average amount of 35 tonnes per year. The specific problems of safety and security that are related to plutonium processing imply a particular attention to the management of external dose and contamination risk in the plant. Substantial efforts for reducing doses has been and are taken, with a particular focus on collective protection means: operation control at distance from the production line, systematic shielding for working places, personnel awareness, etc. Causes of contamination are outlined (especially glove's piercing)