Development and implementation of emergency operating procedures in French nuclear power plants

This report describes the present situation in connexion with the development and implementation of emergency operating procedures (EOP's) in French nuclear power plants. The report is mainly based on a comprehensive selection of relevant publications, and gives the actual situation until November 1985. The scope and the objectives of the usually applied eventoriented procedures are explained, and the reasons for modifying this typ of emergency instructions are analysed. Further on, main emphasis is given to describe the various measures taken in French 900-MW-PWR plants both, to improve previous shortcomings, and to implement a new typ of state-oriented operating procedure. Comprising these endeavours, the new physical state approach to EOP's is introduced, improvements in control room design and computer-based operator information systems are described, and the modified organisation of crew tasks, crew responsibilities, operator training, and the design and validation of the new operating procedures are thoroughly explained. Modifications to 1300- and 1500-MW PWR's are mentioned. A representative selection of references and figures is given to demonstrate the wide scope of improvements relevant for a more reliable operation, particularly in incident or accident situation. (Author)