Safety issues related to design and operation of a Fuel Reprocessing Plant

A fuel reprocessing plant has very large inventory of fissile materials and fission products in easily dispersible form. As a result of this there is potential for significant external exposure of plant personnel and also a possibility of internal contamination unless appropriate safety measures are taken. Number of safety issues need to be addressed at the design as well as operation stage of the plant for ensuring safe operations. Safety measures like containment of radioactive materials, shielding the sources of radiation, ventilation, remote operations and radiological surveillance have very important role in ensuring radiological safety of the plant personnel and also that of the environment. The paper gives an over view of safety issues and practices in the design and operation of a fuel reprocessing plant. (author)