Nuclear facilities emergency planning in Belgium

After a short review of the Belgian nuclear sector in electricity generation (more than 50% nuclear - about 5450 MW(e)), the fuel cycle industry and research centres, the paper presents the general framework of the response plans (laws and decrees). The paper also describes internal and external emergency plans and the present status of the alert procedure, the important role of the ''Co-ordinating Committee'', the main protective measures, decision criteria and emergency drills. The levels of responsibilities (local, provincial, national) are also explained. (author)