Radiation protection in nuclear power plants

The radiation protection situation in nuclear power plants with water-cooled reactors is reviewed. The radiation protection level achieved and the results of personnel monitoring are quite similar in all countries. The main contribution to the total exposure of nuclear power plant personnel arises from external gamma irradiation. Internal exposure amounts to less than 1% of the collective dose equivalent. To a high degree, radiation exposure is a function of the organizational working conditions and individual abilities of all persons concerned. In all nuclear power plants personnel exposure results primarily (about 90%) from maintenance, repair and reconstruction. Personnel monitoring results show that radiation protection in nuclear power plants is satisfactory. Nevertheless, further improvements are possible and can be made. In particular, this applies to activities associated with the highest exposures. (author)