Dosimetry and technical radiation protection at the RA reactor in 1979, Report on the project 'Operation and maintenance of the RA reactor'

This report include the analysis of the dosimetry and technical radiation protection results collected during 1979. The first part shows the data about the fundamental exposure to radiation and the statistical review of the total number of measurements. The following are included as well: measured values of radioactive gases and aerosol contents in air; contamination level of surfaces, clothes and uncovered parts of the staff bodies. Analysis of the personnel exposure is presented in the second part of the report. It was stated that the maximum individual external dose was 9.5 mGy, and the exposure dose was 1/5 lower than the annual dose limit for all the exposed personnel. It was estimated that that the internal contamination is negligible compared to the external contamination. This statement was based on the frequency of tasks in the contaminated zones, undertaken control and protection measures, as well as on the evaluation of the expected internal contamination. Comparative evaluation of the occupational exposures is given for the past five years. This showed that the exposure in 1979 was approximately on the same level as the mean value during past four years. The third part of the report covers the numerical data about the quantity of the collected radioactive waste, total size of contaminated and decontaminated surfaces and number of decontaminated objects. A brief analysis of the accidents occurred during this year under regular reactor operating conditions, maintenance and repair is given at the end. It was stated that there has been no accident that would cause exposure higher than the prescribed limits or any significant contamination of the working space or environment. The more detailed analyses concerned with radiation protection aspects of the irregularities noticed on the nuclear fuel elements were described in the Annex. It was concluded that the mentioned problems did not cause any leaks. This was significant for planning and manipulating the fuel elements during the remedial action