Maintenance and radioprotection: the implementation of ALARA

The increasing maintenance works on reactors has incited Electricite de France (EDF) to adopt a dosimetry optimization policy using the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle. Reactor maintenance represents 80% of the personnel exposures. This paper described the actions taken by EDF to improve the personnel (EDF and contractors) training and surveillance (medical examination, film dosemeters..) and the labor laws relative to the contractors and temporary employees. Other tools developed by EDF, such as robots, remote handling equipments, and a computerized individual and collective dosimetry database are described. (J.S.). 2 figs