Criticality evacuation management system in fissile material handling laboratories of radio-metallurgy facility of BARC

A potential criticality risk hazard exists when large quantities of fissile materials are handled in nuclear facilities. The most important aspect of criticality safety is accident prevention because of the potentially serious consequences that can result. Based on criticality analysis various methodologies are adopted to control criticality in such facilities. In spite of effective criticality control methods put in place there lies a chance of criticality emergency and hence such facilities need criticality detection and evacuation system to minimise the personal exposure in such emergency. Establishing an effective evacuation management system is also an equally important safety requirement for prompt evacuation from the facility. The criticality evacuation management system has been designed, implemented and commissioned in an important facility at Trombay. This technique has saved laying large nos. of cables and improved the reliability of annunciation system by using state of art latest components. It has self-diagnosis facility, which is very helpful for prompt diagnosis and immediate replacement in case of malfunctioning. (author)