The particular schemes of intervention relating to nuclear power stations

In case of accident, protection of the population in the vicinity of nuclear power stations is the competence of the General Organization of Assistance. Nevertheless, the specificity of radiologic hazards induced public Powers to complement the general assistance dispositive, by making 'particular schemes of intervention' adapted to each nuclear power station in France. These schemes are based on a perfect completion between internal urgency measures provided by the operators and intervention of outside assistance organizations. To these are available, in particular, local fire-brigades able to measure the first radio-activities and being rapidly supported by the specialized means of the national services. At present, government local representatives, medias and general public are widely informed about such schemes concerning each nuclear power station in operation. Having analysed the solutions adopted regarding alarm signals, application of counter-measures, public relations, utilization of ways and means, the authors state the temporary results of what has been accomplished in France to protect the Population living in the vicinity of nuclear power stations