Investigation on classification of off-site emergency planning zones

Objective: To discuss the purposes and methods of dividing off-site emergency planning zones. Methods: According to the safety standards and the technical reports issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the correlative national standards and preplans in China, the dividing of off-site emergency planning zones is analyzed. Results: The newly published IAEA technical report supplemented and elaborated the requirements of establishing off-site emergency planning zones. The improvements are based on the new generic dose criteria for protective actions, more sophisticated calculations, and lessons form responses in past emergencies. But the national standards in China need to be improved. Conclusion: It is suggested that the national standards be revised according to the IAEA safety standards and technical reports and the specific conditions in China. (authors)