Assessment of engineering techniques for reducing occupational radiation exposure at operating nuclear power plants

This study evaluates engineering modifications in terms of the operation and maintenance of light waer reactors of the type and vintage currently being operated in the United States. Both BWR modifications and PWR modifications are discussed. It confirms the belief that the occupational dose cannot be reduced to zero. The study also supports the belief that there are diminishing returns in the total dose reduction that can be achieved in an operating plant. Additional radiation exposure is incurred as existing plant systems are modified which can offset some of the dose reduction achieved by these modifications. The information in this report is based upon current regulatory exposure limits for individuals. The actual cost to implement the modifications and the cost-effectiveness of each are not sufficiently accurate for cost benefit analyses