Strengthening control over radioactive sources Cernavoda NPP operating experience

This paper presents national legal frame governing radioactive sources activities, legislative requirements introduced during last years and current status of controlled radioactive sources program at CNE-PROD Cernavoda NPP. Romania has only one nuclear power plant, Cernavoda NPP, equipped with five PHWR - CANDU-6 Canadian type reactors - with a 700 MW(e) gross capacity each, in different implementation stages. Unit 1 is in commercial operation since December 2, 1996, Unit 2 is under construction and Units 3, 4, 5 are under preservation. The legal representative of the nuclear power production sector in Romania is 'Nuclearelectrica' S.A. National Company (SNN). SNN is a governmental owned company reporting to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The company has its Headquarters in Bucharest and three subsidiaries: - CNE-PROD Cernavoda (CNE-PROD), the operator of Cernavoda NPP - Unit 1; - CNE-INVEST Cernavoda, in charge with the completion of Unit 2 and with the preservation of Units 3,4,5; - Nuclear Fuel Plant in Pitesti (FCN). The operation of Cernavoda NPP requires the use of radioactive sources that may present a significant risk to health, property and the environment when control is lost. Within the last years CNCAN issues new regulations stating clear responsibilities for the different institutions involved in radioactive materials control programs. To manage radioactive sources in a safe way CNE-PROD established and revised Controlled Radioactive Sources Program, as part of Station Radiation Protection Regulation, assuring a strict records of radioactive sources and their usage, assuring physical and radiological security, protecting personnel, members of the public, the environment from the hazards of ionizing radiation during the life cycle of the plant. (author)