[en] The new fire protection devices installed during the ten year safety review at the Tihange 1 Pressurized Water Reactor in Belgium have helped to create an effective monitoring and intervention system. Its main features are outlined. (author)

[en] A fire detector containing a sealed radioactive source is totally enclosed in a material of high-molecular compound with large corrosion resistance. 1 fig

[en] The nuclear industry is multi faceted, in that it includes large and complex chemical plants, a large number of different types of nuclear power stations, and on shore ship maintenance facilities, each with its own unique problems. Since the early days the industry has been aware of the additional problem which is superimposed on what may be classed as traditional fire risks, that is, the risk of an uncontrolled release of radioactivity. This has led to the development of sophisticated fire prevention and control techniques which are applied to new plants, and to the backfitting of older plants. The techniques of analysis, design and operation can be applied to both nuclear and non-nuclear installations. Passive protection is preferred backed up by active techniques. Segregation of essential plant to increase the probability of sufficient surviving to ensure safety systems operate and the provision of smoke free, protected escape routes are important aspects of layout and design. Reliability assessments, venting of smoke and hot gases, fire severity analysis, application of mathematical models contribute to the final design to protect against fires. Experiences built up in the fire fighting profession is integrated into the numerical approach by frequent involvement of the local Fire Officers at each stage of the design and layout of installations. (author)

[en] Analysis of incidents at nuclear power plants has highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between adequate fire protection and protection against the fire suppression systems themselves. Fire suppression systems can sometimes cause accidents where they are meant to prevent them. (author)

[en] The principles of fire prevention laid down in this version of December 1985 refer to the scope of application, terms and definition, design based measures, structural measures to prevent fire in buildings and outside, organisational measures, and examinations and tests. (DG)

[en] An order issued by the Schleswig-Holstein Minister of Finance and Energy concerning Brunsbuettel power plant in which the operator was demanded to pay the costs for the elaboration of an expert opinion on fire protection has been annulled through a decision of the Administrative Court of Schleswig on 7 Juli 1994 - 12 A 8/93 - still pending finalisation, on the grounds that the commissioning of the expert had not been necessary, thus constituting an improper use of discretionary powers. (HP)

[en] This Act deals with activities, also in the nuclear sector, subject to inspection by the Provincial Fire Service for fire prevention purposes. The Act and its implementing Decrees provide for the qualification of laboratories, centres, experts, etc. entitled to deliver fire prevention certificates. (NEA)

[en] In each CEA's center a special unit called FLS (formation locale de securite) is in charge of the protection of staff and property. This unit is polyvalent and qualified for fire fight, first aid and guarding, its members are recruited mainly among the Paris fire brigade and the Marseilles' brigade of sea firemen. Their role is to prevent and detect any risk whatever this risk may be: chemical, electric or nuclear. (A.C.)

[en] The organization of fire protection during the construction of the Mochovce nuclear power plant is briefly outlined. All corporations and individuals involved in the construction are engaged in fire protection. The administrative principles are included in two documents which are binding to the investor as well as to the supplier of the building part of technology. Particular attention is paid to the installation of cables. It is recommended that at least an electrical fire detection system and, preferably, stationary fire extinguishing equipment with a facility for the attachment of mobile equipment be active at this stage of power plant construction. (Z.M.)

[en] The Fundamental Safety Rules applicable to certain types of nuclear installation are intended to clarify the conditions of which observance, for the type of installation concerned and for the subject that they deal with, is considered as equivalent to compliance with regulatory French technical practice. These Rules should facilitate safety analysises and the clear understanding between persons interested in matters related to nuclear safety. They in no way reduce the operator's liability and pose no obstacle to statutory provisions in force. For any installation to which a Fundamental Safety Rule applies according to the foregoing paragraph, the operator may be relieved from application of the Rule if he shows proof that the safety objectives set by the Rule are attained by other means that he proposes within the framework of statutory procedures. Furthermore, the Central Service for the Safety of Nuclear Installations reserves the right at all times to alter any Fundamental Safety Rule, as required, should it deem, this necessary, while specifying the applicability conditions. The present rule defines the dispositions to take in account for avoid fire hazards in nuclear facilities (Power reactors and accelerators are excluded)