[en] An alternative method to reconstruct the source term of a nuclear accident is proposed. The technique discussed here involves the use of in-situ gamma spectrometry. The validation of the applied methodology has been possible through the monitoring of routine releases of Ar-41 originating at a Belgian site from an air cooled graphite research reactor. This technique provides a quick nuclide specific decomposition of the source term and therefore will be have an enormous potential if implemented in nuclear emergency preparedness and radiological assessments of nuclear accidents during the early phase

[en] Short communication

[en] The concept of probabilistic safety analysis (PSA) is defined and its components are given. The differences between probabilistic and deterministic studies are explained. The state of the art in PSA methods is outlined with emphasis on the following aspects: plant analysis, containment analysis and accident sequence development, fission product transport, environmental and economic consequence analysis, and external events. (P.A.) 1 fig., 3 refs

[en] In its official policy statement on safety goals for the operation of nuclear power plants, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) set two qualitative goals, supported by two quantitative objectives. These goals are that (1) individual members of the public should be provided a level of protection from the consequences of nuclear power plant operation such that individuals bear no significant additional risk to life and health; and (2) societal risks to life and health from nuclear power plant operation should be comparable to or less than the risks of generating electricity by viable competing technologies and should not be a significant addition to other societal risks. As an alternative, this study proposes four quantitative safety goals for nuclear power plants. It begins with an analysis of the NRC's safety-goal development process, a key portion of which was devoted to delineating criteria for evaluating goal-development methods. Based on this analysis, recommendations for revision of the NRC's basic benchmarks for goal development are proposed. Using the revised criteria, NRC safety goals are evaluated, and the alternative safety goals are proposed. To further support these recommendations, both the NRC's goals and the proposed goals are compared with the results of three major probabilistic risk assessment studies. Finally, the potential impact of these recommendations on nuclear safety is described

[en] Abstract only

[en] Teamwork, productivity, and reducing exposure are admirable goals presented to the workers in a nuclear power plant. A common thread to achievement in these areas resides in worker attitudes toward the tasks presented. A positive, alert, and cooperative attitude is an element in a worker's mind that must be created and maintained by good leadership and management practices. At the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, management has used certain strategies to foster good positive worker attitudes toward radiation protection and quality workmanship in all tasks. Strategies differ from management by objectives in that they have no deadlines or timetables in and of themselves. Rather, strategies are preplanned methods that can be called upon when the opportunity arises to improve worker attitudes. A series of five strategies for positive attitude development are described in the full paper. The strategies are identified with buzz words to allow the user a recall mechanism (as with the acronyms abounding in the nuclear industry). They cover the range of management techniques from example setting to reward/recognition. Although not unique to radiation exposure management, nor all inclusive, the strategies provide some though stimulation in creating productive worker attitudes

[en] An assessment of potential hazards associated with operating a nuclear facility was used to appraise the safety system of the facility. First, a list of credible hazards representing potential energy sources was developed through use of a preliminary hazard analysis. Then, a team of technical and management staff members used a weighted selection process to develop a list of postulated accident scenarios for in-depth evaluation during a facility safety appraisal. During the appraisal, six major functional areas of the facility's safety system were reviewed to determine whether it was effectively controlling the hazards or precluding the postulated accidents. (orig.)

[en] The responsibilities of the police in the event of a nuclear emergency are summarized. Preparation and planning is needed with site operators and other organisations who would also be involved in the event of an accident. Several points in particular are discussed; shelter and evacuation, the issue of potassium iodate tablets, protection of police officers, the police involvement in the operation support centres, public education and further discussion on the integration and development of the organisation of emergency procedures. (U.K.)

[en] The Nuclear Safety Working Group (NSWG) of the Pacific Basin Nuclear Corporation Committee initiated cooperation among Pacific Basin areas based primarily around emergency planning. The NSWG conducted a review of the emergency response plans of members. This paper briefly reviews and makes a comparison of the emergency response plans, with particular attention on the response organization, the planning zone, and the protective action guidelines for emergencies. Although all areas have adopted the same basic elements of emergency planning and are similar, there are also variances due to different governmental structures, population densities, and available resources. It is found that the most significant difference is in the size of the emergency planning zone. The paper concludes with a discussion on possible future cooperative activities of the working group

[en] For years, the extent of environmental degradation in the Soviet Union has been hidden from the public. Glasnost, however, has revealed the growing ecological crisis facing the Soviet Union. The radioactive contamination caused by Chernobyl is but one example of the degradation caused by the pursuit of industrial expansion. Whole regions have been laid waste by pollution and land degradation; river systems fatally disrupted by dams and irrigation schemes; and the health of the public is declining. An account of the current contamination due to the Chernobyl accident and the measures being taken by the Soviet authorities is given. A previous nuclear disaster and its effects, when a nuclear waste storage site exploded, in 1957 in the eastern Urals, is described. The non-nuclear disasters are listed and the effects described briefly. (author)