Vietnam: Technical measures shall be taken to prevent the release of radioactive substances in the nuclear power plant

According to Article 67 of Circular No. 30/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, provision shall be made for ensuring that radiation doses to personnel at the nuclear power plant will be maintained below the dose limits and will be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Radiation sources in the plant and radiation risks associated with them shall be identified. The exposure from these sources shall be kept as low as reasonably achievable. The integrity of the fuel cladding shall be maintained. The generation, development, and effects of corrosion products and activation products shall be controlled Materials used in the manufacture of structures, systems and components shall be selected to minimize activation of the material.

Concurrently, technical measures shall be taken to prevent the release of radioactive substances, radioactive waste, and radioactive contamination in the nuclear power plant. The design of the nuclear power plant must ensure that the access of personnel to areas with potential exposure and areas of possible radioactive contamination is controlled. Exposures and radioactive contamination shall be prevented or minimized by controlling means and ventilation systems. The nuclear power plant shall be divided into zones according to the level of radiation and radioactive contamination in the operation of the nuclear power plant (including refueling, maintenance and inspection); the areas of potential radiation and contamination in accident conditions shall be identified. Shielding shall be provided so that radiation exposure is prevented or minimized.

Besides, the design of the nuclear power plant must ensure that the doses received by the personnel during the normal operation, refueling, maintenance and inspection are kept as low as reasonably achievable, special equipment shall be used to meet these requirements. The equipment subject to frequent maintenance or manual operation shall be located in areas of low dose rate to minimize the exposure of workers. Facilities shall be provided for the decontamination of operating personnel and plant equipment.

View details at Circular No. 30/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, effective from February 11, 2013.

Le Vy

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