Report No. 120 – Dose Control at Nuclear Power Plants (1994)

Report No. 120 (1994) is the latest in a continuing series of NCRP reports addressing operational radiation safety topics. It is focused principally on dose control for the occupational exposures associated with the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants. After providing a background and history of dose control, the Report presents quantitative methods that can be used as part of the decision-making process involved in satisfying dose limits and optimizing radiation exposure. The Report then provides an approach that management at nuclear plants can use to organize, direct and administer a program aimed at keeping doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Also provided are ways to assess the effectiveness of these programs, including evaluation techniques, program reviews, procedure reviews, and accountability procedures. Design considerations that have been successful in reducing doses at nuclear power plants are discussed in an important section of Report No. 120. Finally, the Report treats operational considerations necessary for implementing dose control during the operational lifetime of a plant. Appendices to the Report provide examples of information to be covered in pre-job ALARA briefings, pre-job ALARA checklists, and it provides an example program for a graded approach to ALARA.

Excerpts and Related Information

Table of Contents
Preface
Errata