Nuclear Accident Diagnosis and Prognosis

Abstract

NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS It is legally binding on institutions that make use of nuclear or radioactive sources within the country that in the event of an emergency or accidental exposure to radiation, doses shall be reported immediately to the Authority with a report of the investigation, causes and consequences of the exposure. Nuclear emergencies are classified into threat categories I, II, or III depending on their on-site threats. Such emergencies are prone to occur at large irradiation facilities, nuclear reactors and storage facilities for spent fuel to mention but a few. Raddiological emergencies on the other hand are categorized under threat category IV and can occur anywhere. There are different classes of emergency such as the general emergency, site level emergency and facility emergency. The goals of an emergency preparedness and safety requirements according to the GS-R2 include regaining control of situation, Taking mitigatory action at the scene, preventing deterministic effects while reasonably preparing for the resumption of normal activities. The aim of the seminar is to highlight the goals of accident diagnosis and prognosis in emergency situations as well as an exposition of various diagnosis and prognosis methods and tools in a build up to selecting criteria for early intervention measures. Although, the focus is on light water reactors the concepts stated within can be applied to all designs. A major approach to nuclear safety is the establishment of barriers that are designed to perform varying degrees of functions and are generally efficient in containing damage in the event of an accident. In maintaining the various components of a nuclear reactor it is essential that the core is kept cool and the decay heat is regularly removed. Regular maintenance is required with adherence to a safety culture and in the eventuality of an accident, simple estimate is vital to calculate the amount of exposure whilst identifying hotspots and setting in motion adequate plans to curtail any contingencies that may arise. In general, the prognosis and diagnosis of nuclear accidents require adequate planning that must take into consideration various factors and the risk involved so as to be better prepared for such. Lastly, it is recommended that the NNRA should establish an emergency response center, procure decision support systems, develop procedures of emergency response for nuclear and radiological emergencies and institutionalize a program for capacity building using systematic approach to the key issue at hand. Seminar presented by Isa Sambo