How to Prevent Radiation in a Nuclear Power Plant

Commercial nuclear power plants operate safely around the world every day despite the potential for the release of radiation. Enriched uranium fuel is used to create a radioactive fission process that heats water to turn steam turbines for the purpose of generating electricity cleanly and efficiently. The primary focus for safe operation of these plants is prevention of both the release of airborne radioactive fission products and the contamination of articles with radioactive particles. Several steps can be taken to prevent radiation from leaving nuclear power plants.

Things You'll Need

• Dosimeter
• Radiation monitor
• Foot covering
• Hand covering
• Hard hat
• Coveralls
• Scrubs or modesty clothes

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep the first barrier of fission product release, the nuclear fuel cladding, intact. Nuclear fuel rods consist of the uranium (fuel) pellets and a zirconium alloy container, or cladding. The radioactive fission process occurs only inside the fuel cladding. It will remain contained and not leak as long as the cladding is intact and free of cracks or holes.

• 2

  Many pipes make up the reactor cooling system.

  Keep the second barrier of fission product release intact. This barrier consists of the reactor coolant system, which is a self-contained loop of cooling water that supplies water to cool the reactor core. The coolant water is contained within the loop and not exposed elsewhere in the plant. However, if the fuel cladding has even a small leak, radioactive fission products will leak in to the reactor coolant system. This system must remain intact to prevent the release of radiation.

• 3

  Keep the containment structure, the third barrier to fission product release, intact. This thick concrete structure houses the radioactive core as well as the reactor coolant system and other components vital to the nuclear steam supply systems. Even if leaks occur in the first two barriers, the containment structure will prevent release of radiation to the atmosphere. The containment structure can also withstand the high pressures and temperatures that would occur in a devastating accident within the fuel or reactor coolant system.

• 4

  Be mindful of these signs.

  Limit time in the radiologically controlled areas when working or visiting a nuclear power plant. You will be required to wear a dosimeter and monitor your exposure while in the radiologically controlled area. You must follow the correct procedures of the plant for dress: foot and hand covering, hard hat and coveralls. Radiation areas will be posted with the international yellow and magenta radiation symbol. Limit your time in these areas especially. Do not expose yourself to doses higher than the setpoints authorized to you by the health physics personnel at the plant.

• 5

  Carry with you only necessary objects when entering an radiologically controlled area. Bring only those things you are prepared to leave if they become contaminated by airborne radioactive particles or dust. You will likely be asked to change into scrubs or "modesty clothes" in case your clothing becomes contaminated and you have to leave it. No contaminated items can leave the radiologically controlled area, so wear modesty clothes to prevent losing your personal clothing.

• 6

  Don't touch.

  Touch nothing you are not required to touch a radiologically controlled area. Do not touch your face with gloved hands and be cautious of rubbing against walls, railings and equipment. Be especially diligent to avoid putting your hands in your mouth or rubbing your eyes. This is to prevent spreading radioactive dust and contaminating yourself.

• 7

  Exercise great care when exiting the radiologically controlled area. It is likely you will use a sticky "pad" on the ground to step out of the controlled area to take off your shoe coverings. Be careful not to step back into the controlled area with your clean shoes. Remove your gloves carefully and try not to touch the outside of your gloves with clean hands. Follow all instructions regarding the monitoring of your small articles and follow the correct procedures to get an exit radiation count on your body before leaving the controlled area. This will prevent any radiation from leaving the plant and prevent exposure to the public.