This report describes and assesses radiological characterization as a precursor to decommissioning. It shows the influence of the radioactive inventory on the planning and strategies of decommissioning and also presents an extensive overview of characterization results on various reactors which have been or are being decommissioned.

The European Community's programme on the decommissioning of nuclear ~wer plants has the prime objective of developing effective techniques and procedures for ensuring the protection of nan and his envirornnent aginst the potential hazards of nuclear ~wer plants that have been finally shut down. The Carrnission of the European Ccrrmunities organized this interna­ tional conference to present results achieved during the past five years of the prograrme. It also provided an opportunity for discussions anongst experts fran Merriber States of the European Catmuni ty and participating SCl.en­ tists fran outside the Ccrrmunity, on the issues and options for future research. The conference was limited to invited papers, presented by scien­ tists involved in European Ccmnunity contract studies. The topics covered by the conference and in the proceedings are : characterization of the radioactivity associated with nuclear ~wer plants that have been finally shut dawn; implications of maintaining shut-down nuclear ~wer plants for long periods before disnantling; decontamination of metal and concrete surfaces for decommissioning purposes; dismantling of nuclear ~r plant cam~nents and structures; conditioning and packaging of the radioactive waste arising fran the dismantling; systems for remotely controlled decommissioning operations; aspects related to the classification of solid decommissioning waste, namely measurement of very low-level radioactivity and eValuation of radiological consequences; nuclear power plant design features facilitating decommissioning; experience with industrial-scale decommissioning operation. The proceedings also report the discussions on the papers as well as the results of two technical panels and of the concluding panel.

At a time when many older facilities are being decommissioned and many more are undergoing major retrofits to extend their lives, there is a wealth of information emerging to guide the design of new facilities. In this publication, the most important lessons learned in recent years are examined.

Describes the rationale and vision for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The publication identifies the basic principles that nuclear energy systems must satisfy to fulfil their promise of meeting growing global energy demands.

This report describes and assesses radiological characterization as a precursor to decommissioning. It shows the influence of the radioactive inventory on the planning and strategies of decommissioning and also presents an extensive overview of characterization results on various reactors which have been or are being decommissioned.

Over the past decade significant progress has been achieved in the development of waste characterization and control procedures and equipment as a direct response to ever-increasing requirements for quality and reliability of information on waste characteristics. Failure in control procedures at any step can have important, adverse consequences and may result in producing waste packages which are not compliant with the waste acceptance criteria for disposal, thereby adversely impacting the repository. The information and guidance included in this publication corresponds to recent achievements and reflects the optimum approaches, thereby reducing the potential for error and enhancing the quality of the end product. -- Publisher's description.

This report assesses the levels and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. Scientific findings underpin radiation risk evaluation and international protection standards. This report comprises a report with two underpinning scientific annexes. The first annex recapitulates and clarifies the philosophy of science as well as the scientific knowledge for attributing observed health effects in individuals and populations to radiation exposure, and distinguishes between that and inferring risk to individuals and populations from an exposure. The second annex reviews the latest thinking and approaches to quantifying the uncertainties in assessments of risk from radiation exposure, and illustrates these approaches with application to examples that are highly pertinent to radiation protection.