QUESTION BANK

ON
HEALTH PHYSICS ASPECTS
FOR
LICENSING
EXAMINATIONS /
INTERVIEWS
(ALL LEVELS)

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 1 of 32

1. What is dose?

A measure of the radiation received or absorbed by a target.

2. What is dose rate?

Dose rate is amount of Energy absorbed per unit mass of the body per unit time
(Gy/hr). The effect of radiation depends on dose and dose rate of the radiation.
As the time of exposure increases, the amount of dose received increases.

3. What is absorbed dose?

The amount of radiation energy absorbed per unit mass of the material is called
absorbed dose.

DTR = D/M
Where D TR = Absorbed dose in tissue T due to radiation R
D = Energy absorbed
M = Mass of the organ

4. What is equivalent dose?

Equivalent dose is defined as

HT = ∑W R D TR

When D TR = Absorbed dose

WR = Radiation weighting factor

W R (radiation weighing factor) depends on the linear energy transfer (LET) of the
radiation which in turn is related to specific ionization of the radiation. The unit of
equivalent dose i s Sievert (Sv) (1 Sv = 100 rem).

WR for different radiation types

Radiation Type Radiation weighting

factor
Gamma rays 1
Alpha particles 20
Bet particles and muons (all energies) 1
Protons other than recoil protons (all energies) 1
Neutrons with e nergy < 10 keV 5
10 keV to 100 keV 20
100 keV to 2 MeV 10
2 MeV to 20 MeV 5
> 20 MeV 10
Fission fragments (all energies) 20
Heavy nuclei (all energies) 20

5. What is effective dose and committed effective dose?

The equivalent dose when multiplied by the tissue-weighting factor (W T) for the
tissue or organ T receiving the dose is called effective dose, ‘E’.
E = ∑ WT ∑ W R DTR
T R

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 2 of 32

 Where D TR means absorbed dose in tissue or organ T delivered by radiation R.
WR = radiation weighting factor

The effective dose calculation is important, as the effect of radiation is different

for different tissue or organs.
WT = maximum for Gonads = 0.30
WT = 1 for whole body

When a radionuclide is taken inside the body, it continuously keeps irradiating our
body and we continue receiving the radiation dose till the radionuclide resides
inside our body or in other words we commit ourselves to this particular amount
of dose. This is called as committed dose and when the tissue weighting factor for
the particular organ o r tissue which is getting irradiated and also the radiation
type being emitted by the radio -nuclide (radiation weighting factor) is taken into
account it is called committed effective dose.

6. What are Stochastic and deterministic effects of radia tion?

Stochastic effects Deterministic effects

1 . The probability of occurring the 1. These effects occur above a
effects in proportional to the threshold and
dose and 2. The severity increases with the
2 . The probability of occurrence dose
increases with the dose. 3. Occurs in exposed individuals
3 . Occurs in exposed individual only
and future generations 4. Early effects
4 . Delayed effects

Example: Cancer, Genetic effects Examples: Skin erythema

7. Dose limit for occupational workers, contract workers trainees etc.?

Summary of Annual Dose Limits and Constraint

Category Radiation Apprentices Temporary Member of

Workers trainee worker public
Life time E 1.0 **
(Sv)
Annual dose 30 6 15 1
(mSv)
Equivalent
dose limit
(mSv)
Lens of eye 150 50 75 15
(mSv)
Skin mSv) 500 150 250 50
Extremities 500 150 250 -
(mSv)
Intake 1 ALI 30%

* E = Effective Dose

** = Medical review after 0.5 Sv

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 3 of 32

8. Explain Annual Limit of Intake (ALI) & DAC? On what factors does the
ALI value of a radionuclide depends? How DAC calculation for tritium
(HTO) is different than that for I- 131

Annual limit of intake (ALI) is that quantity of a radionuclide taken inside the
body which could lead to an effective committed dose (1 50 year dose
commitment) not exceeding 20 mSv and an annual equivalent dose to any single
organ or tissue not exceeding 500 mSv.

The ICRP has recommended ALI values for a number of radionuclides:

ALI for 1H³ (HTO form) = 1 X 10 9 Bq

The quantity (Bq) which defines 1ALI varies widely for diffe rent radionuclides. The
ALI for a radionuclide depends on each of the following.

(i) Type of radiation emitted (W R)

(ii) Energy of radiation emitted.
(iii) Selective deposition in the body.
(iv) Presence of radioactive daughters

Derived air concentration (DAC)

It is the concentration of any radionuclide in air to which is a person is exposed

for 2000 hours (40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year).

DAC = ALI .
Annual breathing rate

The annual breathing rate for a “Reference man” is 2.4 x 10³ m³.

Derived Air Concentration (DAC) for Tritium (HTO)

In in the case of HTO, the DAC value has to be obtained by multiplying the above
value by 2/3 for accounting 66% uptake through inhalation route. Hence for this
particular radio-nuclide of tritium DAC is calculated as below :

ALI (Bq)
DAC = 2/3 x -----------------
2400 m³

9. How is tritium produced in our Reactor and why is it hazardous?

Heavy water is used as Moderator and also as primary coolant in PHT system

Tritium production is as per the reaction

1H² + 0n1 - 1H³ +r

In the physical for tritium is present in the form of TDO (Tritiated Heavy Water).
The behavior of tritium will be same as that of water or water vapour. Whenever
water is exposed to air, some of the heavy water and its contained tritium will
evaporate and so we will have an air born tritium hazard.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 4 of 32

10. Tritium is hazardous due to the following reasons:

Tritium is not an external hazard duct to the following reasons.

(i) Tritium emits beta particles but no γ rays.

(ii) Emax (β) = 18 Kev

(iii) Living cells are covered with a outer dead layer of skin (at least 0.007 mm thick).

(iv) Tritium beta can penetrate only 0.05 mm.

(v) Particles require at least 70 kv to penetrate the outer layer of skin.

Hence, tritium is not an external hazard. Tritium is a serious internal hazards as

a) The cells inside the body are not protected by a dead layer.

b) When tritium is inside the body is in direct contact with live cells and even
diffuses right inside them.

c) In spite of their extremely low penetrating lever, tritium beta particles can
damage the cells.

Hence to minimize the amount of damage, the amount of tritium allowed in the
body is to be limited.

11. How is protection factor defined. What is the protection factor for
different clothings?

Protection factor (PF) = Uptake without protection

Uptake with protection

PF for plastic suit = 30 (against 1H³)

PF for an air respirator = 2 (a gainst 1H³)

12. What are three principles of radiation protection?

The main features of the system of dose limitation shall be the following:

Justification:

No practice shall be adopted unless its introduction produces a sufficient benefit

to the exposed individual or to the society to offset the radiation harm that it
might cause.

Optimization:

All exposures shall be kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) economic

and social factors being taken into consideration.

Dose limitation:

The normal exposures of individuals resulting from all relevant practices should
be subjected to dose limits to ensure that no individual is exposed to a risk that is
judged to be unacceptable.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 5 of 32

13. What are the basic fundamental methods to protect against external
exposures?

The basic principles adopted to control external exposures are:

a) Time: Time spent in radioactive work area should be optimized.

b) Distance: Keep distance from the source
c) Shielding: Shielding the source will reduce radiation intensity.
d) Decay: allow the short lived radio nuclides to decay before entry.

14. What are the basic fundamental methods to protect against internal
exposures?

The basic principles used to protect against internal exposures are:

a) Inhalation route: use suitable respiratory protection

b) Ingestion route: Eatables should not be taken to radioactive areas.
c) Ingestion through open wound: Not allow to work in radio active area
d) Through skin absorption: Use ventilated respiratory protection

15. Why is the nuclear plant divided in four zones? What are the four zones
in a typical plant? What is the change room and what are the three fold
purposes of designing a change room?

A Nuclear plant-operating island is divided into four zones called Zone – 1, Zone –
2, Zone – 3 and Zone – 4 to prevent from spread of contamination.

Zone – 1 : Clean Zone. No contamination exists

Zone – 2 : As such no contamination exists. Area may get contaminated due
to personnel movement.
Zone – 3 : Contamination exists but contained
Zone – 4 : Source of contamination

Change Room:

Change Room is the place where personnel clothings are removed and plant
clothes are worn by plant personnel proceeding to work in radioactive areas
(Zone – 3 & 4 ).

Objectives:

1. To separate plant and personnel clothes to avoid cross contamination

2. To avoid spread of contamination to Zone – 1 areas
3. To avoid individuals getting contaminated during radioactive job.

16. What is the procedure for entering to shutdown accessible area during
reactor operation?

Entry procedure for shutdown accessible areas like pump room, moderator room,
DNM room during Unit operation. Any entry to Shutdown Accessible Area during
Unit operation in called on power entry. The following procedures shall be
followed:

Step -1 : On power entry should be justified, ON power entry should be made only
for inspection purposes.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 6 of 32

 Take approval for on power entry in on power entry form (filled in
duplicate) from CS/SD.

Step -2 : Conduct ALARA meeting for the entry with man-hours, manrem required &
persons entering the shutdown accessible area.
All individuals should be briefed about the job.
Follow three-way communication.

Step -3 : Collect all protective clothings, (Ventilated plastic suits), protective wear
and respiratory protection prior to the entry. The dosimeters to be
collected include high range DRD, Alarming dosimeter, Neutron Badge in
addition to TLD and DRD.

Step -4 : Time spent in pump room shall be as minimu m as possible and shall work
in batches.

Step -5 : Once the job is completed, assess the doses received by each individual &
fill up the ALARA planning sheet and conduct post job review.

17. While the reactor is operating, the reactor building exhaust duct shows
“very high” activity alarm. List out various causes for this alarm and the
actions (manual as well as auto) to be taken after this alarm as far as
radioactivity is concerned.

The causes for very high activity in Reactor Building exhaust duct may be due to
the following:

1. High FPNG release

2. High argon release
3. High Iodine – 131 release
4. LOCA condition

Check area radiations field of RB on RADAS.

Manual actions taken during very high activity alarm: The sample cell, which is
sealed at ventilation exhaust room is removed for analysis of various
radionuclides present in the sample by gamma spectroscopy analysis. This will
help in identifying the source of radiation and origin of the source/system.
Depending on the source syste m, action will be taken suitably.

Auto actions:

When RB exhaust duct show very high activity alarm, the sample cell and RB will
be boxed up automatically as per logic by triplicated Ventilation Duct Radiation
Monitors. After the situation is assessed and controlled, the logic will be reset.

18. What are the current doses limits as applied to radiation workers and
members of public?

Dose Limits recommended by AERB

Dose Limit
Application
Occupational Public
Effective Dose 30 mSv per year and 100 mSv when 1 mSv in year and
averaged over defined period of 5 500 averaged over
years. 5 years.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 7 of 32

 Annual equivalent
dose for:
Lens of the eye 150 mSv 15 mSv
Skin 500 mSv 50 mSv
Hands and feet 500 mSv --

19. Name five fission products and five activation products observed in your
plant and also indicate the systems in which these are found.

Fission Products: Activation Products

I-131 Co-60 PHT & Mod
Cs-137 Zr-9 5 PHT
Cs-134 Nb-95 PHT
Sr-9 0 PHT Ar-4 1 AGMS, Mod & PHT Cover gas
Xe-133 Fe -5 9 Mod
Xe-135 H-3 Mod & PHT
Sb-124 PHT

20. Out line the methods of contamination control in respect of surface

contamination.

- Spread polythene sheets before taking up maintenance activities in the working

area.
- Avoid keeping contaminated equipment on floors. Wrap all contaminated
equipment with polythene sheet
- Decontaminate the floors as soon as identified as contamination is detected.
- Proper rubber area / rubber change area .
- Follow rubber change procedures.

21. Out line the methods of contamination control in respect of body

contamination.
- Use protective clothings
- Use respiratory protective equipment
- Follow strictly radiation protection procedures, which include rubber station
procedures, which include Rubber Station procedures etc.
- Avoid touching contaminated wall / equipment if not required.

22. What are the limits for contamination in body, personal clothes and
personal shoes?

Derived working levels for radioactive contamination

Derived Working Levels (DWLs) for radioactive contamination

Surfaces Beta Emitters (Bq/cm2) Alpha Emitters (Bq/cm 2)

Skin 1.5 1.0
Hands 350* 250*
Clothes:
Plant 6 2
Personnel 2 0.5
Shoes:
Plant 37 3.7
Personnel 0.37 0.037
Floor/Equipment 3.7
0.37

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 8 of 32

* Total contamination on either side.
* No loose contamination is permitted on hands and skin.

23. What is natural background radiation? On what factors does it depend?

Name the isotopes causing natural background radiation.

The radiation due to presence of naturally occurring radionuclides in atmosphere,

earth crust, etc. gives to natural background radiation. The sources of natural
background radiation include Radon (Uranium series), Thoron (Thorium series),
K-40, Cs-137 (Nuclear fall out), cosmic rays, etc. The natural back background
radiation in a place depends on

a. Intensity of cosmic radiation

b. K-40
c. Nuclear fall out
d. Presence of Uranium or Thorium materials in the earth crust
e. The elevation of a place with reference to sea level

24. A failed fuel bundle was being transported from your station to Bombay.
On the way it met an accident what actions you will undertake as the
leader of the convoy?

Actions to be taken by CIC during level 3 emergencies are:

a. Attend to the injured and if necessary arrange for medical aid

b. Monitor the cask for radiation and contamination levels. Also monitor the
wagon/conveyance and adjoining areas for possible contamination. Monitor the
radiation levels around the cask.
c. Inform the local / concerned railway/police/district authorities and seek their
assistance.
d. In case of fire, get assistance of local fire brigade. Fire fighting personnel should
make use of the standard respiratory protective equipment
e. Cordon off the area as specified in the TREMCARD.
f. Inform the consignor and the CMG, DAE about the emergency situation in the
prescribed format and seek any assistance that may require.
g. Keep a watch over the controlled area until the Emergency Response team (ERT)
arrives.
h. Assist in the efforts of the emergency response personnel sent by the railways,
police or local fire brigade.
i. Assist the Emergency Response Team (ERT)
j. Decontaminate the affected area, if any, and arrange for improvised
shielding, tie -down, etc, for the cask, if require as recommended by the
Emergency Response Team (ERT)
k. Inform the consignor and the CMG, DAE upon completion of the emergency
response work.
l. Resume the shipment in accordance with the advice of the ERT.

25. What are the different categories of radioactive shipments? Give their
dose limits

Categories of the Radioactive Shipments

All shipments shall be in any one of the following four categories:

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 9 of 32

 Conditions
Category Maximum radiation level at any point on Transport
external surface Index (TI)
1- White Not more than 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mR/h) 0

2 - Yellow More than 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mR/h ) but More than 0 but not
not more than 0.5 mSv/h (50 mR/h ) more than 1

3 - Yellow More than 0.5 mSv/h (50 mR/h) but not More than 1 but not
more than 2 mSv/h (200 mR/h) more than 10

3 - Yellow More than 2 mSv/h (200 mR/h ) but not More than 10
(for exclusive more than 10 mSv/h (1000 mR/h )
use)

26. A Heat transport pump is to be transported to Bombay. The radiation

field on contact of the package is 150 mrem/h. Write down its category
and the documents required to be filled up and required to accompany?

Radiation field on contact of the package in 1.5 mSv/h. Since on contact

radiation field is less than 2 mSv/h, the radioactive shipment comes under
category III yellow.

Documents required for category III yellow package:

1. Radioactive shipment advice (for the consignee and station records)

2. Normal Release Permit (for station security)
3. Instructions to vehicle drivers ( for emergency conditions)
4. Tremcard
5. Tremdata

The above documents shall be filled up and accompany the consignment.

27. What is plant emergency? Give a few examples. Who is Plant Emergency
Director?

This involves excessive release of radioactive materials or high radiation fields in

a section of the plant requiring immediate operator action and /or automatic
operation of safety systems. Although positive isolations or restrictions on
occupancy of the affected areas might be enforced, evacuation of personnel might
be required if it is suspected that the doses to personnel are likely to exceed the
intervention levels

1. Actual or suspected occurrences of loss of core cooling both during operation and
shutdown.

2. Closure of RB isolation damper on high activity release or high pressure in reactor

building or emergency core cooling system.

3. Major fire in Reactor Building.

4. Earthquake measuring more than 6.0 Richter's scale or major damage observed
due to earthquake.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 10 of 32

5. Failure of a structure inside reactor building which may incapacitate the core
cooling or reactor protection system or regulating system.

Plant Emergency Director: Station Director

28. Give a sketch for possible escape routes for radioactive materials from
fuel to the environment. What are the likely isotopes to escape?

Fuel Fuel cladding

Fuel cladding Primary Heat Transport System
Primary Containment Secondary Containment
Secondary containment Environment

Isotopes likely to escape from fuel: I-131, Xe -133, Xe-135 etc.

29. What is an emergency? What are different types of emergency? Explain

with one example each. What and where is he various counter measures
to be taken in each type of emergency?

Emergency:

Emergency is an incident in a nuclear power plant, which may lead to release of

radioactivity into the environment above the technical specifications in an
uncontrolled manner.

There are three types of emergencies encountered at Nuclear Power Plants:

Plant Emergency:

This involves excessive release of radioactive materials or high radiation fields in

a section of the plant requiring immediate operator action and /or automatic
operation of safety systems. Although positive isolations or restrictions on
occupancy of the affected areas mig ht be enforced, evacuation of personnel might
be required if it is suspected that the doses to personnel are likely to exceed the
intervention levels.

Counter measures implemented:

a) Assembly of personnel in Assembly areas for mutual counting.

b) Sheltering
c) Access control

Examples:

1. Actual or suspected occurrences of loss of core cooling both during operation and
shutdown.

2. Closure of RB isolation damper on high activity release or high pressure in reactor

building or emergency core co oling system.

3. Major fire in Reactor Building.

4. Earthquake measuring more than 6.0 Richter's scale or major damage observed
due to earthquake.

5. Failure of a structure inside reactor building which may incapacitate the core
cooling or reactor protection system or regulating system.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 11 of 32

 Site Emergency:

This class of emergency arises due to situation, which seriously affects plant
operations involving high radiation fields in accessible areas and release of
radioactive materials extending beyond th e plant up to the site environment. The
protective measures such as incorporation of stable Iodine, sheltering and
evacuation of personnel from plant areas other than control room to areas
designated to be habitable under the site emergency conditions and evacuation of
non -essential persons from the site may be considered.

Counter measures implemented:

a) Access control
b) Sheltering
c) Evacuation

Examples:

1. Known loss of coolant greater than make up pump capacity.

2. Actual or suspected core melting.
3. Fire affecting safety systems.
4. Primary steam line breaks outside containment without isolation.
5. Severe natural phenomena being experienced or projected with plant not in cold
shutdown condition.

Off-site Emergency:

An Off-site emergency situation results when the release of radioactive materials

from the plant is of a magnitude necessitating protective action to be taken for
members of the public in the neighborhood of the plant.

Counter measure implemented:

a) Access control
b) Administration of stable Iodine
c) Sheltering
d) Evacuation
e) Control on food stuff

Examples:

1. Known loss of coolant greater than make up pump capacity.

2. Actual or suspected core melting.
3. Fire affecting safety systems.
4. Primary steam line breaks outside containment without isolation.
5. Severe natural phenomena being experienced or projected with plant not in cold
shutdown condition.

30. How is area around a nuclear power plant is divided? What is the
significance of each zone?

Emergency planning zone, defined around the plant up to 16 KM radius, provides

a basic geographic framework for decision making on implementing measures as
part of a graded response in the event of an emergency. The area around the
RAPS site is divided into the following zones up to 16 KM radius.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 12 of 32

 Exclusion Zone:

The exclusion zone extends up to a distance of 1.6 KM around the central plant
zone of 0.7 KM where no public habitation is permitted. This zone is physically
isolated from outside areas by plant fencing and is under the control of RAPS.

Sterilized Zone:

Sterilized zone is an area where no new growth of population is permitted.

Natural growth is however allowed in this zone. This area extends up to a radius
of 5 Kms from the central plant zone. This zone is defined to restrict the
population to an easily transportable number in case of an Emergency.

Primary Zone:

The primary zone extends up to 8 Kms from central plant zone where protective
measures like evacuation and sheltering are required against possible plume
exposures during an Emergency.

Secondary Zone:

The secondary zone extends up to 16 Kms from Central Plant Zone protective
measures like sheltering control on foodstuff are required against possible
exposures from ingestion of radioactivity.

Sectional Division of EPZ:

The Emergency-planning zone around the RAPS-3&4 is further divided into 16

sectors radially (designated by letter codes 'A' to 'P' marked clockwise) to
implement protective measures to areas actually affected during an emergency.
Each sector covers 22.5 and the centerlines of sector 'A', 'E', 'I' and 'M' coincide
with the North, East, South and West directions respectively.

31. With unit operating at full power “Stack Iodine Activity high”
annunciates. What could be the causes and what actions will you take?

Stack iodine activity high annunciates when unit is operating at full power

The reasons for above can be

a) Discharge of failed fuel bundles to SFSB

b) Loss of coolant accident in RB

Actions to be taken:

a) Put into service the Iodine filter beds in spent fuel storage bay area for removal of
iodine during failed fuel discharge.

b) Put into service, the primary containment filtration & pump back system, and
secondary containment of iodine during LOCA condition.

32. What are the radionuclides that are significant at later stage in the event
of accident? How do they affect the population?

The radionuclides likely to be released to the environment during an off site

emerg ency are Cuss-137, I-131, Xe-133, Xe-135, Sr-90, Co-60 etc. Different
radionuclides will be absorbed in different ranges of the body.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 13 of 32

 Example Cs-137 Muscle
I-131 Thyroid
Sr-9 0 Bones

33. In a hypothetical radiation accident in the plant, automatic closure of

R/B dampers isolates the Reactor Building. Explain the basic principles
or bases or methods for:

a) How would an assessment of the activity released be made

b) Declaring Plant and Off-site emergency
c) Deciding on evacuation and sheltering measures
d) Treatment of contamination injuries

The Reactor Building gets boxed up by automatic closure of Reactor Building

dampers in a hypothetical accident

a) The assessment of activity released through the stack is estimated by counting

the 5-liter sample cell kept at Ventilation Duct Radiation Monitoring room. The
radionuclides present and quantitative estimation of releases is estimated.

b) Declaring Plant and Off-site emergency

Plant Emergency is declared based on the following conditions:

Whole body dose: 5 mSv

or committed equivalent dose to thyroid : 50 mSv
to many persons in the plant.

Off-site Emergency:

When the radiation level at 1 m above the ground level is more than 0.01 mSv/h
or food samples containing activity more than allowed limits for consumption.

c) Deciding on evacuation and sheltering measures

Sheltering:

The radiation level is more than 0.01 mSv/h in domain 2 and more than 0.1
mSv/h in domain 1 and persistent for 10 hours, sheltering of the public shall be
done to avoid inhalation dose and plume dose.

Evacuation:

Evacuation is implemented, if the radiation level is more than 1.0 mSv/h and
persistent for 4 hours in domain 1, within 12 hours.

d) Treatment of contamination injuries

Treatment of contaminated injuries: The contaminated injuries are treated at

Radiation Emergency Medical Center (REMC) prior to decontamination of injured
persons, first aid and medical treatment will be given to save the life. Later,
decontamination of the injured person will be carried out at Radiation Emergency
Medical Center.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 14 of 32

34. Which are the samples to be collected from an affected area? What will
be the follow up actions, if required?

The following samples are collected during a radiation emergency in an affected

area:

a) Air samples for estimation air borne radioactivity present in the affected area.
These samples include for particulate and iodine

b) To estimate the contamination level in food materials, the following food samples
are collected for analysis:
(i) Water samples
(ii) Paddy rice
(iii) Milk
(iv) Milk products
(v) Goat’s thyroid
(vi) Soil samples etc.,

Follow up actions required during emergency:

The frequency of sample collection shall be increased if the radioactivity levels are
in increasing trend in all food samples as mentioned above. If the activity levels
are more than the allowed limits, the countermeasure of control on foodstuff shall
be implemented. Sheltering and Administration of stable Iodine shall be done
based on radiation levels at 1m above the ground level in the affected
area/village.

35. Classify the off-site emergency on space domain basis; specify the dose
limits for counter-measures in the domain.

Time space domains are defined to appraise the implementation of countermeasures.

Concepts Domain
Domain – 3 Domain - 2 Domain - 1
Radiation <0.01 0.01-0.1 >0.1
level
(mSv/h)
Objective To reduce To limit the stochastic To avoid individual doses
collective dose risk to individual so as to avoid serious
and thus to members of the public deterministic effects (0.5
minimize the Gy & 5 Gy)
overall incidence
of stochastic
effects
Exposure Ingestion route Ingestion route (major) a . Inhalation route
pathways predominant of exposure to thyroid
b. External gamma dose
from plume
c. External gamma dose
from ground deposition

Counter Control of food a. Administration of a . Administration of stable

measures stuff stable iodine iodine
b. Sheltering and b . Sheltering and / or
c. Control of food stuff c. Evacuation

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 15 of 32

36. What are intervention levels for various counter measures in off-site
emergency?

Intervention levels for various counter measures in different domains during an

Off-site emergency are given below:

Intervention levels for implementation of countermeasures

Domain Countermeasure Intervention level (mSv)

Whole body Thyroid
Lower Upper Lower Upper
Domain –1 Administration of -- -- 500 2500
stable iodine

Sheltering 20 100 -- --

Evacuation 100 500 -- --

Domain – 2 Administration of -- -- 50 500

stable iodine

Sheltering 5 20 -- --

Control on food stuff 5 20 50 500

Domain – 3 Control on food stuff 1 5 Not anticipated

Note: The Ils for Doma ins 1 and 2 are CED / CEED from intakes during the first
year following the accident

37. What are the different protective measures suggested in the off-site
emergency? When and how will these be implemented?

The protective measures implemented during an Off-site Emergency are:

a) Administration of Stable Iodine: KIO3 Tablets are administered at the earliest

by district medical authorities

b) Sheltering: Sheltering of all public in the affected village is implemented within

24 hours if the radiation level at 1 m above the ground level is more than 0.1
mSv/h by police personnel.

c) Evacuation: Evacuation of all public in the affected village is done within 12

hours of the radiation level at 1 m above the ground level is more than 1.0 mSv/h
by police personnel.

d) Access Control: Entry and Exit of vehicles from affected villages are diverted
and traffic in controlled by police personnel.

e) Control on foodstuff: Consumption of contaminated food is restricted by district

authorities.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 16 of 32

38. What are the different design features provided at your station to handle
emergency in order to ensure releases are within technical
specifications?

The design features provided to handle emergency in order to ensure releases are
within technical specifications are as follows:

a) Pressure Suppression System:

The suppression pool system is designed to remove undissolved gases and reduce
the pressure of primary contaminant by dissolving certain gases in a water
column of 2.1 meters. Most of the soluble radioactivity may also be contained in
the system.

b) Primary Containment Filtration and pump back system:

This system is designed to remove iodine released during emergency conditions.

c) Secondary Containment recirculation and purge system:

This system is derived to remove iodine & particulate activities of any leakage
from primary containment and to avoid ground releases.

e) Primary Containment Con trol Discharge:

This system is designed to discharge the gaseous effluents in a controlled manner

during post accident situation based on suitable meteorological conditions.

f) Double containment:

The secondary containment avoids the ground releases if any leakage & from
primary containment by keeping at negative pressure and starting of secondary
containment recirculation and purge system.

39. a. What is the source term? Mention the inventory of I-131 and Noble
gases in PHWRs.
b) Outline the system of measuring radioactivity discharge from NPP
under building box up conditions during accidents.

a) Source Term

Source Term denotes “information about the actual or potential release of

radioactive material from a given source, which may include a sp ecification of the
amount, the composition, the rate and the mode of release.

The following characteristics of the source term have an important bearing on the
accident consequences:

(i) The rate and the total amount of radioactive material released:

This is determined by the reactor inventory (which in turn depends on the design
and operating power of the reactor), and by the nature and severity of the
accident.

(ii) The relative mixture of radio -nuclides released:

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 17 of 32

 This may be different from the composition existing in the core before the
accident. It is determined by the chemical, physical and radiological properties of
the nuclides concerned.

(iii) The relative mixture of gases, volatiles and particulates released:

The physical form of the activity released determines primarily its escape
potential from the plant.

(iv) The environment of release and the accompanying energy:

Atmospheric releases at high level, accompanied by high energy, ensure a wide

dispersal of radioactivity.

Inventory of I-131 and Noble gases at RAPS-3&4

For LOCA:

I-131: 1.06 × 10 6 curies

Noble gases: 1.56 × 10 6 curies

For LOCA+ ECCS failure:

I-131: 22.6 × 10 6 curies

Noble gases: 201.7 × 1 06 curies

b. Sample Cells are used to analyse air activity of Reactor Building (RB)
quantitatively and qualitatively during accidental conditions when reactor gets
boxed up. Sample cell is located at Ventilation Duct Radiation Monitoring (VDRM)
room at 106m.El. of Service building. The air from RB continuously flows thro ugh
the cells. When the reactor is boxed up, the cell will be sealed and the air gets
trapped in the cell. The sample is removed and analysed on MCA for various
radionuclides.

- The sample cell is connected with quick disconnect couplings.

- Shift Charg e Engineer will inform Shift Health Physicist about reactor box-up.
- Immediately after Reactor box up, disconnect the sample cell.
- Note the time of removal of sample cell.
- Analyse the cell on Multi Channel Analyser system as per standard procedure.
- Note the activity of each radionuclide.
- Inform the values to control room and Station Health Physicist.
- Connect the sample cell back in the system.
- Reset the flow through the sample cell.

40. Give the bases, on which the limits of releases of radioactive effluents
are stipulated. Give the limits of, releases of the following radionuclides
in your reactor

a) Tritium in air route

b) Iodine in air route
c) Gross beta activity in water route

The limits on release of radioactive effluents are derived based on the following
factors:

a) Site dispersion factor

b) Critical path of exposure

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 18 of 32

c) Critical group for a given path of exposure
d) Food habits & consumption rate
e) Transfer coefficients
f) Relative humidity
g) Atmospheric stability class
h) Deposition velocity of Radionuclide

Release limits for RAPS-3&4 (annual average rate of discharge)

a) Tritium in air route (as oxide)

7.4 TBq/d (200 Ci/d). Ten times maximum discharge from both the units in a
single day can be the average daily discharge limit provided annual average is not
exceeded.

b. Iodine in air route

0.74 GBq/d (20 Ci/d). Ten times in a day provided annual average is not
exceeded.

c) Gross beta activity in water route

Total release not to exceed 1.48 GBq/d for R-1 to 4 (total 40 mCi/d, 20 mCi/d,
each for RAPS-1&2 & RAPS-3&4) and concentration in water shall not exceed 7.4
x 10 -4 MBq/ml. Ten times in a day provided annual average is not exceeded.

41. What are the factors that determine the radioactive releases to the
environment? What are specifications of these releases for your station?
Your answer should include both air and water routes?

The factors that determine the radioactive rele ases to the environment are:

a) Site dispersion factor

b) Critical path of exposure
c) Critical group for a given path of exposure
d) Food habits & consumption rate
e) Atmospheric stability
f) Radio nuclides released
g) Deposition velocity of radio nuclid e s
h) Transfer coefficient of radioactivity from Grass to Animals etc.,
i) Relative humidity of atmosphere

Liquid Effluents

Tritium Gross Beta-gamma activity

Release limit 35 Ci/d (for RAPS-3&4) 20 mCi/d (for RAPS-3&4)
Concentration in 30 PCi/ml 2.0 x 10 -8 µCi/ml
water

Gaseous Effluents

Radionuclide Release limit

Tritium (as oxide) 7.4 TBq/d (200 Ci/d)
FPNG 23.68 TBq (640 Ci/d)

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 19 of 32

 Ar-41 2.96 TBq (80 Ci/d)
I-131 0.74 TBq/d (20 mCi/d)
Particulate 0.56 TBq/d (15 mCi/d)

The releases can be ten times in a day provided the annual average is not
exceeded.

42. What do you mean by target dose, manrem budgeting and manpower
control?

a) Target Dose:

Target dose in the limit of collective dose approved by SARCOP derived from
source con trol techniques at design, construction and operation of nuclear power
plants and experience. This dose limit should not be crossed by adopting
appropriate ALARA practices.

Manrem Budgeting:

A manrem budget is a plan expressed in quantitative terms of dose for a

particular group/job. It includes;

a) Quantification of tasks to be performed

b) Quantification of manpower required and

c) Scheduling the works in active areas

The manrem budget provides a set of guidelines for use in controlling the
operation and maintenance activities in the organization.

Manpower control:

Manpower control means the availability of manpower and man-hours for

executing the planned jobs during the years. The employment of temporary
workers may increase the collective dose due to less efficiency while working in
radioactive areas.

43. How can source control technique help in reducing the total manrem
consumption?

The above can be achieved by reducing the inventory or eliminating the following.

Activation products

The major activation products observed in PHT and moderator system are Co-60
and Fe -59. The selection of components shall be such that the impurities of these
will be minimum so that source control can be achieved.

Examples: Selection of colomony for adjuster rod ball bearings.

System inventories of radionuclides

The major radionuclides observed in PHT and Moderator system are: Zr-95, Zr-
97, Mn -56, Co -60, Cu-64, Fe-59 and Mn -65.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 20 of 32

 The equilibrium system activity of various radionuclides is ava ilable in design
manual on shielding for RAPS-3&4. These inventories can be minimized by
increasing the current time and reducing the corrosion rate by maintaining good
system chemistry.

44. Which are the important factors, important role in the achieving of low
annual occupational exposure at NPP’s?

The important factors to achieve low annual occupational exposures at NPPs are:

a) Manrem Budgeting

A manrem budget is a plan expressed in quantitative terms of dose for a

particu lar group/job. It includes;

- Quantification of tasks to be performed

- Quantification of manpower required and
- Scheduling the works in active areas

The manrem budget provides a set of guidelines for use in controlling the
operation and maintenance a ctivities in the organization.

b) Monitoring of working conditions

RP group monitors the radiological conditions in the work area routinely and/or
before carrying out any special jobs. A database of radiological conditions is
created by HPU in specific areas to study any increase/change in such conditions
and necessary action will be taken by the management to reduce the dose-
rates/contamination levels in the work environment. The radiological survey in
general includes:

- Assessment of radiation le vels

- Identification of hot spots
- Assessment of air borne contamination levels
- Assessment of surface contamination levels

c) Work process steering and control

Work process steering and control can be achieved by adopting the following
procedures:

- Radiological work permit for all radioactive jobs for dose accounting.
- Work area supervision by a Green qualified person
- Dose follow -up and review for jobs with radiation exposure
- Job co -ordination by supervisors and Engineers in the work area to avoid rework.

d) Training on “ALARA Principles and practices”:

Education and Training are one of the pre -requisites for worker's involvement to
achieve ALARA exposures. To implement and follow an ALARA approach, all
personnel shall be trained and AL ARA principles & practices. An Operating
Manual is prepared on "ALARA Principles and Practices" to train all personnel and
it is necessary to write examination on this topic to be Green qualified. The
training programme will be repeated as a refresher co urse before outages to
inform workers of the important aspects of radiation protection and special
aspects of dose reduction in work.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 21 of 32

45. Proper dose management system helps to take correct actions and
enforce radiation protection standards
a) What is the dose management system followed at your station?
b) Give five important examples of administrative factor achieve ALARA
doses.

a. Individual and collective dose control is a requirement in nuclear power plants.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board in tune with the recommendations of
International Commission on Radiological Protection stipulates individual dose
limits. Several inputs such as Training of personnel in radiation safety aspects,
work-planning methodology, assessment of radiological conditions in plant areas
and techniques to achieve ALARA measures form part of overall dose
management in the power station.

i) Organization on Radiation Safety

ii) Training on Radiation Safety
iii) ALARA Committee
iv) Job planning and ALARA Techniques

a) Manrem Budget
b) Manhours of working conditions
c) Work process status and control
d) Training on ALARA principles and practices

v) Use of computers in Dose Management

a) Computerization of dose records

b) On-line dosimeter issue
c) Display of radiation levels in charts

vi) Quality circle

b) Administrative factors to achieve ALARA doses are:

- Access Gates to shutdown Accessible areas

- No entry to Zone-2 onwards without TLD
- No exit to Zone-1 without monitoring at Exit Portal Monitor
- No work is allowed in radioactive area without Radiological work permit
- No entry to radioactive areas without Direct Reading Dosimeter.

46. What is ALARA? Why no numerical value is given for ALARA?

ALARA is an abbreviation for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This principle is

used for optimization of radiation protection and is defined as follows:

"In relation to any particular source within a practice, the magnitude of individual
doses, the number of people exposed, and the likelihood of incurring exposures
where these are not certain to be received should all be kept as low as reasonably
achievable (ALARA), economic and social factors being taken into account. This
procedure should be constrained by restrictions on the dose s to individuals (Dose
Constraints) or the risks to individuals in the case of potential exposures (Risk
Constraints), so as to limit the inequity likely to result from the inherent economic
and social judgments (The optimization of Protection)".

No nume rical value is given for ALARA, as it is a qualitative term used to indicate
the reduction in dose by various optimization processes.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 22 of 32

47. What are the different characteristics of the stack release needed for
evaluation of dose due to gaseous discharge from NPPs.

Four general elements necessary for performing dose assessments are:

Characterization of the radionuclide or the radiation source – including the

chemical form and the type of radiation emitted.

Determination of radionuclide distributions in cluding where and how the

radionuclides are being released (e.g. stacks, water discharges, etc.)

Determination of radiation incident on the population and / or its radionuclide

accumulation.

Determination of the subsequent radiation dose to the population.

48. a. What are the data Meteorological Laboratory attached to NPP are
collecting?
b. What is X/Q? On what does it depend?
c. How does X/Q value influence release limit for a given apportioned dose
at fence post? Is a lower or higher value of X/Q desirable?

a. The data collected by meteorological laboratory and the application of data is

given below:

Description of data Application

1. Wind direction
2. Wind speed
3. Rain fall
4. Atmospheric stability class
5 . Horizontal and vertical
dispersion coefficients
To know the affected section
To know the extent up to which the sector is
affected
To take into accent wash down factors etc.
To make decision for release of gaseous effluents
during accidental conditions
To identify suitable atmospheric conditions for
effluent releases during accidental conditions.

b. X/Q is the ratio of ground concentration to the release rate of gaseous effluents
through the stack. It is called Site dispersion factor. The site dispersion factor
depends on atmo spheric stability class, terrain and height of the stack, etc.,

c. For a given apportioned dose at fence post, the release limit decreases with
increase in X/Q value. The lower X/Q is desirable to increase release limits.

49. What are the basic meteorological parameters needed in evaluation of

the dose due to gaseous releases?

The basic meteorological parameters needed for evaluation of the dose due to
gaseous releases are:
- Wind direction
- Wind speed
- Affected sector
- Stability class
- Site dispersion faction
- Maximum temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Rainfall etc.,

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 23 of 32

50. Explain the following terms:

a) Inversion
b) Fumigation
c) wake effect
d) deposition velocity
e) critical pathway
f) Fanning
g) Lofting
h) Coning
i) Looping

Inversion:

The reversal of the usual variation of an atmospheric property

(Temperature) with height is called Inversion and the layer through which the
reversal takes place is called Inversion layer.

Fumigation:

The transport to the ground of radioactive effluent plume when there is an

adiabatic lapse rate in the lower layer topped by an inversion. Downward mixing
goes on readily but the inversion limits the upward mixing. This configuration
arises when there is an inversion at the ground at sunrise, which arises above the
stack plume level due to heating from solar radiation. After this level is reached,
the effluents mix downward rapidly fumigating the ground, which has until this
time been protected from the plume by the inversion. This process may result in
an abrupt increase of the effluent concentration at the ground to a high level.

Wake effect:

Radioactive materials released through leaks in the buildings or from short stacks
will be mixed in the turbulent wake created by the ambient air flow around these
buildings. This effect creates a volume source, called Wake effect.

Deposition velocity:

Deposition velocity is a parameter used to apply correction for impaction or

adsorption on surfaces along the Plume downwind direction. The Deposition
velocity is defined as:

Rate of deposition (Bq cm-² sec -1)

Vg ( m sec -1 ) =
Concentration near the surface (Bq cm -3)

For Iodine -131, Vg =

For Particulate, Vg =

Critical pathway:

Radionuclides released into the environment can irradiate the population through
many pathways. But some pathway may result in substantially higher dose to
public than others. Such pathways which cause maximum dose to public for a
given release / concentration are called critical pathways. For eg. I-131
released into the environment, the air-grass-cow-milk pathway is the critical
pathway of exposure.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 24 of 32

 Fanning:

When the radioactive effluents are emitted into an inversion layer, the stability
prevents diffusion up and down, so that the only spreading of the effluents is
sideways. Since the plume is thin in the vertical and is V -shaped in the horizontal,
the phenomena are fanning.

Lofting:

The spreading in upward arcs of a radioactive plume emitted into air with an
inversion below the stack exit and an unstable lapse rate at and above it. The
radioactive effluents are emitted at the top of an inversion layer, where it is kept
from mixing downward but spreads upward. This tendency to be carried aloft but
to the ground has been termed as lofting.

Coning:

The radioactive effluents released from a stack into a deep adiabatic layer allow
spreading of plume uniformly in all cross wind directions. viz., lateral & vertical )
The turbulent motions that are induced by irregularities of the ground and
shearing of the wind are not amplified by instability. The vertical spreading and
lateral spreading are about equal and the effluent plume resembles a cone

Looping:

When there is a super adiabatic lapse rate through a deep layer the radioactive
effluents are carried up -and -down by convection currents forming a looping
pattern and are rapidly diluted by the intense vertical mixing.

51. Explain the following terms:

a) Lapse rate
b) Adiabatic Lapse rate
c) Sub Adiabatic Lapse rate
d) Super Adiabatic Lapse rate
e) Stable conditio n
f) Unstable condition
g) Neutral condition

Lapse rate:

The rate of decrease of temperature with height is known as lapse rate.

Adiabatic Lapse rate

A process in which no heat exchange between an air parcel and its surroundings
occur is called adiabatic process. The motions of the air are approximately
adiabatic near the ground.

The rate of decrease of temperature with height as one goes upward in air
column is different from the adiabatic rate of cooling .

∆T
- = γ
∆ h observed

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 25 of 32

 ∆T
- = Γ
∆ h Adiabatic process

If the lapse rate in an air column (γ ) is equal to the rate of adiabatic cooling Γ,
the air column is said to have an adiabatic lapse rate.
γ =Γ

Sub Adiabatic Lapse rate:

If the lapse rate in an air column (γ) is less than the rate of adiabatic cooling Γ,
the air column is said to have super adiabatic lapse rate.

γ < Γ

Super Adiabatic Lapse rate:

If the lapse rate in an air column ( γ ) is greater than the rate of adiabatic cooling
Γ, the air column is said to have super adiabatic lapse rate.
γ > Γ

Stable condition:

If the displacement of the object gives rise to forces that tend to bring it back to
its original equilibrium position is said to be stable.

The lapse rate γ (sub adiabatic) is less than the adiabatic rate of cooling Γ, the
system is said to be under stable equilibrium.

Unstable condition:

If the displacement of the object leads to forces that tend to increase the
displacement from the equilibrium position, the equilibrium is called Unstable.

The lapse rate γ (super adiabatic lapse rate) is greater than the adiabatic rate of
cooling Γ. The system is said to be under unstable equilibrium

Neutral condition:

If no forces arise from the displacement of the object, the equilibrium is neutral.
The lapse rate γ is equal to the adiabatic rate of cooling Γ. The system is said to
be under Neutra l equilibrium

52. Explain the classification of Pasquill atmospheric stability.

Classification of Pasquill atmospheric stability:

Class A - Strongly unstable

Class B - Moderately unstable
Class C - Slightly unstable
Class D - Neutral
Class E - Slightly stable
Class F - - Moderately stable

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 26 of 32

 The above classification depends on wind speed, horizontal and vertical dispersion
coefficients in the atmosphere.

53. What do you understand by:

(a) Windrose

Wind rose is the graphical display of wind speed and wind direction by magnitude.
Wind rose indicates the predominant wind direction and magnitudes of wind
direction in percentage at different elevations.

54. What are the limits in the following cases:

a) Monthly dose to a radiation worker

b) Annual dose to a casual radiation worker
c) Annual dose to skin
d) Annual dose to eye lens
e) Emergency planned dose

- Monthly dose to a radiation worker : 10 mSv

- Annual dose to casual radiation worker : 15 mSv
- Annual dose to skin : 500 mSv
- Annual dose to eye lens : 150 mSv
- Emergency planned dose : 250 mSv

55. Why are the ALI values of different radioisotopes different?

The committed effective dose due to unit uptake of a radionuclide is different for
different radionuclides. ALI is derived from annual effective dose of 20 mSv.
Hence, ALI values are different for different radionuclides.

56. What is the maximum unplanned dose for one month? What action is
required if it is planned to exceed this limit?

The maximum unplanned monthly dose limit is 5 mSv for department persons
and 2.5 mSv for contractor persons.

Notification of planned exposure (NOPE) is required for the persons who planned
to exceed the limits. NOPE shall be authorized by section Head in case of
department personnel and CS in case of contractors.

57. Outline the procedure for disposal of the following types of radioactive
wastes
- Ion exchange Resin (field is less then 10 R/h)
- Wet filter cartridge (field: 50 R/h)
- Organic liquid wastes

a. Ion exchange Resin (field is less then 10 R/h)

Ion-exchange resin ejected from SS hopper of PHT/Mod system at Waste

Management Centralized Facility (WMCF) into MS hoppers for disposal purposes.
If the field is less than 50 R/h, these MS hoppers are disposed into RCC trenches
or RCC vaults.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 27 of 32

b. Wet filter cartridge (field: 50 R/h)

The wet filter cartridges removed from various systems are shielded after
removal and transported to Waste Management Centralized Facility for treatment
and disposal. The systems, which generate wet filters as a waste, are PHT Gland
Filters, SFSB, Filters, PHT Filters, Resin transfer system filters, liquid effluent
treatment process filters etc.

The wet filters are fixed with cement and vermiculate soil in a 200 l drum and
allowed for curing.

The wet filter fixed in a drum will be disposed off at Solid Waste Management
Facility (SWMF) based on the radiation levels.

c. Organic liquid wastes

Procedure for disposal of organic liquid waste: The organic liquid waste is
collected in carboys at the source mainly from tritium counting laboratory and
chemical control laboratories. Then, the organic waste is transferred to Waste
Management Centralized Facility (WMCF) for treatment and disposal purpose. At
WMCF, the organic waste is transferred to a 200 l drum and vermiculate powder
is sprinkled to soak in organic waste. The solidified organic waste is disposed off
into RCC trenches in resp ective of radiation levels.

58. What are the basic principles of waste management? How are high active
liquid wastes disposed of?

Basic principles of waste management:

- Dilute and Disperse (Low active Liquid effluents)

- Concentration and contain (High active liquid effluents)
- Delay and Decay (Short live radio nuclides)

Disposal of high active Liquid wastes:

High active liquid waste is fixed in vermiculate glass matrix. The disposal of
conditional high active liquid waste is depends on the nature of radionuclides and
disposed into suitable various Engineered safety disposal facility based on the
radiation levels.

59. What is over-exposure? How can it be avoided? How and why it is

investigated?

Over exposure: Do se limits are specified for occupational and temporary workers
for a block period of 5 years. In house limits are provided by the station, to
ensure that these dose limits are not exceeded. These limits are specified for
monthly, quarterly, yearly and internal uptake of tritium & iodine. Any person
exceeding these in house limits are said to be received over exposure.

Over exposure shall be investigated to know the genuineness of the dose received
by an individual.

Over exposure cases shall be investigated within 72 hours of the report of the
exposure, if the quarterly or annual limits are exceeded. In other cases,
investigation shall be carried out within 15 days of the report. Investigation

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 28 of 32

 report shall be issued with 48 hours of investigation. A copy of the report shall be
sent to SARCOP.

Over exposure can be avoided by following radiation protection procedures,

ALARA practices during normal operation of the plant and by following radiation
emergency procedures during emergency conditions. These procedures mainly
includes the following:

- Adhering to Radiation protection procedures.

- Use of Alarming dosimeters
- Monitoring individual doses during the job

60. What are the objectives of stack monitoring (sampling)? What are the
technical specifications for releases through stack at your station?

- To estimate the amount of radionuclides released through the stalk to the

environment
- To ensure that the effluents released to the environment are within technical
specifications of the station approved by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
- To control the consequences which lead to release of effluents in excess of
technical specifications.

Technical Specifications for Gaseous effluents:

H-3 (as oxide) 7.4 TBq/d 200Ci/d

Ar-41 2.96 TBq/d 80Ci/d
FPNG 23.68 TBq/d 640 Ci/d
Radioactive Particulate 0.56 GBq/d 15 m Ci/d
Iodine-131 0.74 GBq/d 20 mCi/d

61. ALI values are different for different radioisotopes

ALI values are different for different radioisotopes. The committed effective dose
due to each radionuclide is different. This is due to type of radiations emitted
from a radionuclide, its energies and fields are different. Hence, the dose
received by one B q of different radionuclides is different and thus ALI values are
different.

Tritium : 3 × 10 9 Bq
Iodine -131: 1× 10 6 Bq

62. Tritiated water is more hazardous than tritium

Tritiated water is more hazardous than tritium. Human body consists of water
60% weight. Hence, tritiated water is easily miscible with body water and thus
gives exposure to whole body. Whereas tritium can only replace hydrogen atoms
present in body water and gives dose locally. Hence tritiated water is more
hazardous than tritium.

63. What hazards do neutrons and X-ray present to the eye?

Neutron posses high Linear Energy Transfer (LET) per a given distance traveled.
Hence, exposure of neutrons to eye may cause cataract of the lens. Similarly, X-
rays are monoenergetic in nature, may lead to cataract of the eye.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 29 of 32

64. Name two changes that occur to atom / molecule when radiation passes
through matter

The radiation effects the atom/molecule in two different ways:

- Excitation
- Ionization

In excitation, the irradiated atom/ molecule goes to high energy level and comes
to ground level by emitting excess release in the form of energy. For this
process, the atom/molecules rearranges its electrons.

In Ionization, the irradiated atom/molecules divided into positive and negative

and which further react with other biological chemical molecules thus changing
the chemistry of the body.

65. How is internal exposure of your plant is measured and how it can be
minimized?

Internal Exposure: The internal exposure of plant personnel is estimated by urine

analysis. All plant personnel are advised to submit urine samples two hours after
completion of the job. The frequency of submission of urine samples shall be
once in a week or as and when tritium uptake is suspected.

The internal dose is estimated using the formula:

D (mSv) = 0.0583 Q T (for weekly sample submission)

= 0.5 Q (Committed dose assuming Tb= 6 d)

Where Q=(Q1+Q2)/2 - average tritium uptake in the body in MBq/l.

Q1 - tritium uptake on date t1 in MBq/l
Q2 - tritium uptake on date t2 in MBq/l
T - the time period between two sample submission in days.

Control of internal dose: Internal exposure due to tritium can be minimized by

the following methods:

a) Use of appropriate respiratory protection

b) Avoiding skin wetting
c) Providing local ventilation in high tritiated atmospheres.
d) Use of remotely operating vacuum mopping systems for recovery of heavy water.

66. Tritium dose contributes a significant % of the collective dose. Give a

comprehensive recommendation and an action plan for minimizing
tritium exposure in the operating units.

Tritium dose contributes to about 20% of the collective dose in Pressurized Heavy
Water Reactors (PHWRs). The tritium dose can be minimized in PHWRs by the
following:

a) Minimizing leaks from PHT System in all areas of reactor building

b) Ensuring the availability of all dryers for heavy water collection and with high
efficiency.

c) Ensure proper ventilation balance in all reactor-building a reas.

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 30 of 32

d) Provide remotely operable vacuum mopping systems like vacuum for heavy water
recovery.

e) Use of appropriate respiratory protection

f) Avoiding Skin wetting during heavy water recovery

g) Proper isolation of the system, which has high pote ntial for heavy water spillage
prior to taking up the maintenance jobs.

67. What is the importance of Radiation Work Permit (RWP)? How is it

issued?

RWP issue procedures:

- RWP Shall be applied by a Green qualified person for all radioactive jobs
- Person applying RWP shall fill up all the columns like Reactor Status, Job details,
Job code; persons involved in the job with TLD Nos. and planned doses.
- The Shift Health Physicist shall fill up the current month, annual dose details,
uptake details and category details in the permit
- He also mention the radiological conditions
- He also shall recommend appropriate protective wear and respiratory protective
equipment depending on the radiological conditions.
- He also should mention any special precautions to be taken in the work area.
- The permit shall be signed by Shift Health Physicist and permit holder

The Radiological Work Permit is valid for a shift, a day depending on the nature of
the job

68. Name three dosimetry devices and explain when they are used to
maximum advantage.

a) Thermo luminescent dosimeter (TLD):

Used for assessment of gamma and beta dose of station personnel on monthly
basis. It is mandatory to use this dosimeter regularly and treated as official
dosimeter.

b) Direct Reading Dosimeter (DRD):

Used for assessment of gamma dose on day to day basis for accounting of dose
to ensure that monthly, quarterly or yearly doses are not exceeded. It is
mandatory to use this dosimeter regularly along with TLD during worker in a
radioactive area.

c) Fast Neutron Foils (Cr-39)

Used for assessment of fast neutron dose during on power entry to moderator
room or pump room where fast neutron fields exist. It is mandatory to use this
dosimeter during on power entry for neutron dose assessment.

69. State the factors on which the tritium concentration in PHT & Moderator
System depends?

The tritium concentration in PHT and Moderator System depends on the following
factors:

Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 31 of 32

? Average thermal neutron flux in the system
? Activate cross section of deuteron.
? Disintegrate constant/half-life of tritium
? Total circuit time
? Core transit or influx time
? Total time of reactor operation (full power days)

70. What are the isotopes monitored during whole body counting. What is
the type of detector?

The isotopes monitored during while body counting are I131, Co 60, Cs137.

Gamma detector is used for measuring the γ activity due to the above isotopes
during the whole body countin g .

Additional Questions (asked during the licensing interviews)

71. What is year’s budgeted Station dose and what percentage of it has already been
consumed?

72. What is Operation section’s budgeted dose and what percentage of it has been
consumed?

73. What kind of filter is used for preventing Iodine escape to environment? Which
are the systems that employ such filters?

74. What will be the actions at our end if any other facility of RAPS site declares site
emergency?

75. What kind of emergency will it be in case of LOCA?

76. What are in -house dose limits for individuals?

77. What are the investigations levels for radiation dose for monthly, quarterly, &
yearly exposure?

78. What are the different parameters available on RADAS? How would you know the
radiation levels incase of failure of RADAS?

79. What is radioactivity?

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Question Bank on HPU_1 Page 32 of 32