Techniques for internal dose control - DOE-HDBK-1141-2001

Radiological Assessor Training

DOE-HDBK-1141-2001

Instructor's Guide

Show OT 8.10.

G. Techniques for internal dose control

The confinement system is a series of physical

barriers that, together with a ventilation system,

minimizes the potential for release of radioactive

The term "containment" is also

material into work areas and the environment

used for "confinement."

under normal and abnormal conditions, thereby

minimizing internal dose.

Generally, three confinement systems are used to

achieve the confinement system objectives at

plutonium handling facilities. They consist of the

following:

Primary confinement is provided by piping,

tanks, glove boxes, encapsulating material,

and the like, and any off-gas system that

controls effluent from within the primary

confinement. It provides confinement of the

area immediately surrounding the hazardous

material.

Secondary confinement is provided by the

walls, floor, roof, and associated ventilation

exhaust systems of the cell or enclosure

surrounding the process material or

equipment. Except in the case of glove box

operations, the area inside this barrier is

usually unoccupied; it provides protection for

operating personnel.

Tertiary confinement is provided by the walls,

floor, roof, and associated ventilation exhaust

system of the facility. It provides a final barrier

against release of hazardous material to the

environment.

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