Protection in operation
Fire protection for PWR nuclear power plants

The operating approach is based on preventive actions and on the organization of fire-fighting and reactor operation actions in the event of a fire.

Preventive actions mainly concern the management of heat loads not foreseen at the design stage (for example, those such as solvents, which are introduced during unit shutdowns), the management of fire permits for work involving hot spots, and the application of various design rules (maintenance, periodic testing of active systems and verification of passive equipment).

The organization of the response is designed to enable the operator to locate the outbreak reliably, and to ensure a rapid and consistent response. Special operating procedures enable the operator...