Containment vs. Confinement
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines Confinement as prevention or control of releases of radioactive material to the environment in operation or accidents.
Confinement is closely related in meaning to Containment. Still, Confinement is typically used to refer to the safety function of preventing the ‘escape’ of radioactive material, whereas Containment refers to the means for achieving that safety function.
Containment refers to methods or physical structures (e.g.,, the containment building) designed to prevent the dispersion of radioactive substances as low as reasonably achievable.
- Confinement. Confinement of radioactive material in operational states and accident conditions.
- Protection. Protection of the power plant against external natural and human-induced events
- Shielding. Radiation shielding in operational states and accident conditions.