On December 5, 2025, the fifth day of the CAS course "Working Environment Nuclear Energy" took place, which also marked the end of the first compulsory subject block, including the exam. It was an intense and exciting day!
🔎 In the morning, Mario Stein (Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant) provided an insight into the legal basis and the technical and organizational processes involved in the disposal and decontamination of radioactive waste in Switzerland.
Every day, a wide variety of radioactive waste is produced in nuclear facilities – from protective clothing and respirators to large components such as steam turbines that are no longer in use. These must be decontaminated and stored temporarily under the strictest conditions, always with the aim of keeping radiation exposure to humans and the environment as low as possible.
🧽 Various methods are used to decontaminate contaminated surfaces:
– Active laundry for cleaning protective clothing and masks – an important contribution to waste minimization.
– Glass bead blasting to remove surface contamination.
– High-pressure water jet devices and ultrasonic baths for stubborn deposits.
– Decontamination boxes for remote-controlled work with stainless steel filters or other sensitive components.
Built-in plant components, walkways, and tools are also decontaminated regularly to prevent contamination.
⚛️ Key findings:
– The amount of radioactive waste is low compared to conventional waste (factor 1:2,000).
– Lightly contaminated waste such as clothing is incinerated in a plasma furnace at Zwilag. This reduces the volume of waste by around 75%.
– Resins and concentrates are cemented in barrels, bituminized, or bound in polystyrene.
– Large components are stored for up to 30 years until the radiation activity has decayed.
⚙️ Switzerland has a comprehensive set of laws, ordinances, and guidelines that regulate all stages of radioactive waste disposal and decontamination.
💡 Key takeaways:
Radioactive waste disposal and decontamination involve a wide range of activities. That is why a thorough knowledge of Swiss regulations is essential to protect people and the environment.
– Ensuring the safety of personnel.
– Enabling the safe and economical operation of the facility.
– Minimizing waste.
– Not placing an unnecessary burden on future generations.
📘 In the afternoon, the students took their first CAS exam, marking the end of the first compulsory module block.
🔎 Further information about CAS:
CAS Working Environment Nuclear Energy | BFH
