ABSTRACT
Objective: To discuss the purposes and methods of determining and employing operational intervention levels in preparedness and response for a nuclear emergency. Methods:According to the safety standards and technical reports issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and combined with specific conditions in China, the operational intervention levels suitable for applying in China are analyzed. Results: The newly published IAEA technical report provided special operational intervention levels for emergency at a light water reactor. The recommended values are practical that our country can use for reference. Conclusion: It is suggested that the related branches for response to nuclear emergency in China establish feasible operational intervention levels by referring to the IAEA reports and taking into account the special conditions of nuclear facilities in China, in order to improve the capability of medical response to nuclear emergency.