Background
In the framework of the TACIS 1992 Nuclear Safety programme, the Commission agreed with the Ukrainian authorities on technical assistance projects to be financed by the European Community in the field of nuclear safety. One such project was a contribution to a series of fire protection improvement measures being implemented by the operator of the Rovno Nuclear Power Plant.
Rovno NPP had identified a number of actions to be implemented with regard to the improvement of prevention of and protection against fire. These actions essentially corresponded to the recommendations formulated for VVER reactors in general. One of those actions was selected for financing through the TACIS Nuclear Safety programme.
Objective
The project concerned the repair and protection of the floors and cast in metal parts of the controlled zones of the reactor buildings of Units 1 and 2 of Rovno NPP and the radioactive waste storage building by the application of a fire resistant protective coating. The purpose of the floor coating was to provide mechanical protection, allow easy decontamination and to provide an aesthetic appearance in keeping with the requirements for a nuclear power plant. It had to have a low calorific value.
The scope of the contract included:

• the supply of the paint of the required technical characteristics sufficient for protecting a total surface area of over 12 000 square metres at a coating thickness of 2 mm;
• supply of the tools, accessories and consumables required for the application of the coating;
• supervision of the application work.

The preparation of the surfaces to be protected and the application of the coating were performed by Rovno NPP personnel.
Results
The contract was signed in August 1994. The coating material was delivered in 1995, but the the application works were subject to several delays beyond the control of the supplier. The protective coating material was finally applied during the last quarter of 1998. The final payment was made in January 1996.