The NRPB has responsibility in the UK for specifying emergency reference levels (intervention levels) of dose to be applied in protecting the public in the event of accidental releases. As a result of the experience gained from the Chernobyl accident, and the evidence about radiation risks provided by the latest Hiroshima and Nagasaki studies, NRPB wishes to review its recommendations on emergency reference levels of dose for the public, and also to provide guidance on the protection of workers in accident situations. The authors give suggestions for the form the new NRPB recommendations might take. The basic principles for planning actions to protect the public are discussed and dose levels for the introduction and withdrawal of countermeasures are proposed. Dose levels are given which it is suggested should not be exceeded by workers involved in dealing with an accident and corresponding dose levels for workers carrying out recovery operations. Any comments received will be taken into account when formal NRPB recommendations are prepared.