A regional round-up of nuclear safety and radiation protection

ASN has 11 regional divisions through which it carries out its regulatory responsibilities nationwide and in the Overseas France and Territorial Communities.

The activities of the ASN regional divisions are carried out under the authority of the regional ASN representatives.

The ASN divisions carry out direct inspections on the basic nuclear installations (BNIs), on radioactive material transport and on small-scale nuclear activities and investigate most of the licensing applications submitted to ASN by the nuclear activity licensees within their regions.

In emergency situations, the divisions assist the préfet of the département, who is responsible for protection of the population, and carry out on-site monitoring of the operations to safely operate the installation. To ensure preparedness for these situations, they take part in preparing the emergency plans drafted by the préfets and in periodic exercises.

The ASN divisions contribute to the public information duty. They for example take part in the meetings of the local information committees (CLIs) and maintain regular relations with the local media, elected officials, associations, licensees and local administrations.

ASN assessment of nuclear safety and radiation protection at local level

This chapter sets out the nuclear safety and radiation protection situation observed locally by ASN's regional divisions. The BNIs and small-scale nuclear activities (medical, industrial and research) are presented in summary sheets. The following pages expand upon the local actions that are particularly representative of ASN's regional action.

This presentation stems from the same initiative as proposed in ASN's various information media – www.asn.fr, and the quarterly magazine Contrôle – its aim is to provide easier access to local information.