The role of ASNR
The French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (Autorité de sûreté nucléaire et de radioprotection) is an independent administrative authority created by the French law of the 21th May 2024, on the organization of the governance of nuclear safety and radiation protection to meet the challenge of revitalizing the nuclear industry. On behalf of the State, ASNR provides regulation and oversight of civil nuclear activities in France, advises the authorities in radiological emergency situations and performs expert assessments, research, training, and public information missions.
Oversight
ASNR oversees civil nuclear activities in terms of material, organizational, and human resources. Its primary aim is to ensure that all nuclear operators fulfill their obligations in terms of nuclear safety and radiation protection. Oversight takes the form of resolutions, binding requirements, field inspections and, if necessary, enforcement measures or sanctions.
In addition to nuclear power plants, ASNR oversees a wide range of activities and facilities, including nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, transport and packages of radioactive substances, medical facilities, research laboratories, and industrial activities.
Its remit extends to the protection of ionizing radiation sources against malicious acts.
Review and Expert assessment
ASNR evaluates and adjudicates individual licence for nuclear facilities. It grants authorizations, with the exception of major authorizations such as the creation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities.
ASNR also issues the individual authorizations required under the French Public Health Code for “local” nuclear activities, and authorizations or approvals for the transport of radioactive substances.
ASNR assesses the safety of civil nuclear facilities at every stage of their life cycle, from design to decommissioning.
ASNR also evaluates the risks associated with the use of ionizing radiation for human health and the environment.
Regulating
ASNR contributes to drafting regulations by submitting its opinion to the Government on draft Decrees and ministerial Orders, and by issuing technical regulations. It ensures that regulations are clear, accessible, and proportionate to the safety issues.
Conducting Research
ASNR defines multi-disciplinary research programmes, conducted either internally or in partnership with other French or foreign research organisations.
The research conducted by ASNR has two main aims: to maintain and develop the knowledge and skills required for expert assessments in the various fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection, and to achieve progress in fundamental knowledge, in particular to understand the effects of ionizing radiation on health and the environment.
Monitoring, advising in radiological emergency situations
ASNR takes part in a permanent radiation protection, notably through radiological monitoring of the environment, management and use of dosimetric data concerning workers exposed to ionizing radiation, and analysis of patient dosimetric data.
In radiological emergency situations, ASNR assesses the nature and severity of the event, its evolution and possible developments, as well as the confirmed or potential radiological consequences of the situation.
It advises the Authorities on actions to protect the population.
ASNR verifies the appropriateness of measures taken by the operator to manage the incident and restore the facilities to safety.
It provides information to the institutions and media, and handles international notification.
Information and dialogue
ASNR informs the public about the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France, and contributes to improving transparency in France. It reports on its activities to the French Parliament.
ASNR enables any citizen to take part in its decision-making process for matters that have an impact on the environment, as well as in research. It supports the work of local information commissions set up at nuclear facilities.
The women and men at ASNR share their knowledge with society and promote dialogue with stakeholders.
Training
ASNR offers a wide range of training courses in nuclear safety and radiation protection for professionals who use ionizing radiation in their work. It helps maintain a high level of expertise in nuclear safety and radiation protection, and contributes to better prevention and protection against the dangers of ionizing radiation.
Development of a culture of radiation protection
ASNR contributes to the development of a culture of radiation protection among the general public, i.e. to share the knowledge needed to adopt appropriate behaviour and response to different situations of exposure to ionising radiation, whether they are daily, professional, medical or accidental.