The role of ASNR

Research

ASNR defines multi-disciplinary research programs, either in-house or in partnership with other French or foreign research organizations.

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 advance fundamental knowledge, in particular to understand the effects of ionizing radiation on health and the environment.

Expertise

ASNR assesses the safety of civil nuclear facilities at every stage of their life cycle, from design to decommissioning.

ASNR also assesses the risks associated with the use of ionizing radiation for human health and the environment.

It contributes to constant monitoring with regard to 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.

Regulation

ASNR contributes to the establishment of regulations by giving the government its opinion on draft decrees and ministerial orders, and by making regulatory resolutions of a technical nature. It ensures that regulations are clear, accessible, and proportionate to the issues at stake.

ASNR examines all individual authorization applications 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.

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, requirements, field inspections and, where necessary, sanctions.

In addition to nuclear power plants, ASNR oversees a wide range of activities and facilities, including nuclear fuels, radioactive waste, packages of radioactive substances, medical facilities, research laboratories, and industrial activities.

Its remit extends to the protection of ionizing radiation sources against malicious acts.

In emergency situations

In a radiological emergency, ASNR assesses the nature and severity of the incident, its evolution and possible developments, as well as the actual or potential radiological consequences of the situation.

It is responsible for advising 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.

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.

Information and dialog

ASNR informs the public about the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France, and contributes to the implementation of transparency in France. It reports on its activities to the French Parliament.

ASNR enables all citizens to take part in the formulation of decisions having an impact on the environment. It supports the work of local information commissions set up at nuclear facilities.

The women  and men at ASNR are committed to sharing their knowledge with society and encouraging dialog with stakeholders.

Development of a culture of radiation protection among citizens

ASNR contributes to the development of a culture of radiation protection among the general public, i.e. the ability of citizens to adopt or implement appropriate behavior in the event of an accident.