ASN states its position on the continued operation of reactor No. 1 of the Fessenheim nuclear power plant

In its opinion No. 2011-AV-0120 of 4 July 2011, ASN considers that subject to the forthcoming conclusions of the complementary safety assessments initiated following the Fukushima accident and in view of the result of the third periodic safety review of reactor No. 1 of the Fessenheim nuclear power plant, that reactor is capable of being operated for a period of ten more years after the third review, provided that the requirements in ASN resolution No. 2011-DC-0231 dated 4 July 2011 are complied with, particularly the following two main requirements...

ASN and AFSSAPS make recommendations for increase of requirements on radiotherapy medical devices

Two serious incidents in 2006 and 2007 led the French authorities to implement a series of measures to strengthen the security of the practice of external radiotherapy.

In line with these measures, ASN and AFSSAPS have committed a specific reflection on the relationship between the radiation protection requirements of the Directive 97/43/Euratom and IAEA recommendations to the essential requirements of Directive 93/42/EEC applicable to devices including external radiotherapy linear accelerators of electrons.

Press release on Interim Statement about the regulatory status of small amount of radioactive substances added to lamps

HERCA, the association of the Heads of European Radiological protection Competent Authorities, approves an interim Statement promoting a consistent European approach to the processes of national assessment and regulatory decisions on the use of lamps containing small amounts of radioactive substances. With this aim, the results of national assessments and regulatory decisions on this issue will be shared in Europe through HERCA. As consumer goods are introduced in open markets in Europe, HERCA recognises more generally the need for harmonization of the radiation safety regulation of goods containing small quantities of radioactive material.

Nuclear regulatory authorities decide on follow-up to the Fukushima Daiichi accident

The nuclear regulatory authorities of the G8, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) member countries and associated countries met today in Paris to discuss insights gained in relation to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident and to decide on appropriate follow-up actions at the international level.

ASN is very pleased with the agreement reached on European "stress test" specifications

On Wednesday, 25 May, the Chairman of ENSREG, Andrej Stritar, accompanied by EU Energy Commissioner Günter Oettinger, announced that an agreement had been reached between the Nuclear Safety Regulators of the 27 EU Member States and the Commission with regard to stress tests for European nuclear power plants. These audits can be officially launched as of 1 June 2011.

Fukushima: ASN asks operators to lift the environmental radioactivity monitoring adopted in France

To estimate radioactivity levels across French territory following releases from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, ASN asked operators[1] to demonstrate particular vigilance regarding the results of measurements made and to step up monitoring. Additional analyses were requested by ASN on 22 March 2011 relative to monitoring the air, entailing measuring the radioactivity levels of aerosols and gaseous iodines.

ASN asks EDF to carry out a full analysis of sensitivity and uncertainties relating to nuclear fuel management

Following its examination of the “Fuel Cycle” file, ASN has asked EDF, in a letter dated 9 May 2011, to produce a full analysis of sensitivity and uncertainties relating to nuclear fuel management within a year and to update this analysis every two years; ASN has also asked EDF to submit to it a new update of the “French Fuel Cycle” file in 2016. Further requests have also been made regarding technical aspects of management of and developments in new fuels, as well as storing spent fuel.

The French safety authority (ASN) issues specifications for “complementary safety evaluation” of French nuclear installations in the light of the accident of Fukushima

ASN believes that it is essential to learn from the accident which occurred at Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant, as it has been undertaken after the Three Mile Island and the Chernobyl accidents.

ASN organises Second International Seminar on Post Nuclear Accident Management: Advances by Codirpa

The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) is organising, with the support of the French Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPECST), an international seminar on post nuclear accidents, i.e., managing the consequences of a nuclear accident.

ASN inspects weld repairs on the reactor vessel head for the Flamanville EPR

In November 2010, AREVA NP detected defects in several nozzle penetration* welds during its regulatory manufacturing inspections of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor vessel head.

ASN continues to prepare specifications for the French audit and European stress tests at nuclear facilities

ASN believes that it is essential to learn from the recent accident in Japan, in the same way as after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents. The acquisition of in-depth feedback will involve a long process stretching over several years. Some lessons, however, can already be learned.

ASN oversees occupational health and safety inspection at French nuclear power plants. Update on ASN's inspection of the Flamanville 3 site

ASN oversees occupational health and safety inspection at French nuclear power plants [1]. It provides coordinated oversight of the health, safety, working conditions and quality of employment of EDF employees, as well as those of EDF service providers and subcontractors, just as it does for nuclear safety at facilities. This activity covers the construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants [2].

Preparation of specifications for the French audit and European stress tests

ASN believes that it is essential to learn from the recent accident in Japan, in the same way as after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents. The acquisition of in-depth feedback will involve a long process stretching over several years.

ASN issues its opinion on nuclear operators' cost assessments for decommissioning their basic nuclear installations and on their plans for securing the necessary funds

As requested by the Minister of Energy, ASN issued its opinion on the reports submitted by nuclear operators mid 2010, in accordance with Article 20 of Programme Act No. 2006-739 of 28 June 2006 on the sustainable management of radioactive materials and waste [1].

ASN presents its 2010 annual report to the French Parliamentary

ASN presented its report on nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2010 at a hearing of OPECST, the French Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technical Choices, on Wednesday 30 March 2011. The hearing provided an opportunity to pass on information to members of parliament and the press.