Quarterly assessment of radiotherapy events, classified as level 1 on the ASN-SFRO scale, reported to the ASN between October 1 and December 31, 2009

Between October 1 and December 31, 2009, 15 radiotherapy events were classified as level 1 on the ASN-SFRO scale[1]. These events, not expected to have any impact on patients’ health, are nonetheless analysed so as to determine the consequences thereof (particularly in terms of organisation) and to prevent them from recurring.

ASN joins consulting launched by WENRA on safety objectives for new nuclear reactors

The Western European Nuclear Regulators’ Association (WENRA)[1] has published a report on safety objectives for new nuclear power reactors built in Europe. This report has been made public so that interested stakeholders may comment.

The launch of the website of the French National Network of Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring (RNM)

Study and monitoring of radioactivity levels found in the environment are essential for evaluating the impact of radioactive substances on human health, the environment and economic resources (especially water and agriculture).

Information notice No.7: Progress in ASN inspections of construction activities

During the second half of 2009, ASN continued its inspection activities on the Flamanville 3 EPR construction site.

Developing nuclear safety: ASN’s independence, international cooperation and European integration

On the occasion of the New Year, the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), through its president, Mr André-Claude Lacoste, presented his best wishes to the press on 19 January.

The ASN gives an overview of the first international conference on the radiological protection of patients during radiotherapy

The ASN gives an overview of the first international conference on the radiological protection of patients during radiotherapy.

The Ministry of Health has approved the decision of the ASN to reduce the threshold for stable iodine intake in the event of a nuclear accident

On 18 August 2009, the nuclear safety authority adopted a decision reducing the intervention level for the taking of stable iodine (potassium iodide) in the event of a nuclear accident.

Management of waste containing enhanced natural radioactivity

By application of the decree of 16 April 2008, setting out the instructions relating to the national plan for the management of radioactive waste (PNGMDR), ASN produced a report on management solutions for waste containing enhanced natural radioactivity.

Quarterly report on Grade-1 radiotherapy events reported to the ASN, classified using the ASN-SFRO scale – third quarter of 2009

Between 1 July and 30 September 2009, 9 events were classified as Grade 1 on the ASN-SFRO scale. These events, not expected to have health consequences for patients, are nonetheless analysed for lessons learned (particularly in terms of organisation) and to ensure they do not reoccur.

Incident at EDF’s Tricastin nuclear power plant (Reactor No. 2)

Incident at EDF’s Tricastin nuclear power plant (Reactor No. 2)

ASN authorises limited resumption of dismantling operations at the ATPu facility (Cadarache CEA)

On 3 November 2009, the ASN authorised the CEA to resume activity on 22 gloveboxes at the plutonium technology facility (ATPu) of the 220 which are still to be dismantled on the site.

Joint Regulatory Position Statement on the EPR Pressurised Water Reactor

1. The UK nuclear safety regulator (HSE’s ND), the French nuclear regulator (ASN), and the Finnish nuclear regulator (STUK) are currently working to assess the EPR Pressurised Water Reactor...

Incident on the ATPu nuclear facility (Cadarache CEA site): the ASN rates incident as level 2, draws up a report and suspends all dismantling operations

The incident that occurred at the ATPu (Plutonium Technology facility), a nuclear facility located at the Cadarache CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) site, and declared by the CEA on 6 October 2009, was rated as level 2 on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) – a scale with 7 severity levels – by ASN (French Nuclear Safety Authority) on 12 October 2009. The CEA holds the ATPu’s licence and AREVA runs the facility.

Position statement by the college in relation to the production of radioisotopes for medical use: The risk of shortages of radioisotopes for medical use must not be allowed to compromise the safety of the reactors in which they are produced

Position statement by the college in relation to the production of radioisotopes for medical use: The risk of shortages of radioisotopes for medical use must not be allowed to compromise the safety of the reactors in which they are produced

Information notice No. 6: ASN remains vigilant and is pursuing its inspection programme at the Flamanville 3 EPR site

Newsletter No. 6: ASN remains vigilant and is pursuing its inspection programme at the Flamanville 3 EPR site