ASN Report 2020

4. Manufacturers and distributors of radioactive sources and their oversight by ASN 4.1  The issues and implications The aim of ASN oversight of the suppliers of radioactive sources or devices containing them is to ensure the radiation protection of the future users. It is based on the technical examination of the devices and sources with respect to operating safety and radiation protection conditions during future utilisation and maintenance. It also allows the tracking of source transfers and the recovery and disposal of disused or end-of-life sources. Source suppliers also play a teaching role with respect to users. At present, only the suppliers of sealed radioactive sources or devices containing them, and of unsealed radioactive sources, are regulated in France (see point 2.3.1). ASN lists around 150 suppliers with safety-significant business, including 34 low and medium-energy cyclotrons which are currently licensed under the Public Health Code in France. 4.2  Cyclotrons Functioning As at 31 December 2020, 4 cyclotrons were “on standby” and 30 were in operation. Among these, 16 are used exclusively for the daily production of radiopharmaceuticals, 7 are used for research purposes and 7 for joint production and research purposes. GRAPH 12 Trends in the number of events reported to ASN in the research sector 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Number rated level 0 Number rated level 1 Number rated level 2 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2020 261 08 – SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL, VETERINARY AND RESEARCH APPLICATIONS 08 GRAPH 11 Distribution over the French territory, according to the ASN entity responsible for the licensing of institutions authorised to use unsealed radioactive sources in the research sector in 2020 Paris Bordeaux Marseille Lyon Nantes Strasbourg/ Châlons Lille Orléans DTS (*) Caen Dijon Number of authorisations * The Transport and Sources Department examines the research activities when they are linked to suppliers of ionising radiation sources. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 15 16 17 24 27 48 48 70 88 97 207