∙ The Innovative Reactors Delegation (MRI) is responsible for checking industrial or experimental prototype for new Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects which use a technology other than that of the PWRs. Oversight concerns the technical but also the organisational and human aspects of nuclear safety, radiation protection, environmental protection, safety-security interfaces and the management of emergency situations. ASN regional divisions For many years, ASN has benefited from a regional organisation built around its eleven regional divisions. These regional divisions operate under the authority of the regional representatives. The Director of the Dreal or of the Drieat in which the division in question is located, takes on this responsibility as regional representative. He/she is placed at the disposal of ASN to fulfil this role. This person is delegated with power of signature by the ASN Chairman for decisions at the local level. The regional divisions carry out most of the direct inspections on the BNIs, on radioactive substance transport operations and on small-scale nuclear activities, and review most of the authorisation applications filed with ASN by the nuclear activity managers within their regions. They are organised into two to four hubs, depending on the activities to be regulated in their territory. In emergency situations, the regional divisions assist the Prefect, who is in charge of protecting the general public, and, as applicable, the defence zone Prefect, and supervise the operations carried out to ensure the safety of the facility on the site. In order to prepare these situations, they take part in drawing up the emergency plans drafted by the Prefects and in periodic emergency exercises. The regional divisions contribute to ASN’s public information duty. They for example take part in the meetings of the Local Information Committees (CLIs) and maintain regular relations with the local media, elected officials, associations, licensees and local administrations. 2.3.3 Operation Human resources As at 31 December 2023, the ASN total headcount stood at 521 staff, divided among the head office departments (303 staff) and the regional divisions (218 staff). This workforce can be further broken down as follows: ∙ 466 tenured or contract staff members; ∙ 55 staff members seconded by public establishments (National Radioactive Waste Management Agency – Andra, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission – CEA, IRSN, Departmental Fire and Emergency Response Service - SDIS). ASN utilises a diversified hiring policy with the aim of ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of the qualified and complementary human resources needed to perform its duties. Skills management Alongside independence, transparency and rigorousness, competence is one of the core values at ASN. The tutor system, initial and continuing training, whether general, linked to nuclear techniques, the field of communication, or legal matters, as well as day-to-day practices, are essential aspects of the professionalism of ASN staff. Management of ASN personnel skills is built primarily around a qualifying technical training programme tailored to each staff member, based on professional training requirements that include minimum experience conditions. Pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 592-22 and L. 59223 of the Environment Code, which notably state that “[ASN] appoints the nuclear safety […] and radiation protection inspectors from among its staff” and Decree 2007-831 of 11 May 2007 setting out the procedures for appointing and qualifying nuclear safety inspectors, which states that “the nuclear safety inspectors and staff responsible for inspecting nuclear pressure equipment […] are chosen according to their professional experience and their legal and technical knowledge”, ASN has set up a formalised process leading to the qualification of a large number of its staff for performance of its inspections and, as applicable, judicial policing duties. ASN also carries out labour inspectorate duties in the NPPs, pursuant to Article R. 8111-11 of the Labour Code. For each of the inspectors concerned, the accreditation decision taken by ASN is based on the match between the skills acquired – both within and outside ASN – and those specified in the professional baseline requirements. As at 31 December 2023, ASN employed 317 nuclear safety or radiation protection inspectors holding at least one qualification, or nearly 61% of the 521 ASN staff. From left to right: R. Zmyslony, A. Baltzer, M. Rasson, M. Champion, G. Lafforgue-Marmet, E. Jambu, C. Périer and P. de Guibert (not on photo: A. Fontaine, N. Khater et M. Riquart) The Regional Division Heads 132 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2023 • 02 • The principles of nuclear safety and radiation protection and the regulation and oversight stakeholders
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