At the same time, human and material resources would be sent out to the scene of the accident as rapidly as possible (radioactivity measuring instruments, medical means, package recovery means, etc.). The fire service teams specialising in the radioactive risk (the Mobile Radiological Intervention Units – CMIR) would be called on, along with IRSN’s mobile units, or even those of certain nuclear licensees (such as the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission – CEA, or EDF), which could be requisitioned by the Prefect if needed, even if the shipment in question does not concern these licensees. As with other types of emergency, communication is an important factor in the event of a transport accident so that the population can be informed of the situation and be given instructions on what to do. In order to prepare the public authorities for the eventuality of an accident involving a shipment of radioactive substances, exercises are held to test the entire response organisation that would be put into place. ASN will continue in 2024 to support adequate preparedness by the public authorities for emergency situations involving a transport operation, in particular by promoting the performance of local emergency exercises and issuing recommendations on the steps to be taken in the event of an accident. Finally, ASN intends to update the guide on the performance of risk assessments required for transport installations or infrastructures (marshalling yards, ports, etc.) which could accommodate dangerous goods. The purpose of this guide is to ensure that the risks linked to radioactive substances are adequately assessed, to enable the licensees to define any relevant measures needed to reduce them, under the supervision of the Prefect. ASN recommendations in the event of a transport accident The response by the public authorities in the event of a transport accident comprises three phases: ∙ The emergency services reach the site and initiate “reflex” measures to limit the consequences of the accident and protect the population. The radioactive nature of the substances involved is discovered during this phase. ∙ The entity coordinating the emergency response confirms that the substances are indeed radioactive, alerts ASN and IRSN and gives more specific instructions to the responders, pending activation of the national Emergency Centres. ∙ Once the ASN and IRSN Emergency Centres are operational, a more detailed analysis of the situation is performed in order to advise the person in charge of the emergency operations. During the first two phases, the emergency services must manage the situation without the support of the national experts. In 2017, with the assistance of IRSN and the national Nuclear Risk Management Aid commission, ASN produced a document to help direct the actions of the emergency services. It contains general information about radioactivity, general recommendations for the emergency services so that their response can take account of the specific nature of radioactive substance transports, plus sheets organised per type of substance, providing more detailed information and advice for the emergency response coordinator during phase 2. 2.6 REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TRANSPORT OPERATIONS WITHIN THE PERIMETER OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES Dangerous goods transport operations can take place on the private roads of nuclear sites, in what are referred to as “on-site transport operations”. Such operations are not subject to the regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods, which only apply on public roads. However, these operations present the same risks and detrimental effects as dangerous goods transports on the public highway. The safety of these operations must thus be overseen with the same rigour as for any other risk or detrimental effect present within the perimeter of BNIs. This is why the on-site transport of dangerous goods is subject to the requirements of the Order of 7 February 2012 setting out the general rules applicable to BNIs. This Order requires that on-site transport operations be incorporated into the baseline safety requirements for BNIs. The Environment Code, supplemented by ASN resolution 2017‑DC-0616 of 30 November 2017, defines the on-site transport operations for which authorisation must be requested from ASN. In addition, ASN published Guide No. 34 providing the licensees with recommendations for implementing the regulatory requirements concerning on-site transport operations. 3 Roles and responsibilities in regulating the transport of radioactive substances 3.1 REGULATION OF NUCLEAR SAFETY AND RADIATION PROTECTION In France, ASN has been responsible for regulating the nuclear safety and the radiation protection of transports of radioactive substance for civil uses since 1997, while the Defence Nuclear Safety Authority (ASND) fulfils this role for transports relating to national defence. Within its field of competence, ASN is responsible, in terms of safety and radiation protection, for the regulation and oversight of all steps in the life of a package: design, manufacture, maintenance, shipment, actual carriage, receipt and so on. 3.2 PROTECTION AGAINST MALICIOUS ACTS The prevention of malicious acts consists in preventing sabotage, losses, disappearance, theft and misappropriation of nuclear materials (as defined in Article R*. 1411-11-19 of the Defence Code) that could be used to manufacture weapons. The Defence and Security High Official (HFDS), under the Minister responsible for energy, represents the Regulatory Authority responsible for preventing malicious acts targeting nuclear materials. 278 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2023 • 09 • Transport of radioactive substances
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