News releases

All the news about nuclear safety and radiation protection

476 news

Published on 08/10/2018 at 10:55

4th periodic safety review of the 900 MWe reactors: analysis of EDF's planned measures

As part of the ongoing consultation concerning the 4th periodic safety review of the 900 MWe reactors, ASN gives its initial analysis of the response notice to the objectives transmitted by EDF. This notice details the inspections and modifications EDF plans to implement on its reactors to meet the safety review objectives.

Published on 25/07/2018 at 16:02

Welding of the main steam transfer pipes of the Flamanville EPR reactor

ASN has informed EDF of the conditions for resuming certain welding operations on the main steam transfer pipes of the Flamanville EPR reactor. The welding operations involved are restricted to those performed using the "TIG orbital" process[1] which enables high mechanical performance to be achieved.

Published on 13/06/2018 at 12:22

Protection of the public, patients and workers in the field of nuclear activities

On 05 June 2018, two decrees concerning the protection of workers against the risks arising from ionising radiation and one decree containing various nuclear provisions were published in the Official Gazette. In particular, these decrees transpose the Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. They more specifically modify the regulatory parts of the Labour, Public Health, Environment and Defence Codes, and thus supplement the regulatory oversight of certain nuclear activities

Published on 15/05/2018 at 17:30

Radiation protection recommendations for the transport of radioactive substances

The inspections carried out by ASN, the French nuclear safety authority, reveal that the risk of exposure to ionisation radiation is not sufficiently integrated in the preventive measures relating to the transport of radioactive substances. Yet some transport activities have significant radiation protection implications, particularly for the workers due to their close proximity to the packages. The annual dose for a driver transporting radiopharmaceuticals can thus reach 14 millisieverts per year (mSv/year)1, the maximum regulatory value being 20 mSv/year.

Published on 03/05/2018 at 16:30

EPR Reactor: Information Letter n°20

ASN continued its monitoring of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor construction site and the various manufactured items intended for it. The significant points for 2017 and early 2018 are detailed below; ASN was particularly vigilant with regard to start-up testing activities, which were ramped up during the course of the past year.

Published on 13/04/2018 at 09:21

ASN Report on the State of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection in France in 2017

On 12th April, ASN presented its report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2017 to the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPECST). This report was handed over to the Presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly, and to the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister. It is published today on www.asn.fr.

Published on 11/04/2018 at 16:30

Flamanville EPR reactor: ASN inspection on 10th April 2018

On 10th April 2018, ASN carried out an inspection on the Flamanville EPR reactor construction site to examine how the welds on the main secondary systems were checked following EDF’s discovery of welding flaws, which had not been detected during the manufacturing checks.

Published on 14/03/2018 at 11:10

Fessenheim NPP reactor 2

On 12th March 2018, ASN lifted its suspension of the pressure test certificate of steam generator N° 335, installed on Fessenheim NPP reactor 2.