The Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety

The French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, set up in May 2001, under the statute of public authority of industrial and commercial nature, is the national public expert in nuclear and radiological risks. IRSN contributes to policy-making on nuclear safety and health and environmental protection against ionising radiation. As a research and expert appraisal organisation, IRSN works with all stakeholders and keeps an open mind.

In France, nuclear and radiological risk prevention is based on four complementary pillars:

1. Operators are responsible for safety of their facilities. They must demonstrate relevance of the technical and organisational means used (safety files and release impact studies).

2. The public authorities define nuclear safety and radiation protection policies.

3. IRSN assesses the files submitted by operators for the different competent authorities. It continually analyses plant operating experience feedback, assesses exposure of man and the environment to radiation and proposes measures to protect the population in the event of an accident. IRSN expert appraisal is based on research activities, most frequently designed in an international framework, providing it with the most effective means of investigation.

4. Local Information Committees group together the stakeholders in a given nuclear facility and are a leading body for access to information and monitoring of health and safety and environmental protection issues.

An expert in nuclear and radiological risk

It is under the joint authority of the Secretary of State for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Territorial Development, the Secretary of State for Economy, Industry and Employment, the Secretary of State for Further Education and Research, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Health, Youth, Sports and Non-profit making Associations.

Its budget is 68% financed by a subsidy from the Department for the Ecology. This is topped up by national, European and international public or private financing assigned to specific research or expert appraisal programmes. IRSN has almost 1,700 employees, including over a thousand experts and researchers.

Civilian and military nuclear activities

• Safety at nuclear facilities: there are around 200, including 58 EDF reactors in operation and 89 defence-related facilities, including the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier and 10 submarines. Every year, IRSN issues more than 1300 opinions referred on by the Nuclear Safety Authority, the Defence Safety Authority and the Security Authority. IRSN participates in most inspections carried out by the Authorities.

• Transport safety of radioactive and fissile matter (more than 1500 shipments per year).

• Safety of radioactive waste and material storage and disposal facilities governed by law 2006-739 of 28 June 2006 of the programme for sustainable management of radioactive materials and waste.

• Protection of workers: IRSN manages data on individual exposure of around 280,000 workers.

• Protection of the population and the environment against ionising radiation risks.

• Protection of sensitive nuclear materials against the risk of misappropriation for purposes of proliferation and protection of nuclear facilities and shipments against malicious acts.

• Tracking of radioactive sources: IRSN manages the database on radioactive sources whose use in the national territory is subject to authorisation.

• In the medical sector, IRSN assesses exposure of patients to ionising radiation from medical imaging and nuclear medicine activities. It provides support for the Nuclear Safety Authority concerning safety of radiotherapy activities and for the Department for Health regarding any treatment of patients involved in radiotherapy accidents.

• In the event of accident, IRSN deploys its means of expert appraisal, measurement (especially dosimetry) and response through its emergency response centre and mobile resources. This system establishes a real-time prognostic of the development of the affected facility and any radioactive release into the environment and maps it in the field. Exposure of any victims is assessed and IRSN provides specialised medical support for care units. National drills are organised on a regular basis.

Environmental Protection

Nuclear power generation contributes to limiting CO2 emissions. The safety and protection actions taken by IRSN are key to its sustainable development policies. IRSN is dedicated to limiting the impacts of its activities on natural resources through internal projects (eco-responsible purchasing, “high environment quality” buildings and waste management). IRSN is a full member of Committee 21 charged with implementing “Agenda 21” in France. Its aim is to be involved in better and more environment-friendly land-use management.

Nuclear transparency

Providing information is part of IRSN’s remit. Its website (www.irsn.org) provides a multitude of information for all types of readership. IRSN organises a travelling exhibition on the nuclear risk control. It contributes to training in this.

IRSN has signed an agreement with the federation of Local Information Committees (CLI), ANCLI, to render its expertise accessible to stakeholders and facilitate understanding of technical files, which are often complex. At the request of public authorities, IRSN organises groups of external experts in the event of controversy within society over discussion of radiological risks, where conventional procedures of communication do not work.

W: www.irsn.org