IRSN Annual Report 2008

2008 Annual Report Contents

Organization ...... 01 Studies on site environments ...... 58 Editorial by Agnès Buzyn, Chairperson, Transfer and behavior of radioactive substances in the environment ...... 60 Board of Directors ...... 02 Editorial by Jacques Repussard, Radiation protection in the workplace ...... 61 Director General ...... 04 Interview with Michel Brière, Challenge 4: Security of nuclear Deputy Director General in Charge of facilities and materials ...... 64 Defense-related Missions ...... 06 Protection and inspection of Activity in 2008: key figures ...... 07 nuclear and sensitive materials ...... 64

Panorama of 2008 ...... 08 International inspections in a non-proliferation context ...... 66 Major reports published in 2008 ...... 11 Protection against malicious acts ...... 67 IRSN in short ...... 12

IRSN missions ...... 13 Challenge 5: Emergency response ...... 70 Organization chart ...... 15 National policy ...... 70 Board of Directors ...... 16 Steering Committee for the Nuclear Consolidation of emergency response organization ...... 71 Defense Expertise Division ...... 18 Developing tools ...... 72 The Scientific Council ...... 19

Challenge 6: Effects of Chronic Exposure ... 74

Summary and Outlook...... 20 ENVIRHOM program ...... 74

Chronic risks ...... 76 Strategy ...... 22

Training ...... 29 Challenge 7: Protection in Lessons learned ...... 30 healthcare ...... 78

Radiopathology ...... 78

Activities ...... 32 Assessments in the medical field ...... 78

Challenge 1: Safety at existing facilities .... 34

Monitoring facilities and transport ...... 34 Ensuring Efficiency...... 80 Fuel safety ...... 41 Quality ...... 82 Fire protection ...... 43 Hygiene, safety, and Severe accidents ...... 44 environmental protection ...... 83 Naturally-occuring hazards ...... 47 Scientific and technical excellence ...... 84 About defense ...... 49 Human resources ...... 86

Communications ...... 88 Challenge 2: Conducting assessments on future facilities ...... 52 Glossary ...... 90 Reactors ...... 52

Geological repositories for radioactive waste ... 54

Challenge 3: Environmental and Financial Report at the end of the Annual population exposure ...... 56 Report Environmental exposure ...... 56 IRSN site details (on flap) 2008 Annual Report Editorial The Institute will assert its vital role as a world- class expert in nuclear assessment

In 2008 the Board of Directors was renewed. The board members were chosen to comply Our mission with requirements in our founding charter, resulting in a constructive balance between is based on a unique the ministries directly involved in IRSN’s and diversified quest mission (including the supervisory ministries), nuclear safety authorities, Institute for quality that staff representatives, advisory members, including international scientific experts, makes IRSN one and the President of the National Associa- of a kind. tion of Local Information Commissions. By choosing a physician to chair the IRSN Board, public authorities have signaled their intention to reinforce a nuclear culture based on safety in the medical environment, while clearly emphasizing that the essence of the Institute is to serve the public by protecting people from the (harmful) effects of ionizing radiation. The annual report gives IRSN personnel the opportunity to review the year’s accomplishments The year 2008 was a particularly busy one for the Institute, especially due to a few together and reflect on the image minor incidents that had no impact on public that we, as a community, project to health, but sparked widespread media cov- those outside our organization. erage, leaving their mark on our collective consciousness. This situation of living with a constantly perceived, and real, risk means we must be extremely vigilant.

To begin, we must be vigilant in our core activity: in the various emergency situations that occurred in the summer of 2008, the Institute demonstrated its ability to act reliably as the legitimate national expert,

2 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 explanation and instruction. accessible, but also comprehensible, through only not information making implies also citizens.Transparency as us for forward step tremendous a risks represents This involved. the assess to able are people that so protection radiation and safety nuclear on provide the public with sufficient information muststakeholders nuclear various the that the public eye. in create we image the of aware staying communicate,we how in well as Vigilant will require from our staff members. this in the efforts mind keeping while ments, depart relevant the in resources sessment balance between scientific facilities and as few years, as we aim to preserve a coherent assets, an issue to be confronted in the next building and land our reorganize to how on together reflect to need also We ranks. our encouragingalso knowledge-sharing within more attractive the sources, especially mind universities, in but keeping our members, renew staff and skills in-house our refresh constantly to endeavortherefore must We cipline,aspressure builds onourpersonnel. its expert mission with uncompromising dis- conducting safety, on based culture nuclear a promote to continue must parties IRSN of involved, diversification ensuing the scene and international and national the both on sector nuclear the for interest renewed of era an In staff. its of professionalism the and organization internal efficient through The Transparency Act states states Act The Transparency - -

of making it known to all of our partners. the Institute, and the annual report is one way outside and inside both supported be must quality that makes IRSN for one of a kind. quest This pursuit diversified and unique a on based is mission our conclusion, In Institute prepares its future strategy plans. as will mittee be the taken into consideration The conclusions of this multidiscipline com radiation protection. and safety nuclear in research of prospects long-term the on reflection this in part take our research strategy and invites society to Research Policy Committee, aims to explain Protection Radiation and Safety Nuclear the ministries, supervisory structure our by initiated governance new the parallel, In relations.public in transparency and ness tive step in the right direction towards open- stakeholders and represents a very construc- the various between and dialogue discussion contributetoalso shouldyear this enacted Society to Openness for Charter The report. now appearing as Internet links in the annual and appropriate for widespread publication, precise,complete, very are which reports, this educational objective, such as its analysis serve to instruments several on call can tute major role to play. a have weinstitution, service public a As from theeffectsofionizingradiation. people protecting by public the serve to is The essence of the Institute’s mission mission Institute’s the of essence The In this respect, the Insti - - Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION Board of Directors Chairperson zyn Agnès Bu and everyeach member of IRSN personnel. unites that commitment the environment, and the as a people to society whole, protect for essential goal, our to target continue will the public service mission of the Institute. It affect could that decisions any in vigilant be will Directors of Board The transparent. and proactive be impartial, rigorous, to responsive, strives that organization an tection, pro radiation and safety nuclear in expert Institute’sthe image viewpoints, is first and foremost to affirm of high media visibility open to contrasting context a in future, the for challenge Our as a vital world-class world-class vital a as

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ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation Editorial IRSN’s sole ambition is to advance the cause of nuclear safety

The relative confidence that the French people have in the safety of their nuclear We contribute power plants is not to be taken for granted, as revealed by the latest IRSN annual public to developing nuclear opinion barometer, based on a survey safety expertise in an conducted in December 2008. In France, a growing portion of the population (33% increasing number of compared to 20% in previous polls) question countries. the degree of safety in nuclear facilities, and a majority (53% vs 40% previously) suspect the presence of environmental and health risks in the areas surrounding nuclear sites. Should this be interpreted as the result of the minor incidents, given vast media coverage, that affected several nuclear facilities a few months earlier? Or the tribute to be paid to greater transparency, which leads commentators to constantly fire away at nuclear industry representatives and authorities, generating concern among those who, until now, showed no interest in these issues?

Whatever the case, the survey shows a growing demand for transparency, which is even considered essential if nuclear energy is to be accepted on a long-term basis. Along a different line, the public continues to hold a high opinion of scientific experts, and hopes to see an increasing number of cross-discipline structures. This would give experts from various horizons the opportunity to confront their positions clearly, helping to ensure the independence of opinions expressed on

The expression "nuclear safety" is understood here in safety and radiation protection and, in the the general sense defined in the 2006 legislation: safety of final outcome, affirming the validity of deci- facilities, safeguards against malicious acts, protection from risks related to ionizing radiation. sions made by public authorities.

4 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 situation, while ensuring transparency. spond quickly and efficiently to an accident re to ability the and monitoring radiation nationwide on efforts its passed focusing 2006, in legislation nuclear of context the pability to assist public authorities, IRSN is reinforcing its technical support ca- date this approach. RoundEnvironment Table, the consoli will along the same principles as participants to Policy Committee, whose members will Research be chosen Protection Radiation and Safety Nuclear the Directors, of Board IRSN the advise to Created China. even perhaps and India, tomorrow Russia,Japan, Union, European the of members States, United the as such countries stakeholders other and France in industry nuclear major and institutions,researchuniversities, with ate taking while advantage come, of opportunities to to cooper years the in safety nuclear questions major The Institute’s research programs focus on recognition. serve society as a whole, gaining ever-wider to mission essential safety,an nuclear on expert public national the as obligations action its tailored diation Ra- for Institute the context, the Given and the solution! is both the problem This transparency means Protection and Nuclear Safety has whose answers will shape shape will answers whose to successfully fulfil its its fulfil successfully to within - - - company government policy ac- to on called is activities,Institute the With the international expansion of nuclear by an increasing number of visitors. consulted is publications of list lengthening the where sites, of by its Internet the success and keeping the public informed, as witnessed professionals training to contributes also It tion committees. informa local with workingby particularly protection,radiation and safety nuclear in specialized network expert much-needed cross-discipline a of emergence the to ute scientific targeted projects, collaborative in participating By opinions of others. the for respect knowledge, of and transmission conservation judgment, independent rigor, scientific Institute: the values by incarnated the to allegiance its and resources, depends on both the quality of its technical nuclear safety, whose efficiency as a group serving to committed women and men Toofcommunity a conclude,also is IRSN izing good practice. diological risk, a starting point for standard raand nuclearorganizations in specialized expert between cooperation worldwide of Agency, and by encouraging the emergence Nuclear International French the through of countries number in a growing know-how safety nuclear of development the to ing nuclear safety. women of servingcause the A community menof and it aims to contrib- to aims it by contribut - - - - Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION Jacques Repussard to discover. you invite I which Report, Annual 2008 the in appears what safety.is nuclear This of IRSN’s sole ambition is to advance the cause Director General

ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation Editorial Interview with the Deputy Director General in charge of defense-related missions

To support public authorities in the specific • As concerns protection of nuclear materials, areas of defense and security covered by the facilities and transport against malicious acts French Code of Defense, the Institute is over- or terrorism, the year was marked by the seen by the ministries in charge of the corre- transfer of responsibility for national control sponding law enforcement agencies (defense, from the Ministry of Industry to the Ministry industry, energy). The Institute’s founding of Energy, with a significant extension of ac- charter also stipulates certain specific provi- tivity for senior defense and security officials. sions, namely, that there must be a deputy In addition, the decision taken in 2008 to director general responsible for this mission reinforce national regulations on radioactive and a nuclear defense expertise division in sources in order to tighten security will also charge of the corresponding activities within entail new tasks for the Institute. the Institute. • With regard to enforcement of non-proliferation treaties in France, the role of the Insti- Activities involving the study and analysis of tute’s experts is to accompany international safety and security files, along with facility inspection teams to ensure compliance with and transport inspections, are conducted in the terms of these agreements. In 2008 the compliance with defense confidentiality re- number of inspections led by the Organiza- quirements, with priority given to employing tion for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons IRSN’s expertise in nuclear and ra- the Institute’s best scientific and technical rose significantly, while Euratom and the diological risk applies to all areas resources to serve public authorities. IAEA kept up their substantial inspection ef- of nuclear activity, including those forts. IRSN also pursued the development of involved in national defense, and all information system applications to facilitate types of risk, such as malicious acts In 2008, nuclear defense and security as- and secure data exchanges between French sessments, conducted on a national and industry, the Institute, and international con- and terrorism. sometimes international scale, mobilized the trol organizations. equivalent of 130 people, representing nearly 8% of the Institute’s activity, described in this report in Challenge 1 (Nuclear Safety, About Public authorities who called on the Institute’s Defense) and Challenge 4 (Security and Non- technical support services in 2008 in the fields proliferation). of defense and security expressed their satisfaction. Our main objective is to help them • For defense-related nuclear facilities and fulfil their mission. activities, safety assessments ordered by the Nuclear Defense Expertise Division (DEND) included the nuclear ballistic missile submarine Le Terrible under construction, the aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle, coming to the end of its maintenance period, and a large number of facilities being built or Michel Brière transformed by CEA, Areva or the French Deputy Director General in charge Navy. of defense-related missions

6 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 13.36% 67.17% the nationalsecurity authority activities) defense-related (excluding the to ASN to research the defense safety authority The budgetbreakdown 439 97 709 Tec 211 46% RESEARCH Activity attheInstitute public radiologic nuclear IRSN: exper h submitted to to submitted opinions technical nic submitted to to submitted opinions technical opinionssubmitted technical scientificpublications a ofIRSN’s budget isdevoted uthorities and a t in l suppor al risk 8.6% 86.64% 14.66% t 2.41% 7.16% for key figures Activity in2008: expenditure and investment Operating (aside from Budget Act) French funds Areva Investment Operating expenses Others CEA EDF State institutions) (including 77 assigned other toor the ASN contracts asofDecember31, 2008 organizations assessment and research with signed agreements 1,701 Human resources 82 36 180 International internationalprojects inprogress countries bilateral agreements agreements bilateral employees onpermanent 1.25% 30.13% involved in these these in involved 13.62% 16.62% a ctivy 1.85% 14.06% 80.28% 42.19% Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION of training delivered Slovakia) agency APP, co-owned with Vuez, protection software the with placed 6 bases (including oneco-owned withCEA) 15 21 Intellecu 195 4,301 Tr a ining ser F patents filed (24 co-owned with CEA and and CEA with co-owned (24 filed Foreign funds Funding rench patents inforce Others NRC Riskaudit European Commission Foreign funding (aside from Budget Act) funds French Other Budget Act 212grant Budget Act 189grant software applicationsanddata man-days in force abroad al proper v ices

ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation Panorama of February 5 February 26 Label awarded by the On-line publication of PACA region’s Territorial the complete results 2008 Risk and Vulnerability of IRSN assessments Management Cluster for conducted on radiosurgery the Copernic joint accidents at the university platform on fire research, hospital in Toulouse. led by IRSN. This platform The two reports published by allows companies to call on IRSN’s the Institute shed light on the competence and test facilities causes and medical consequences in areas involving fire hazards. of these accidents, which involved 145 patients. Over twenty IRSN experts and researchers worked for several months on this particularly complex assessment. February 6 IRSN participated in the first meeting held by the executive committee of the SNETP in Brussels. The Institute’s Director General represented all the nuclear January 15 technical safety organizations (TSOs) in the European Union who Development of scien- are participating in this research tific cooperation between platform, established to ensure IRSN and India’s Bhabha that the various partners involved develop converging and efficient Atomic Research Centre research strategies. (Barc). After training several Barc engineers on the implementation of computer codes used in safety assessments, the Institute recently signed a licence agreement February 19 March 11 Kick-off of the ASAMPSA2 with the Indian agency for the use IRSN signed a joint project to conduct agreement with seven other of Cathare, a thermal-hydraulic code used to assess accident situations. probabilistic safety scientific institutions with assessments (PSA) on complementary skills and reactors, directed by IRSN. knowledge in industrial th As part of Europe’s 7 Research risk control. The purpose of and Development Framework the agreement is to organize February 5 Program (FP7), the project involves research and technology transfer IRSN’s Director General optimizing Level 2 PSA methods activity within the national spoke before the Advisory applied to reactors. industrial risk cluster created by Committee on Reactor the State in 1998, located Safeguards (ACRS) in in Bourges, France. Washington on the Institute’s long-term research perspectives in nuclear safety. February 22 IRSN’s Director General appointed as president March 18 of the ETSON network A day of talks between for one year. Created by IRSN the CNRS and IRSN on and its German and Belgian the collaborative scientific counterparts, GRS and Bel V, work they conduct in the ETSON network of nuclear the field of nuclear safety. technical safety organizations This event, a follow-up to the new aims to develop more close-knit joint laboratory on micromechanics relationships in research and and structural integrity (MIST), assessment between European co-founded by the two research TSOs. institutes and the University of Montpellier 2, is part of a strategy to develop scientific partnerships between IRSN, universities and basic research organizations.

8 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 June 12 July 1 April 11 IRSN and the CNRS IRSN designated as the created Trasse, a national national benchmark IRSN and GRS signed a contract with the Bulgarian research group focussing laboratory for measuring safety authority for a safety assessment of the future on safety in nuclear waste radionuclides in foodstuffs. reactor in Belene. IRSN, in partnership with the German TSO GRS repositories. The inauguration The Directorate General ion O rg a ni zat and their joint affiliate Riskaudit, will provide the Bulgarian safety author- of the national research group on Food Safety (DGAL) from TRASSE, which focuses on the French Ministry of Agriculture ity with their expertise in assessing the preliminary safety report on this the transfer of radionuclides to and Fishing, has assigned this reactor. soil, subsoil and ecosystems, marks new mission to IRSN based a reinforcement of cooperation on the Institute’s experience between IRSN and the CNRS. in radioactivity metrology.

June 16 The plenary meeting of Geosaf, the international project team working on geological repository safety demonstration, was held at IRSN headquarters. Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a nd O u t look the project’s objectives are twofold: to report on progress achieved in development of radioactive waste geological S umm a ry repositories; and to take measures to standardize safety demonstrations among various July 8 repository projects. A special report was published on the IRSN website concerning April 24 May 14 the incident involving A framework IRSN inaugurated CHIP, environmental release cooperation agreement on a new facility designed to of a uranium-containing nuclear safety and radiation quantify and characterize solution at the Socatri plant protection was signed radioactive iodine release in in Bollène in southern France. between IRSN and its the event of core meltdown This initial communication was Belgian counterpart Bel V. in a nuclear reactor. quickly followed up by interactive The purpose is to respond to The CHIP experimental program maps of the area surrounding growing demand for assessments (based on reactor coolant system the Socatri plant published on in these areas, brought about by iodine chemistry), which uses the Internet, giving the public a new test facility located in C T I V IES

development prospects in Europe A Cadarache in southern France, easy access to environment and throughout the world in civil aims to broaden the Institute’s measurement results. nuclear energy. assessment capabilities in accident prevention and emergency response management with regard to environmental release of radioactive iodine. May 9 From August 25 to 29 Creation of AFNI, the French International Economic prospecting mission to China. In efforts to de Nuclear Agency. To assist velop IRSN’s commercial activities on an international scale, this mission countries who wish to acquire presented the Institute’s skills to industry representatives in China, where nuclear power plants, France has the demand is high for technical knowledge in safety. Similar initiatives created an international nuclear began in 2008 in various countries that have shown an interest in IRSN’s agency, AFNI, to coordinate action taken by French public skills and experience. organizations within these countries. With nuclear safety and radiation protection as the core issues in this initiative, IRSN has been designated as a member of the Agency’s executive committee and will provide considerable support to countries seeking to E nsuring efficiency develop nuclear energy facilities. Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ORGANIZATION 9 November 3 From October 6 to 17 General assembly of ETSON Seminar organized in Beijing on the EPR plant. (European Technical Safety Organized in partnership with ASN, the French nuclear safety authority, the Organization Network) in Paris. Two new members joined seminar focused on the main regulatory and technical aspects impor- Etson at the 2008 Eurosafe tant for safety on this type of reactor. The event was held in response to Forum, VTT from Finland and a request from China’s safety authority, illustrating IRSN’s commitment UJV from the Czech Republic, a to fulfilling its institutional and international mission.T o help new nuclear concrete illustration of the trend countries in developing their assessment capability in safety and radiation toward closer cooperation in Europe on safety issues. September 3 protection, IRSN has become a participant in the steering committees of The French Council of the French international nuclear agency, Afni. In collaborative work con- Ministers has nominated Agnès Buzyn as ducted with the other European technical safety organizations, the Insti- Chairperson to the IRSN tute leads activities coordinated through the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Board of Directors. Technology Platform (SNETP). November 3 and 4 Agnès Buzyn is a physician IRSN organized the and professor of hematology at 10th edition of the the Necker Children’s Hospital Eurosafe Forum in in Paris. Paris, in partnership with GRS from Germany and Bel V from Belgium. Over 400 experts came together for discussions on the theme Role September 23 of Technical Safety Organizations IRSN presented to in an International Context of the HCTISN a report and Growing Demand for Safety proposals on water quality Assessments. in areas surrounding French nuclear facilities. Exposed before the High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Safety November 17 (HCTISN), the report had been Partnership agreement prepared at the request October 9 October 31 signed between IRSN and of this committee following The Charter for Openness A protocol between the Paris Fire Brigade. the July 7, 2008 incident involving to Society was signed by IRSN and the CMVOA Cooperation between the environmental release of the directors of the Afsset, (operational watch center contracting parties targets joint uranium-containing effluent by Ineris, and IRSN. This charter to alert the French initiatives in research, information the Socatri plant in Bollène demonstrates to the public that government of major and training. in southern France. these institutions are determined events) was signed, defining to give society easier access to IRSN’s contribution to the assessment process. keeping the Ministry for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Town and Country Planning informed in the event of a December 9 The Institute published radiological emergency. a report exposing IRSN’s The agreement specifies October 23 viewpoint on safety and what information must be Agreement signed between radiation protection issues exchanged between the Institute the State and IRSN to enact relative to French nuclear and the CMVOA, as well as legislative and regulatory power plants in 2007. communication procedures to be texts on the protection IRSN conducts a continuous followed. and control of nuclear safety assessment on the materials. existing EDF NPP fleet, keeping The transfer of activities covered the distance necessary to glean by the agreement from the pertinent information. Ministry of Industry to the The report published in 2008 Ministry of Energy led IRSN to helps both stakeholders and sign a new agreement with the the general public ascertain the latter, for one year, under the issues at hand in nuclear facility same terms of law. A complete management, covering progress review is scheduled in 2009. achieved and remaining shortfalls.

10 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 exposure toionizingradiation). 2007 IRSN report on occupational (Worker radiationprotection: rayonnements ionisants professionnelles aux 2007 desexpositions travailleurs :bilanIRSN La radioprotectiondes medicine: 2004-2006report). levels inradiologyandnuclear on updateddiagnosticreference bilan 2004-2006(Dataanalysis et enmédecinenucléaire: diagnostiques enradiologie des niveauxderéférence relatives àlamisejour Analyse desdonnées facilities: acriticalreview). and youngadultsaroundnuclear studies ofleukemiainchildren revue critique l’enfant etlejeuneadulte: installations nucléaireschez des leucémiesautour Études épidémiologiques assessment, riskanalysis) – dosimetricandclinical Toulouse universityhospital radiosurgery accidentatthe analyse derisque(Stereotaxic dosimétrique etclinique, de Toulouse –Évaluation hospitalier universitaire stéréotaxique auCentre L’accident deradio-chirurgie protection Human radiation www.irsn.org www.irsn.org www.irsn.org www.irsn.org Published inDecember2008 PublishedinMay 2008 PublishedinMarch 2008 PublishedinFebruary 2008 radiologic nuclear IRSN: exper and t in al risk (Epidemiological monitoring network). Polynesia: resultsfromtheIRSN radioactivity monitoringinFrench de l’IRSN(2007 report on du réseau de surveillance française en2007:résultats la radioactivitéenPolynésie Bilan delasurveillance monitoring networks). summary ofresultsfromtheIRSN of theenvironmentinFrance: report ontheradiologicalstate surveillance del’IRSN (2007 résultats desréseauxde en 2007:synthèsedes de l’environnementfrançais Bilan de l’état radiologique Nuclear Safety. Transparency and Information on the FrenchHighCommitteefor storage sites). Report prepared for and former radioactive waste courses near nuclear facilities detected in groundwater and water monitoring and radioactivity report on environmental déchets radioactifs(Status entreposages anciens de des sitesnucléaireset des coursd’eauautour nappes phréatiques et bilan du marquage des environnementale et État de la surveillance monitoring Environmental published in2008 Major reports www.irsn.org www.irsn.org www.irsn.org Published inNovember 2008 Published inNovember 2008 Published inSeptember2008 environment). investigations inamining knowledge andresultsofinitial minier (Radon:overviewof en environnement des premièresinvestigations connaissances etrésultats Le radon,synthèsedes applications: 1999-2007report). radioactive materialsforcivil (Transport incidentsinvolving usage civil:bilan1999-2007 de matièresradioactivesà Incidents detransport N vigilance). Laurent-des-Eaux servingcitizen Dampierre-en-Burly andSaint- Information Committeesof between IRSNandtheLocal environment –Apartnership radioactivity intheLoirebasin citoyenne au service de la vigilance et de Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux les ClideDampierre-en-Burly n partenariatentrel’IRSNet du bassin de la Loire – dans l’environnement Surveillance de la radioactivité www.irsn.org www.irsn.org www.irsn.org Published inDecember2008 Published inDecember2008 Published inOctober2008 uclear safety (Monitoring Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION

training) (2007 reportonresearch la recherche:bilan2007 Formation àetpar and training S power plantsin2007). issues relativetoFrenchnuclear safety andradiationprotection en 2007(IRSN’s viewpointon électronucléaire français la radioprotectionduparc de l’IRSNsurlasûretéet Le pointdevue argillaceous formations) processes inindurated understanding oftransport (Contribution oftracerstothe argileuses indurées au seindeformations processus detransport la compréhensiondes Apport destraceursà scientific report) et technique(Technical and Rapport scientifique cientific excellence www.irsn.org www.irsn.org http://net-science.irsn.org www.irsn.org Published inDecember2008 PublishedinJune 2008 Published inOctober2008 Published inJune 2008

ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation IRSN: expert in nuclear and radiological risk IRSN in short

Founding the Institute Lines of development in the IRSN IRSN was set up under Article 5 of French Act No. 2001-398 of May 9, Contract of Objectives for 2006-2009 2001, enacted through Order No. 2002-254 of February 22, 2002. This • Rethink the research dynamic. Order was amended on April 7, 2007 following the adoption on June • Optimize technical support provided to public authorities. 13, 2006 of the Transparency and Nuclear Safety Act. • Provide other social and economic stakeholders with the information, expertise and studies they require. • Drive activity on the European and international scene. Status IRSN is a public authority with industrial and commercial activities, placed under the joint authority of the Ministry for Ecology, Energy, Workforce and locations Sustainable Development and Town and Country Planning, the Ministry (as of December 31, 2008) for the Economy, Industry and Employment, the Ministry for Higher IRSN employs around 1,700 people, including many specialists, engi- Education and Research, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry for neers, researchers, physicians, agricultural engineers, veterinary surgeons Health and Sports. and technicians, as well as experts in nuclear safety, radiation protection and control of sensitive nuclear materials.

Directors • Agnès Buzyn, Board of Directors Chairperson • Jacques Repussard, Director General • Michel Brière, Deputy Director General in charge of North Region: 1,266 employees defense-related missions • Jean-Luc Pasquier, Deputy Director • Jean-François Lacronique, Advisor • Daniel Quéniart, Advisor Cherbourg - Octeville Le Vésinet Fontenay-aux-Roses Purpose Saclay Orsay IRSN is the nation’s public service expert in nuclear and radiation risks, providing assessments and conducting research to meet the needs of public authorities.

2008 Budget* Revenue: €255 million. Expenditure: €281 million, including €35 million for equipment investment. Agen Pierrelatte Tournemire Les Angles - Avignon Cadarache SPECIALIZATIONS La Seyne-sur-Mer • Monitoring environmental radiation and participating in radiological emergency response situations. • Human radiation protection. Mahina (Tahiti) • Prevention of major accidents in nuclear facilities. • Reactor safety. • Safety in plants, laboratories, transport, and waste treatment. • Nuclear defense expertise. South Region: 317 employees

* See Financial Report for further details.

12 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 the Internet, exhibitions and conferences. IRSN informs the public of nuclear and radiation risks via publications, Contributing topublicinformation sources.radioactive ionizing of to inventory national exposed the manages also workers IRSN for radiation. data dosimetric processing and protection by radiation, monitoring environmental as well as managing IRSN contributes to round-the-clock health surveillance in radiation Continuous monitoring inthefieldof radiation protection sector and workers exposed to occupational hazards. courses it organizes are directed at professionals working in training the health protection radiation security. The nuclear and safety nuclear IRSN contributes assessments, to training and and teaching research in in the fields ofspecialized radiation protection, establishment an As Contribution totraining inradiation andteaching protection research institutes. or international context, mayits entrust them to in other French or foreign assessments expert for specializations. It either necessary carries out the skills programs itself the or, in a developing European and maintaining at programs aimed research conducts and defines IRSN research programs international and national implementing and Defining Research radiologic nuclear IRSN: exper and t in al risk and publicser T missions for theInstitutecovering radiation protection, nuclear safety, andnuclear security. Amended Order No. 2002-254ofFebruary 22, 2002relative toIRSN, putforward seven missions IRSN hese are organized intothethree sectors described below. vice missions for exper for applications. medical and industrial of safety and protection physical the and enforcement of treaties on control of nuclear and sensitive materials, substances,radioactive of transportsector, defense or civilian the in operating facilities nuclear covers activity IRSN’s of scope The Technical withregard support tonuclear andradiological risks Technic sensitive facilities outside the nuclear sector. third-party assessment services for provides industries also operating and environmentally community, international the and Europe, France, in organizationsprivate and public for assessments conducts IRSN measurements for publicorprivate organizations Conducting assessments, research, analyses and CONSUL workers and the environment, while restoring safety at facilities. public health and medical measures to be taken to protect the population, radiation, ionizing IRSN of provides sources guidance to involving public authoritiesaccident or on the incident technical, an of event the In emergency Operational intheevent support ofacrisis orradiation and measurements assistance TANCY Ser al t

and operational suppor a ssessmen Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION t o public vices contra t s, rese s, a uthorities a rc cted h

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Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Board of Directors (April 2009) Patricia de la Morlais Human Resources

Michel Brière Deputy Director General in charge of defense-related missions

Jérôme Joly Nuclear Defense Expertise

Didier Champion Environment and Response

Michel Schwarz Jean- Claude Micaelli Thierry Charles Science Prevention of Safety of Plants, Laboratories, Major Accidents Transport and Waste Daniel Quéniart Jean- Bernard Chérié Martial Jorel Advisor General Secretary Reactor Safety Michel Bouvet Jacques Repussard Jean- Luc Pasquier Strategy, Development and External Director General Deputy Director Relations

Marie-Pierre Bigot Patrick Gourmelon Bruno Dufer Communications Radiation Protection and Human Health Security and Assets

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Organization chart ealth Advisors L Jean-François Director Deputy Jean-Luc missions defense-related of charge in General Director Deputy B Michel General Director ssard Repu Jacques > > > > Jean-Bernard * Position held by Dominique G Dominique by held * Position Albar Catherine Office Accounting > > > > Du Bruno Assets and Security > > > Marie- Communications > > > > S Michel Science > > > > > > Bo Michel E and Strategy, Development Information technology systems technology Information support legal and relations Commercial affairs Financial resources Human Sustainable development Sustainable protection environmental and safety Hygiene, logistics and Buildings sites and assets of Security relations public and Programs relations media and Information communications In-house resources information Scientific engineering knowledge technical and Scientific activities scientific and Assessment security and safety nuclear protection, radiation in training and Teaching innovation and forecasting watch, Technology development International relations International society to Openness programs Research programs assessment Expert P ierre B ierre ri c GENERAL MANAGEMENT GENERAL Pasqu fe hwarz GENERAL SECRETARIAT GENERAL FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS FUNCTIONAL è uv r re ,

ri Ché e Director and “IRSN Security Officer” Security “IRSN and Director , igot t Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION acroni , i er Director e , t Director* , , , é , Accounting Officer Accounting up until December 2008. December until up obin Director ,

General Secretary General que , Daniel Qué , Daniel xternal Relations xternal niart ,

ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation Governance Board of Directors

Missions Members (as of December 31, 2008) Deliberations by the Board of Directors rule on IRSN activities. More specifically, the Board > 10 government representatives deliberates on general conditions governing organization and operation, the Institute’s Jocelyne Boudot Deputy Director of Environmental and Food Risk Prevention programs and strategy, and the annual report. at the French Directorate General for Health, representing It also approves the budget, decisions involving the Minister for Health changes, year-end financial statements and Régine Bréhier Director of Research and Innovation, representing the minister income appropriation. in charge of the environment

Claire Buéno Head of the Energy, Profit-sharing, Industry and Innovation Main accomplishments Office at the Budget Directorate, representing the minister in charge of the budget • Board of Directors renewed Jean-Denis Combrexelle Director of Labor Relations, representing the minister in charge • Creation of the Nuclear Safety and of employment Radiation Protection Research Policy Committee Dominique Goutte Director of the Department of Chemistry, Engineering • Creation of the Ethics Commission Sciences, Nuclear and High-energy Physics, Energy, and Sustainable Development, representing the minister in charge • Set-up of a profit-sharing system of research • Employee mobility plan adopted between CEA and IRSN Jean Hamiot Inspector General of Armaments, representing the Minister of Defense

Marcel Representative in charge of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Jurien de la Gravière Protection for Defense-related Activities and Facilities

Pascal Mathieu Head of the Major Risks Office at the Directorate for Defense and Civil Security, representing the minister in charge of civil security

Stéphane Noël Head of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Mission

Cyrille Vincent Deputy Director for the nuclear industry, Directorate General for Energy and Climate, representing the minister in charge of industry

16 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Chairperson Board ofDirectors Agnès Buzyn Jacques Repussard Laurent Michel André-Claude Lacoste Brière Michel Philippe Bourachot Catherine et Albar Bernard Abat e > Exofficioorassociatemembers Yves LeReste, Hervé Boll, NicolasBrisson, > Eightstaff representatives Gires Jean-Michel Jean-Claude Delalonde Jean-Marc C Claude Birra Serge Aub ert zyn Agnès Bu members> Sixadvisory words In the of avedon ux Christophe Serres, Carinetr S Research PolicyCommitteeiscentral tothisstrategy". credible, andcompetitiveaspossible, throughpartnershipswithmajorresearchinstitutions.IRSN’s new research work,anabsolutelyessential partoftheInstitute’s activities,mustbemadeas comprehensible, comparable towhathasbeenaccomplishedinthenuclearpower industry. Second,Ibelievethat where IRSNneedstodrivethecountry’s efforttointroduce anewsafetycultureinthemedicalsector, The newchairpersonexplainedherprioritiesfortheInstitute:"Thefirstinvolvesradiotherapy, its teams." accident orterroristattack.Iwasimpressedbythediversityofskills employedatIRSNandthequalityof exercise thatsetouttodefineproceduresfortreatingirradiated victims inascenarioinvolvingsevere towards humanradiationprotection.IalsohadtheopportunitytoworkwithInstituteduring an Minister forHealthtoproposemycandidatureaninstitutesuch asIRSN,whoseactivitiesallconverge "The factthatIworkonpathologiessuchasleukemiaandmedullar aplasiawasprobablywhatledthe September 3,2008,replacingJean-FrançoisLacronique. Buzyn, aged45,wasappointedChairpersonoftheIRSNBoardDirectors on Specialized inhematologypathologies,practicingattheNeckerChildren’s Hospital,Agnès Director General of IRSN Commissioner Government and Prevention Risk of General Director Chairman of the French Nuclear Safety Authority missions IRSN Deputy Director General in charge of defense-related Works Committee Secretary IRSN Accounting Officer Auditor General the Total group, nominated by the Minister for Industry Director of Sustainable Development and the Environment for Commissions, nominated by the Minister for Ecology Chairman of the National Association of Local Information by the Minister for Research nominated Switzerland, in Institute Scherrer Paul the at Safety Director of the Division for Research in Nuclear Energy and Scientific and Technological Options of Evaluation the for Office Parliamentary the of President Defense Air Force Brigadier-General, nominated by the Minister of hematology, nominated by the Minister for Health of professor and Board, ofDirectorsphysician Chairperson

Françoisp, Ducam Thierry F leur up-Perrot y, François Jeffro y, Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION 5 24 3 meetings peryear -year mandate members

ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation Governance Steering Committee for the Nuclear Defense Expertise Division (CODEND)

Missions Members (as of December 31, 2008) The committee examines the activity program prepared by the Nuclear Defense Expertise Emmanuel Sartorius Chairman of CODEND, Senior Defense and Security Official Division (DEND) before it is submitted to the at the Ministry for the Economy, Industry and Employment Institute’s Board of Directors. It is consulted Jean-François Bacherot Air Force Brigadier-General, nuclear weapons inspector when the Board of Directors is called upon to make decisions relating specifically to the Philippe Coindreau Captain in the French Navy, representing the administrative Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense organization or operation of this division, and advises the Board of Directors on matters Rosine Couchoud Representing the Director of Strategic Affairs, related to division activities. Security and Disarmament at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Main accomplishments Jean-Baptiste Fleutot Chief Medical Officer of the French Armed Forces, renewal of mandate as advisory member in progress • Review of defense and safety aspects of the following: Marcel Representative in charge of Nuclear Safety and Radiation - the DEND 2007 Activity Report and Jurien de la Gravière Protection for Defense-related Activities and Facilities IRSN 2007 Annual Report; Georges Mouton Rear-Admiral, representative of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff - Medium- and Long-term Plan; - DEND Activity Program for 2009. Serge Poulard Renewal of mandate as advisory member in progress • Definition of policy on renewal of Patrick Renvoise Engineer General for Armaments, representing the DGA, framework agreements dealing with the French defense procurement agency nuclear defense assessments. Emmanuel Rousselot Representing the Budget Director

4 meetings per year

10 members

18 ORGANIZATION _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 • are available athttp://net-science.irsn.org reports Opinions and the associated assessment • Main accomplishments commitment. IRSN an involves that operation or issue any tute’sauthority.on sought be mayadvice Its Insti- the under comes that subject any on ministers supervisory the by or chairperson Board’s the by consulted be may It strategy. der to prepare recommendations on Institute or in resultsprogram examines programs.It The Scientific Council givesan opinion on IRSN Missions

materials” inmid-2008. started Assessment on “Aging ofreactor presented: Two assessmentscompletedand - - - Go 12 2 reactor accidents. simulating in tests global of role the treatment of irradiation victims; and radiopathology in research vernance

meetings peryear members Council The Scientific - Members Michel Q Michel George Te Victor Bernard Sevestr André Pin Moustacchi Ethel-sther Philippe Leconte Pierre L Pierre C Dietrich Jean-Claude André sc he aroc Yadigarogl ndorff atilina A u v e intard a e

rb u he he

c (as ofDecember31,2008) k

u Technology, nominated by the Minister for Industry of Institute Federal Swiss the at Engineering Nuclear of Professor the Minister for Ecology Reaktorsicherheit GmbH (GRS, Germany), nominated by und für Anlagen- Gesellschaft at Department of Head activities at CEA Saclay, nominated by the Minister of Defense nuclear of Director Deputy for Armaments, General Engineer the Minister for Industry Professor at the Paris of School Mine Engineering, nominated by nominated by the Minister for Ecology Scientific Director for the Atomic Energy High Commissioner, research program, nominated by the Minister for Research Physicist, former Director of CEA’s radioactive waste management Department, nominated by the Minister of Defense the Medical Division of the Armed Forces’ Radiation Protection Chief Medical Officer of the French Armed Forces and Head of the Minister for Labor the French Commission on Occupational Disease, nominated by Physician specialized in occupational pathology and member of by the Minister for Health nominated Division, Research Institute Curie the in CNRS Research Director, Radiation Protection Manager Chemistry (Ensic) in Nancy, nominated by the Minister for Labor CNRS Research Director at the National of School Industrial for Research Toulouse Institute of Fluid Mechanics, nominated by the Minister the at Director Research Scientific ,Council Chairman CNRS Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ORGANIZATION

ensuring efficiency ACTIVITies Summary and outlook OrganiZation [VISION]

[COHESION]

[SHARING]

20 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Strategy 22

Training 29

Lessons learned 30

Summary and Outlook

A reference in France “and around the world”

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ Summary and outlook 21 STRATEGY Contributing to a nuclear culture based on radiation protection, safety and security

In 2008, in a changing national and international context, IRSN played an active role in the development of a nuclear culture based on radiation protection, safety and security in all sectors involving the use of radioactive or nuclear materials and equipment emitting ionizing radiation. As stakeholders in the nuclear sector encounter changing needs, IRSN defines its objectives and priorities accordingly. It has established a long-term vision to guide research efforts and plan investment, and is ready to intervene quickly and efficiently when called on by public authorities to provide support services. IRSN considers nuclear safety and radiological protection to be the concern of all citizens. Consequently, it strives to make the most of its experience, research, and assessment resources, in Europe and internationally.

Analyzing the changing To implement its strategy, IRSN keeps close IRSN developed a safety approach for the needs of nuclear ties with stakeholders who could benefit from medical sector, and for radiotherapy in partic- stakeholders its expertise. In 2008, the Institute continued ular. The approach builds on lessons learned In keeping with conclusions of the French working in cooperation with ASN, the French from these accidents, while taking tried and Environment Round Table, IRSN aims to make nuclear safety authority, towards developing proven concepts and analysis methods from the wealth of its knowledge and experience, a coordinated approach to managing various the field of nuclear power generation and gained through research and assessment priority areas, including construction of the EPR adapting them to this sector. work, available to all nuclear stakeholders. plant in Flamanville (Manche); maintaining a This strategy addresses two issues: strength- high level of safety in EDF nuclear power plants, In this way IRSN demonstrates its deter- ening the consultancy capability of the In- given aging facilities and changes in industrial mination to advance safety and radiation stitute by consolidating experience resulting practice; and developing regulations to enforce protection in all relevant sectors of activ- from work in various fields of application, the Transparency and Nuclear Safety Act. ity, particularly with regards to the various and providing information so that decisions French health agencies coordinated by the can be taken based on facts and complete, Following the occurrence of radiotherapy Ministry for Health within the Health Agency reliable analyses. accidents in various French hospitals, in 2008 Networking Committee.

In 2008, two new advisory committees dedicated to radiation protection were formed to work with ASN: the Medical Advisory Committee for medical matters and the Radiation Advisory Committee for more general issues. Their work agenda covers technical or general questions, such as radon, involving protection of both workers and the public, and management of the post-accident phase of nuclear accidents or In the words of emergency radiological situations.It also covers interventional radiology, reference levels for radiology diagnostics and nuclear medicine, good practice and alternative Jean-François Lecomte, solutions in gammagraphy, as well as lessons learned from incidents. These two new Alain Rannou advisory committees are tasked with contributing to the definition of national policy Senior experts in radiation protection on radiation protection and preparing regulatory changes. They will also contribute at IRSN to information transparency in this area, since the recommendations of the advisory committees will be published.

22 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 ion O rg a niZ at

Renovating the Cabri experimental reactor.

Developing a long-term ing scientific partnerships with universities vision to guide research and basic research institutions to achieve New governance at and plan investment more rapid results in nuclear safety research. IRSN based on the Given the complexity of nuclear safety and For example, by working with the CNRS in search for efficiency protection against ionizing radiation, it is nec- mid-2007 to found the MIST, a laboratory

essary to anticipate the changing needs of for research on micromechanics and struc- a nd ou t look different stakeholders, and keep a clear vision tural integrity, rewarding results on nuclear > The Nuclear Safety and of the long-term actions each of them must fuel behavior at microstructural levels were Radiation Protection Research take. Based on the four pillars(1) of the Contract obtained as early as 2008. Policy Committee created in 2008 ry S umm a ry of Objectives signed with the government • Protection against ionizing radiation: con- > International Development for the period 2006-2009, IRSN has outlined tinuation of a study in 2008 on the health Division established a Medium- and Long-term Plan of action to and environmental effects of chronic con- achieve its goals. These actions take into ac- tamination at low doses of radioactivity, in > First draft of the Medium- and count changes planned by EDF in its nuclear the ongoing European Alpha-Risk research Long-term Plan prepared fuel management programs (characterized by program on the risks of chronic multiple ex- > Inter-Institute Charter on higher fuel burnup rates in reactors); facility posure, an important contribution to the Eu- Openness to Society published aging and its impact on nuclear power plant ropean Commission High Level Expert Group, safety; and the protection of humans and a European and international group tasked the environment against ionizing radiation. ultimately with giving a major boost to stud- In defining its medium- and long-term strat- ies on the health effects of low doses. egy, IRSN has been led to affirm its research priorities in the following areas: • Nuclear safety: continuation of reactor (1) Rethinking the research dynamic; optimizing technical

safety programs in the context of ongoing support to public authorities; responding to the needs of C T I V Ties changes in EDF nuclear fuel management. other economic and social organizations with regards to A information, assessment and studies; playing a key role In this respect, IRSN is committed to form- on the European and international scene.

Inauguration of MIST, a laboratory dedicated to micromechanics and structural integrity. ensuring efficiency

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ Summary and outlook 23 STRATEGY

Ready to provide fast and efficient assessment IRSN medium- and long-term action-planning builds on experience gained from participation in incident or accident response situations, leading to improvements in its organization, action, and response capabilities in cases such as these. In this respect, the release of uranium-containing effluents into the environment at the Socatri plant in July 2008 was a rich learning experience for IRSN, also demonstrating the Institute’s ability to react quickly. Socatri, a branch of the Areva group located in Bollène (Vaucluse), specializes in nuclear equipment maintenance, decontamination and dismantling, as well as effluent and waste management.

This know-how, today recognized as a reference, led organizations such as the French Directorate General on Food Safety, from the Ministry of Agriculture, to designate IRSN as IRSN, benchmark laboratory for measuring radioactivity in food. a benchmark laboratory in measuring radioactivity in food in 2008.

Nuclear safety and For many years, the various French health agencies have radiation protection held a weekly health security meeting at the Ministry of concerns everyone Health to exchange views on current affairs involving Since its foundation, IRSN has pursued its health security and action to be taken, including policy of sharing the knowledge and lessons emergency situations. learned from its assessment work with a grow- At the beginning of 2008, in addition to these In the ing number of nuclear professionals as well as words of operational-oriented meetings, Roselyne Bachelot- associations and the public at large. This desire Narquin decided to hold strategic meetings designed for transparency and openness, one of the pil- Didier to reinforce cohesion within the national health security Houssin system, with the ministry as its focal point, and enhance lars of the Contract of Objectives, is reinforced Director General by the Transparency and Nuclear Safety Act. of Health, transparency of its action. Ministry of Health Since March 2008, the Health Agency Networking IRSN considers that the development of "citi- and Sports Committee has met every two months to discuss zen vigilance" is an essential contribution to medium-term, cross-agency issues such as research, the correct use of radioactive materials, a assessment, standardization of referrals, European necessary complement to its techical skills partnerships etc. and independent judgement. With regards to ionizing radiation, it is essential to bring together specialists in hospital management, medical In the same spirit, in 2008 IRSN published a device vigilance(1) , and radiation protection. report on the safety of French nuclear power IRSN’s role in this process is vital, since the use of plants and a summary report on epidemio- ionizing radiation extends throughout several sectors such as radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. logical studies around nuclear sites. In agree-

(1) The purpose of medical device vigilance is to keep a watch on incidents or the risk of incidents that may result from the use of commercially available medical devices. This vigilance system was set up at the same time of funds for as new rules governing marketing of medical devices adopted by Member 8.3% research programs States of the European Union. (www.materiovigilance.org) come from externally-generated revenue (11% in 2007)

24 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 ion O rg a niZ at Joint expert groups: the Areva viewpoint

Areva has learned how to lead a joint expert group to success through its participation in the North-Cotentin Radioecology Group and the joint expert group on remediation of former mining sites. The first condition is to formulate each issue plainly and simply, clarifying any vague expression of opposition. Next, the joint expert group must team up with a public exchange forum, such as a local information a nd ou t look committee, to open dialogue with IRSN is a member of the joint expert group for the remediation of former mining sites. the population.

Finally, functions must be attributed S umm a ry to the various participants in ment with the ASN, it also decided to publish tions resulting from a collaborative assess- the joint expert group. summaries of reports presented to advisory ment of technical documentation provided committees working for this authority, who by Areva NC, relative to monitoring remedi- In this respect, IRSN has in turn published the opinions and follow-up ated mining sites in the Haute-Vienne area. contributed to progress made by letters of these committees. In October the Areva by driving the group and Institute circulated an Inter-Institute Charter This set of measures also draws on studies acting as the operator’s third- on Openness to Society, co-signed by Afsset such as the Barometer of Public Risk Perception, party consultant in conducting and Ineris. or the study jointly conducted with Ineris on environmental assessments. contaminated soil management and public Beyond publishing information, IRSN is com- relations. IRSN is also preparing to imple- Areva considers it has reaped mitted to exploring new ways of acquiring, ment proposals made by Georges Mercadal, benefits in two ways from its sharing and consolidating knowledge. In the tasked by the French National Commission participation in the joint expert context of the environmental pilot project on Public Debate, at the Institute’s request, group on mines: first, achieving clarity in its own views through

conducted in the Loire region, for example, to consider initiatives that IRSN could take C T I V Ties the Institute, along with local information to reinforce transparency and social open- the "mirror effect" of dialogue, A committees, developed an easily accessible ness in its work. which obliges participants to state things clearly; and second, and intelligible presentation concerning en- attaining legitimacy by issuing vironmental radioactivity monitoring data. The degree of maturity attained by IRSN in recommendations in the name of In the past year IRSN has thus doubled the this regard was witnessed by the French High the joint expert group, removing number of initiatives taken with local informa- Committee for Transparency and Informa- the suspicion that usually weighs tion committees. This participatory approach tion on Nuclear Safety (HCTISN), and by the on the operator alone. can also be seen in the European COWAM in Commission for Information on the Major Practice nuclear waste governance project, de- Energy Facilities at Tricastin (Cigeet), at the signed to improve decision-making processes time of the July 2008 incident at the Socatri on future repositories, including concerns in plant in Bollène. the geographical areas involved. Still in 2008, 47% of the budget the Institute contributed to the preparation is devoted to technical support and public of a second interim report by the joint expert service programs (45.5% in 2007) group in the Limousin area. This group brings together institutions, associations, independ- 85 people per year ent consultants, industry and foreign experts, assigned to international programs tasked with bringing to the attention of public (95 in 2007) authorities the opinions and recommenda- ensuring efficiency

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ Summary and outlook 25 STRATEGY

IRSN is increasingly committed to promoting radiation protection.

Making IRSN research and protection, to standardize technical practices Promoting nuclear safety assessment count in Europe in these fields, to create as much research syn- and radiation protection and internationally ergy as possible and to support partners who IRSN has continued to work alongside the "A nuclear safety problem anywhere is a prob- call on the knowledge it has gained through IAEA, especially through the Consultant Meet- lem everywhere" says Ashok Thadani, former research and assessment. This campaign took ing chaired by the Institute’s Director General, director of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commis- place in 2008 in a global context where new designed to continue the work begun in April sion’s Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, nuclear power projects were starting up and 2007 during a conference organized by the at the 2002 Eurosafe Forum, underlining various countries, for the first time, began Agency in France, in conjunction with IRSN. the inevitable interdependence of nations in considering the nuclear power alternative for The objective is to reach a clearer definition of matters of nuclear safety. IRSN, which fully generating electricity. the scientific and technical support function in subscribes to this point of view, is engaged the area of nuclear safety, thereby consolidat- in a growing drive towards both bilateral and ing the purpose and missions of institutions multilateral international cooperation. The that, like IRSN, are responsible for providing Institute is therefore promoting a culture of this type of assistance to safety authorities. nuclear safety and security, including radiation At the same time, the Institute contributed

Over a year ago, UJV, a Czech technical safety organisation, began discussions with IRSN, Bel V and GRS on the possiblity of joining ETSON. These talks led to the signing of an agreement on November 3, 2008 during the Eurosafe Forum. For UJV, becoming a member of ETSON offers several advantages, starting with the visibility acquired by becoming a member of the TSO network and the consideration we receive from regulatory authorities. This makes it easier to exchange In the information regarding our respective programs, or projects conducted by our regulatory authorities words of and questions of method. As concerns the necessary independence of inspections and assessments Aleš John carried out by TSOs, being a member of ETSON means UJV can call on its counterparts to conduct Chairman of assessments on its behalf and vice versa, since our institutions cover a large range of activities. the Board of the Nuclear Research Institute Rež PLC

26 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 ion O rg a niZ at

To bring its research and regulatory work to a successful conclusion, the US NRC has signed bilateral agreements with various countries, the most far-reaching being the convention signed with IRSN. The agreement covers several areas, such as severe accidents, fission product release, the behavior of nuclear fuel in an accident situation, fire (through the Prisme program), as well as other fields covered by IRSN research. Our cooperation takes the form of bilateral meetings such as the one held for two In the days in Washington last September, where an IRSN delegation came to meet our regulatory research words of teams to provide them with information and answer their questions. NRC, in turn, has sent several Brian Sheron staff members to France to participate in experiments conducted in IRSN research facilities. Director of This type of collaborative work helps us achieve a better understanding of risks, gives us greater the Office of confidence in the reliability of our assessments and helps us explain to the public the risks associated Nuclear Regulatory Research at the US with nuclear power. Nuclear Regulatory Commission a nd ou t look to several other IAEA projects, including the European Commission (during revision of the On this occasion, the European ETSON net- new Basic Safety Standards (BSS), guidelines European directives on radiation protection), work of technical safety organisations (TSO), designed to replace those in force since 1996, after the latest ICPR publication 103. chaired by IRSN in 2008, was joined by two ry S umm a ry as well as work conducted with the IAEA Com- new members, VTT of Finland and UJV of the mission on Safety Standards (CSS). It was Czech Republic. As newcomers join with the also involved in a twofold way in the changes Contributing to founders (IRSN, its German counterpart GRS made to international principles of radiation standardizing technical and the Belgian Bel V), Europe demonstrates protection. First, it played an active role in nuclear safety practices more tight-knit cooperation aimed at stand- updating work conducted by the International From November 3 to 4, 2008, IRSN organ- ardizing technical nuclear safety practices. Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) ized the Eurosafe Forum in Paris, bringing and by the OCDE’s Nuclear Energy Agency together 400 experts on nuclear safety and This objective was illustrated by the active (NEA). It also collaborated with the United radiation protection from several countries, role played by IRSN, within the ETSON net- Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects around the topic The role of TSOs in the con- work, in preparing safety guidelines that of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), with the text of increasing demand for safety expertise. focused on human factors and organizational issues, analysis of incidents and their warning signs, severe accidents, and others. C T I V Ties A

115 occasions for IRSN to participate in international expert groups (112 in 2007)

21 E uropean projects in progress (18 in 2007)

782 visits from foreign scientists (495 in 2007)

Debate among experts from the nuclear community and representatives of civil society at the 2008 Eurosafe Forum. ensuring efficiency

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ Summary and outlook 27 STRATEGY

The Berlaymont Building, headquarters of the European Commission. Making IRSN’s competence count internationally.

Achieving synergy ticularly in areas involving severe reactor ac- for Nuclear Safety Cooperation, a European in research cidents (Sarnet 2 Project), behavior of gases program open to non-European countries IRSN is very involved in collaborative research in radioactive waste geological repositories, such as Jordan and Egypt, offering them ac- projects supported by the European Commis- and radiation protection. cess to the same type of assistance provided sion. At the executive committee meeting through the Phare and Tacis programs; of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technol- • actions conducted in a bilateral context ogy Platform (SNETP) on February 6, 2008 in Transferring precious included talks with the United States (NRC) Brussels, the Institute represented the nuclear expertise in research on revising safety criteria for nuclear fuel, technical safety organizations that belong to and assessment as well as EPR seminars organized for China this research organization. Its purpose is to In 2008 IRSN promoted its skills and experi- and Ukraine. maintain European excellence in the field of ence in the economic value chain by develop- nuclear fission, by preparing, implementing ing institutional partnerships and consultancy Other bilateral agreements are also in ef- and financing coherent and effective research services: fect, for example with the Republic of South strategies for the various partners. • in the context of the French International Africa for the Safari research reactor in Koe- Nuclear Agency (AFNI), where IRSN received berg, and for a research facility designed In 2008 IRSN replied to several requests for delegations from several North African coun- to study radioactive waste disposal. Finally, proposals issued by the European Commis- tries, the Middle East and Asia; radiation protection consultancy services sion with regards to the 7th Research and • through Riskaudit – a joint venture created have been provided to Mongolia, Jordan, Na- Development Framework Program. IRSN is with GRS, the Institute’s German counter- mibia and Angola for their mining operations. involved in five of the 18 projects accepted part, providing consultancy services in nu- by the Commission. clear safety and environmental protection to the European Union, as well as national and The efforts of the Institute and its partners international organizations (safety authori- have seen a satisfactory success rate, parties, etc) – it contributed to the Instrument

28 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 TRAINING Growth in France and abroad ion O rg a niZ at

Radiation protection training for health professionals and those who may be professionally exposed is one of the roles assigned to IRSN by its founding charter. Beyond this, training in the fields of safety and radiation protection responds to specific needs expressed by certain professional disciplines, both nuclear and non-nuclear, consistent with the Institute’s approach to sharing knowledge with society. In total, around 2,000 people took IRSN training courses in 2008.

There is a strong demand for nuclear safety Training in radiation engineers today in France due to growth in protection: an expanding IRSN, national test a nd ou t look the number of nuclear power plants and the activity center for the Camari needs expressed by French export indus- In training for health professionals, which certificate tries. IRSN is therefore committed to coop- represents half of the people trained by IRSN ry S umm a ry erating with institutes of higher education, in patient radiation protection, the year 2008 particularly the French National Institute ended with an increase of more than 50% In 2008, in its role as consultant to for Nuclear Science and Technology, either compared to 2007. public authorities, IRSN became by contracting out experts to give classes IRSN also observed a strong increase in de- the national test center responsible on demand, or participating in educational mand for introductory training of radiation for awarding the Camari aptitude projects. Given that demand is comparable protection specialists, as well as a drop in certificate for operating industrial in most other countries operating nuclear demand for refresher courses (mandatory radiology equipment. power plants, IRSN has made international every five years). training a priority. In parallel, the Institute has sought to develop It has organized one test session per training in other fields than patient radiation month since July: protection, particularly in industry, research > five written test sesions and four Developing international and services, and has implemented its first oral test sessions organized up to training in nuclear safety training course on regulations pertaining to the end of December 2008; IRSN is engaged simultaneously in various radioactive material transport. > an average of 20 candidates

programs. In response to a specific request C T I V Ties from the European Community, it is trans- present at the last written exam A forming an in-house safety training program sessions; entitled Safety Principles, Practices and Topics > the oral examination panel to develop, in partnership with its German consists of three people, one IRSN counterpart GRS, a three-month training staff member and two people from course in nuclear safety that will combine the outside IRSN ; experience of both partners in this area. The > 30 IRSN staff members may Institute is also pursuing other international be called on to serve as panel training initiatives, such as one on severe ac- members; cidents, in the context of the Sarnet network of excellence, or another on radiation protec- > the failure rate on written exams tion for a manufacturer in Morocco. is 40% to 60%. 2,170 hours of teaching outsourced to IRSN staff (1,927 in 2007) This figure prompted IRSN to alert public authorities regarding the insufficient level of knowledge of hours of teaching hours of teaching 1,015 1,676 test candidates. given in 20 sessions on nuclear safety in 139 radiation protection training courses (728 in 2007) (1,435 in 2007) ensuring efficiency

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ Summary and outlook 29 Lessons learned Incident at the Socatri plant in Bollène: putting IRSN rapid-response capability to the test

As a result of a dysfunction in the Socatri plant in Bollène (Vaucluse), environmental release of uranium-containing effluent led to a large-scale mobilization of Institute teams from July to September 2008. Management of this emergency situation also offered valuable lessons that enhanced IRSN responsiveness to post-accident situations, as Didier Champion, Director of the Environment and Response Division, explains.

What happened at the Socatri Plant on the night from July 7 to 8, 2008? Socatri, a subsidiary of Areva, specializes in cleaning components contaminated by uranium and reprocessing certain waste materials from Andra. On the night of July 7 to 8, there was an incident at its Bollène plant involving environmental release of a solution containing uranium.

How did IRSN intervene in this situation? The following day, as well as on subsequent days, IRSN teams were on the spot taking water samples in the vicinity for analysis purposes. Monitoring results very rapidly established evidence of groundwater contamination by uranium pre-dating the incident and therefore not attributable to it. The presence of Water samples for analysis. this uranium had already been highlighted by IRSN in a report submitted a few days before the incident to the Commission for Informa- How did the Institute manage These bans paralyzed local tion on the Major Energy Facilities at Tricastin. this emergency situation? agriculture… Given the numerous inquiries resulting from We first sought to evaluate the consequences This determined our second priority: to al- this incident, the Minister for Ecology, Energy, of the release through regular sampling and low authorities to assess risks resulting from Sustainable Development and Town and Coun- measurement campaigns – in addition to different types of water usage, and authorize try Planning, Jean-Louis Borloo, referred this those conducted by the operator – covering a return to normal water usage in the Tricas- case to the High Committee for Transparency water, sediment and varieties of flora and and Information on Nuclear Safety (HCTISN), fauna in the groundwater and the vegetable chaired by Henri Revol. The High Committee foodstuffs found in irrigated plots. While these sought the support of the Institute which, measurements were being taken, the local 20 recommendations on September 23, delivered a report on the State authority in the Vaucluse area banned were made by IRSN to local and national radioecological state of the environment at pumping and consumption of water. authorities in the context of this incident nuclear sites and in the groundwater.

30 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 tin area, particularly for agricultural activity, the HCTISN to issue a report demonstrating ion O rg a niZ at which had been affected by the usage restric- that the situation around these sites had been tions imposed by the local authority. On the correctly identified and that the contamina- basis of measurement results and assessment tion observed in the environment was low findings from IRSN, the restrictions on water and decaying. use for drinking, fishing, bathing and irriga- tion were completely lifted on July 22, with Moreover, IRSN very rapidly made available the exception of certain individually-owned to the public, via its website, a special file wells where persistent contamination of the containing informative materials allowing groundwater was noted. visitors to easily access measurement results through interactive maps, as well as assessments given by the Institute. What role did IRSN play in keeping the www.irsn.org public informed? Throughout the summer, members of the Institute were mobilized, along with the High Did the Socatri incident test IRSN’s

Committee for Transparency and Informa- response-readiness in emergency a nd ou t look tion on Nuclear Safety, to answer questions situations? from journalists and individuals, particularly The incident brought us face-to-face with an those living in the area, as well as the Cigeet. unexpected situation and led us to provide ry S umm a ry The Director General of IRSN took part in a assessment capacity and information to the press conference conducted by the Minister many parties who called on our support. In Jean-Louis Borloo, who gave a review of the this respect, it has been a valuable learn- situation and announced the government’s ing experience in terms of developing the intention to cast as much light as possible Institute’s ability to manage post-accident on groundwater conditions around French situations. Interactive map of test measurments nuclear sites. This government initiative led www.irsn.org

Event timeline On July 7, 2008, when uranium-containing effluent was accidentally released to the environment at the Socatri plant in Bollène, I summoned the HCTISN > In the night from July 7 to 8, for an emergency meeting held on July 16, in which C T I V Ties 2008: release incident at the A we heard testimony from the operator, ASN and IRSN. Socatri plant. In the The following week the Minister Jean-Louis Borloo words of instructed the High Committee to produce a report > July 8: beginning of IRSN on radioecological monitoring of water in areas sampling around the plant. Henri Revol surrounding nuclear facilities and the management President of former radioactive waste storage sites. Not being > July 11: IRSN published an of the High Committee for an expert itself, the HCTISN turned to IRSN for advice, interactive map presenting Transparency and asking it to provide measurement and monitoring results measurement results on its web Information on for basic nuclear installation sites and waste repositories; site. Nuclear Safety to report on the state of environmental monitoring at (HCTISN) these sites and any water courses revealing radiation > July 22: water restrictions lifted, contamination; and finally, requested that IRSN conduct except for certain individually a public information campaign. I wish to commend owned wells. both the strong turnout of IRSN teams at the height of > September 23: IRSN delivered the summer holiday period, and the thoroughness and a report to the HCTISN on the accuracy of the assessment submitted to the Committee radioecological state of the on September 23, 2008. I also commend the efforts made environment at nuclear sites and by the Institute to keep the public fully informed. in groundwater. ensuring efficiency

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ Summary and outlook 31 [EXPERTISE]

[RESPONSIVENESS]

[FORESIGHT]

32 ActivitIEs _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Safety at existing facilities 34 Cha ll enge 1 1

Conducting assessments 52 Cha ll enge 2 2 on future facilities

Environmental and 56 Cha ll enge 3 3 population exposure

Security of nuclear facilities 64 Cha ll enge 4 4 and materials

Emergency response 70 Cha ll enge 5 5

Effects of chronic exposure 74 Cha ll enge 6 6

Protection in healthcare 78 Cha ll enge 7 7 activities

Research serving “assessment services”

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ActivitIES 33 Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preparing the future while Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing securing the present facilities until the end of their service life

In 2008, at the request of nuclear authorities, IRSN conducted several safety assessments involving new nuclear facilities, such as the EPR reactor in Flamanville or the Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant, as well as new nuclear fuel management methods. In parallel, the Institute closely monitored safety in existing civil facilities, such as EDF’s nuclear power plants, or in defense-related installations. To fulfil its mission the Institute acquired new equipment for simulating reactor operation, while pursuing research and experimentation, working frequently through international partnerships. The year 2008 was marked by significant progress in understanding fire, severe accidents, and the prevention of naturally-occurring and industrial hazards.

Monitoring facilities ies. Additional studies were required on severe Openness to society and transport accident management, risks related to fire To contribute to high-level safety and explosion, internal and external hazards and radiation protection in new (especially naturally-occurring hazards), and Information on problems or existing facilities, IRSN, provid- aging of equipment and structures. related to steam generator ing support services to the French clogging nuclear safety authority, the ASN, Analysis conclusions were presented before assess files submitted on reactors, the competent standing group in November fuel cycle facilities, and transport 2008, where IRSN considered that, in gen- For several years the Institute of radioactive materials. eral, the safety review and ensuing changes has been addressing the major would confirm or improve the safety level of challenge of making its assessment work comprehensible for all 900 MWe reactors. This is particularly true for EDF reactors stakeholders, including civil society, certain aspects of systems (such as the change public authorities, and operators. Preparing for the ten-year in the pressure setpoint on safety valves to In this context, on June 11, 2008, outage program reduce the risk of overpressure in vessels under before the national association of The outage program for the third ten-year cold conditions), for reinforcement of some local information committees, inspection on 900 MWe reactors is part of the civil works in terms of seismic resistance, IRSN presented the common safety review initiated in 2003. Periodic safety and for reactor containment (modification clogging problem on the tube support plates of steam generators reviews are required in the Transparency and of the equipment access hatch fasteners to in pressurized water reactors Nuclear Safety Act. Reviewing safety on EDF avoid containment loss in a severe accident operated by EDF, along with reactors aims to ensure they are fit to operate situation). the results of its studies and the for another ten years under satisfactory oper- recommendations it submitted to ating conditions, and to implement changes With regards to fire and explosion risks, IRSN the ASN. The presentation was designed to enhance safety up to the level considered that EDF should take measures accompanied by an explanatory achieved on more recent reactors, such as the to protect hydrogen-containing equipment brochure written for the public at large. The meeting held with EPR plant. These changes will be implemented against corrosion and vibration phenomena, Ancli, as well as another held with on the thirty-four 900 MWe pressurized water and should improve its analytical approach to the Local Information Committee reactors currently in operation, during outages explosion hazards in rooms that are important at Cruas-Meysse in southern scheduled for the third ten-year inspection for safety. France on June 13, 2008, gave program in the next ten years. way to constructive dialogue with IRSN also considered that EDF should provide local stakeholders, encouraging In 2008, IRSN examined the objectives pro- further support material, or even take ad- IRSN to continue with this type of approach. posed by EDF, along with all the design studies ditional measures when necessary, to ensure completed. The review covered new safety that all objectives set for the review are com- www.irsn.org requirements to be taken into account, as well pletely fulfilled. (see p. 34 of the report) as changes decided subsequent to these stud- www.irsn.org

34 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 tion systems. and operating experience feedback on ventila MWereactors, 1,300 for equipment and control instrumentation incidents, protection radiation on presented also were Reports problems between employees. system; and communication and cooperation overpressure incidents on the reactor coolant and the water inventory in an outage situation; and control incidents involving core reactivity sons learned from system configuration errors international experience feedback by EDF; les- accountfollowing intopoints: the taking on recommendations to way gave Conclusions 2005. to 2003 from period the covering ics top- safety involved review this prepare to IRSN by 2008 in conducted assessment The plan.improvement continuous the of part as committee, advisory competent the by back on pressurized water reactors is examined Every three years, operating experience feed entitledIRSN’sIn 2008IRSNpublishedareport onSafetyandRadiationProtection IssuesRelativeViewpoint toFrench NuclearPower Plants in2007. 2003 to2005 reactor operationfrom Experience feedbackon 17 to review IRSN’sto review report (21in2007) meetings committees advisory - - Advisory committeesmeetingsheldin2008 november 27 november 20 november 19 may 21 march 27

IRSN supportsadvisorycommittees by the Institute’s specialists and are discussed during meetings. mitted for examination. The assessment results are written up in IRSN reports presented Tocommittees,thesewithindebate on light subshed files technical assessestheIRSN nuclear installations, radioactive waste repositories, or transport of radioactive materials. basic reactors,other to related problems technical on opinion their express who tions, appointed for their competence, selected from IRSN, universities, and commercial opera mittees working under its Director General. The members of these committees are experts The ASN bases its decisions on opinions and recommendations issued by advisory com October 2, 22and23 June 12 June 11 June 4, 19, 25and26 June 4 April 24 January 24 January 17 for 1,300 MWe reactors Severe accidents on pressurized water reactors their third ten-year inspection pressurized water reactors in the context of Examination of the safety review conclusions on 900 MWe ExaminationI of the Safety reviewC on the Examination of the newG centrifugation the Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant based on Examination of the intermediate safety analysis report on the Jules Horowitz Reactor Examination of the preliminary safety analysis report for Examination of transport package TN 112 the UP2 Examination of dismantling conditions of INB 80 at in a context of market competition Examination of pressurized water reactor safety management Examination of EDF’s maintenance policy the Jules Horowitz Reactor Examination of the preliminary safety analysis report for feedback over the period 2003-2005 (second meeting) experience operating PWR foreign and French of Examination water loop

400 plant in La Hague (high-oxide-activity unit) ceda Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES abri preliminary safety analysis report alice reactor, including the pressurized fuel management program

- - - 35

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

Reactor operation with the plant in service can be studied using the renovated simulator.

Upgrade for the IRSN pressurized water reactor simulator At the end of 2008, IRSN published its “viewpoint on safety and radiation protection issues relative to French IRSN has a PWR nuclear reactor simulator nuclear power plants”. What is your opinion on used for studies and training. Since Septem- the conclusions of the report and its publication by ber 2008, the simulator has been integrated the Institute? into a configuration dedicated to 1,450 MWe In the In reading this first report written by IRSN on the state of reactors. This facility is a new addition to the words of nuclear power plants in France, I found a certain number configurations dedicated to 900 MWe and of themes presented in our own studies. I appreciated 1,300 MWe reactors, set up in August 2006 Pierre Wiroth the Institute’s efforts to present the technical description and October 2007, respectively, and marks Inspector General and analysis of events in an educational manner. This for Nuclear Safety, the completion of the joint simulator upgrade EDF document was prepared with the general public in mind, process engaged by the Institute and Areva a commendable effort worth mentioning. We share the NP. In parallel, IRSN and Areva NP began work same goal of transparency, which means being capable and willing to explain matters to the public. I am curious, to improve the models run on the various however, to know why this report was published at this configurations. time, and why other stakeholders in the system produced the same type of document on complementary topics. In 2008, the simulator was used in its various In my opinion this analysis is very interesting because configurations for in-house and external train- it gives an idea of the in-depth work accomplished by ing in reactor physics and reactor operation, IRSN in terms of safety, the environment, and radiation and for development of emergency scenarios protection. It takes an objective view of current trends, and safety studies. but also focuses on important issues, such as events that occurred in the past year or more general problems, and describes the relevant action taken. In this respect, it also In the highlights EDF’s responsiveness to these events. words of This type of analysis is particularly useful for members 709 technical opinions submitted to the ASN (excluding defense-related of local information committees. It allows them to activities) (724 in 2007) Monique Séné understand the approach and enrich discussions with Vice-President EDF by asking the right questions. of Ancli www.irsn.org

36 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 supervision of construction work on the the on work reactor. construction of supervision and reinforces action corrective implements count by EDF, the contracting authority, who madeduring inspections are taken into ac observations from resulting requests ASN inspectors.byASN led Channel), English the (on Flamanville in worksite EPR the at conducted inspections in participates IRSN the to authority,ASN,the safety nuclearconsultant French technical as role its In Flamanville-3 EPR plant construction ofthe Follow-up on During inspectionsconductedby the ASN, detectedcasesofnon-complianceontheEPRworksite. IRSNexperts IRSN and GRS support theBulgarianIRSN andGRSsupport safety authority International rules (mainlyIAEArules),andin-depth studiesoncertainsafety-relatedissues. a completeanalysisofthePSAR, averificationtoensurecompliancewithsafety Assessment workbeganinNovember 2008andwilllastoneyear. Itincludes be builtattheBelenesiteinBulgaria. presented inthepreliminarysafetyanalysisfornewVVER-1000 reactorto expertise inallareasconcerningsafety(exceptforprobabilistic safetyanalyses) The agreementstipulatesthatthetwotechnicalorganizationswill lendtheir Riskaudit signedadraftagreementwiththeBulgariansafetyauthority BNRA. On April11,2008,IRSN,itsGermanpartnerGRS,andtheirjoint affiliate - welding procedure.welding Institute’sTheinvestiga liner steel the in changes structure, concrete the in reinforcement insufficient concrete, raft foundation the in cracking acceptable un- specifications: with non-compliance of instances out pointed experts IRSN worksite, the at out carried inspections monthly ing island Dur building. reactor the support nuclear will that the of raft foundation the namely infrastructures, EPR on progressed construction2008, In phase. construction the on depending structures,safety-related to applied schedule and method inspection To support efforts,ASN andefined has IRSN - - to follow up contractor quality. design phase, and on procedures implemented that safety ensure were requirements met during to the taken measures on focus ticular wasreviewedDecember,design in par with engineering civil of organization the Lastly, ity in fabrication. steel liner to ensure the required level of qual- reactor’s the on operations welding garding re- made were recommendations Likewise, improving the quality of construction work. written up in a specific report, with a view to was correctly.matter treated This been not hadraft foundation the joins it where ment ASN that cold joints at the base of the contain- the to out pointed IRSN 2008, November In visory teams. super construction the reinforcinggeneral, in and, mix, concrete the improving resin, with cracks raft foundation the filling ures: This led the operator to take corrective meas ficient worksite supervision by EDF. problems with the prime contractor and insuf- tion of non-compliance revealed organization Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

37 - - -

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

Experimental reactors some improvements on the reactor protection was therefore given to rules on the design, Safety review on the Cabri system to reinforce reliability. fabrication, and operation of the control rod facility www.irsn.org drive mechanisms used to control reactor In 2008, IRSN presented its safety assessment reactivity. of the Cabri facility (reactor operated by CEA to study severe accidents) to the competent Design review on the Jules Among other points reviewed, IRSN closely standing group, based on the safety report Horowitz Reactor examined the reactor core cooling system. established on the non-renovated facility. IRSN completed its preliminary safety analysis CEA needs confirm that a complete break IRSN focused its attention on the new criteria report on the Jules Horowitz Reactor, to be would not lead in a severe core damage. proposed by the operator to ensure that the built at the CEA Cadarache site in southern reactor core fuel rods remain sealed during France, and presented it to the competent experiments. On this concern, the Institute standing group in 2008. conducted a study to check that the new criteria were consistent with the results of In preparation for this assessment, IRSN be- tests carried out in the United States and Japan gan a study program back in 2002 with the on similar fuel rods. To validate its analysis, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) IRSN asked its Belgian counterpart, the AVN, to assess the potential consequences of an to perform an independent review of certain explosive reactivity accident (referred to as aspects of CEA’s demonstration. In its final a “Borax accident”). Preliminary results led conclusions, IRSN considered that the new CEA to reassess maximum overpressure in the criteria were acceptable for the case of CABRI facility containment, which could be reached core fuel rods. in this type of accident.

The Institute’s assessment nonetheless led IRSN’s assessment also pointed out that fail- CEA to change the computer code that it had ure of a single control rod drive mechanism The Jules Horowitz Reactor is designed to test planned to use to demonstrate compliance (used to control reactivity in the reactor) could the behavior of new fuels and materials under irradiation for 3rd and 4th generation reactors. with these criteria. CEA will also carry out lead to a Borax accident. Significant focus

Pressurized water loop The standing group for reactors organized a meeting on PWR safety management in a competitive market context when the market for electricity opened to competition. Pressurized water The purpose was to study the organizational measures implemented by EDF to correctly take into account safety In the requirements in the daily work of its employees. Pool Vacuum words of Our analysis required 150 interviews with EDF personnel

Test Jean-Marie and 35 days of on-the-job observation in ten EDF nuclear facility Rousseau power plants. Beyond the conclusions on the ways Gas IRSN’s spokesman EDF can advance faced with the difficult choices to be Breeder core Breeder core at the standing group meeting made every day between different obligations (safety, on "Management radiation protection, environment, costs, etc.) and on of PWR Safety in a Competitive the vulnerability induced by the massive renewal of Market Context". skills or aging installations, this standing group meeting confirmed that there are legitimate reasons for IRSN to examine managerial and organizational aspects. Experimental It also stimulated debate on sensitive issues such as test rod the pressure placed on managers or how to deal with cultural changes. This work may continue when it comes time to examine the role of an independent safety sector The Cabri reactor will be used to test irradiated fuel rod behavior in the pressurized water loop or the organizational experience feedback at EDF. when a rapid power change occurs, under operating conditions representative of a pressurized water reactor.

38 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 enhanced safety. measures the chosen by the that operator significantly fact the highlighted 2008 June in group standing competent the before IRSN by etc. presented protection, The conclusions cality, human factors, fire protection, radiation tainment, instrumentation and control, criti This review called on several specialists in con- countries. other in plants comparable from feedback experience operating with along operator,the by presented plan emergency report, the general operating rules and on-site 2007 to May 2008, IRSN the examined safety July From cooling. process for environment the from water of intake require not will and consumption,power lower process, the in hexafluoride of uranium the amount gaseous change in technology will considerably reduce the gaseous diffusion enrichment process. The used which plant, Eurodif existing the place uraniumfor nuclear fuel. Thisfacility willre enrich to ultracentrifugation use will which at the Pierrelatte site in the south of France, plant II Besse Georges the buildingAreva, is Tricastindu d’enrichissement company enrichment uranium The Georges BesseIIplant Safety atthe The George BesseIIplantfor uranium enrichment, usingultracentrifugation toproduce nuclear fuel. Fuel cycl , a subsidiary of of subsidiary a , Société Société - - on nanoparticles on nanoparticles From metrology tocontainment, IRSNresearch Research outlet Areva, CEAandOneraoncertainprojects: IRSN isconductingresearchinthisarea,workingcooperationwithINRS, to mastercontainmenttechniques. accurately measurenanoparticles,particularlyintheformofaerosols,aswell environment riskcontrol.Riskpreventioninthisfieldrequirestheabilityto The recentdevelopmentofnanotechnologiesraisesnewissuesinhealthand > > sample aerosols. barriers atworkstationsandofdifferenttypesfiltersusedto filter or transfer andcontainment:studyingtheefficiencyofdynamic cleanup operationsinnuclearfacilities; emissions producedbynewprocesses,suchaslaserablationusedfor to packaging,orintheeventoffire;characterizationnanometricparticle of howtheybehaveandchangeinprocessing,fromfabricationfiltering fractal morphologyofnanoparticleaggregates,forabetterunderstanding approaches inassessmentofoccupationalexposure;characterizationthe applied tonanoparticlegeometricsurfacearea,withaviewfindingnew metrology: developmentandevaluationofcharacterizationtechniques Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

Dismantling the high-oxide-activity unit at the La Hague plant. The Bugey site in eastern France.

Dismantling the high-oxide- standing group on May 21, 2008. The Institute Creation of the Iceda facility activity unit at the La Hague found that the safety and radiation protection In November 2008, IRSN presented its opinion plant measures retained by Areva NC were ap- to the competent standing group with regards The UP2-400 plant was the first irradiated propriate. It nonetheless considered that the to safety of the activated waste conditioning fuel reprocessing plant commissioned at La operations planned in the two main cells of and storage facility, Iceda, that EDF plans to Hague. At the end of 2003, Areva NC decided the unit must be examined closely. The opera- build at the Bugey site in southeast France, to shut the plant down. After conducting tor must also provide additional information based on a new version of the corresponding the decommissioning operations required on the initial radiological state of certain preliminary safety analysis report. to prepare for dismantling, the operator equipment items and the targeted cleanup Before ruling on the performance of facility applied for authorization to dismantle the objectives. The ASN will stipulate how these buildings in any given situation, particularly high-oxide-activity unit at the plant. This op- recommendations are to be applied after the in the case of an earthquake, the Institute eration entails significant risks and technical decree authorizing decommissioning and considered it necessary to ask EDF for more challenges. IRSN appraised these points and dismantling of the facility has been issued, information on the definition of the founda- presented its conclusions to the competent some time in 2009. tion system chosen, as well as design justifica-

International

Initial experiments in the MIRTE criticality program

After four years of preparation, the first experiment in the MIRTE criticality program (to validate criticality computer codes for structural materials) was carried out on December 8, 2008 at CEA Valduc Centre on Apparatus B assembly. This experimental program is cofinanced by IRSN, Areva, Andra, and the US Department of Energy (US- DOE). The purpose is to contribute to the qualification of criticality computer codes for various structural materials used to pack nuclear fuel for transport or used in facilities that process nuclear fuel. The MIRTE program features 42 critical experiments based on one or several fuel assemblies, surrounded or separated by different screens made of metal (nickel, zirconium…), glass or concrete (with different water contents). The experimental facility was designed to be modular and flexible, so that all the View on equipment test tank B at CEA Valduc where the MIRTE experiments are being different experiments in the program can be carried out in roughly one year. conducted.

40 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 www.irsn.org ment that would reinforce safety in this area. 2007, which identified directions for and improve- 1999 between France in occurring rials radioactivemate of transport involvingthe IRSN also conducted a cross-analysis of events rods thathave losttheirseal. fuel of transport to regards with particular in mendations based on the Institute’s proposals, be sealed before shipping. It formulated recom transport regulations on fuel rods assumed to ruled that the package model complied with standingtentgroup Junein 2008. Thegroup presented its conclusions before the compe especially after the regulatory drop tests. IRSN concepttoguarantee package leak integrity, initial the in components certain change to assessment process led Areva TN International the during exchanged information Technical plutonium). and uranium of mixture initial type irradiated fuel assemblies (containing an national, designed mainly to transport MO package model developed by Areva waste TN Inter 112 TN the on safety assessed IRSN Fuel assemblytransport phenomena. which will be subject to thermal and radiolysis regardswastealterationtheto packages,of be required to demonstrate risk control with would data additional that held also It tions. The TN 112package. TRANSPO T X - - - - - ing structure. surround the and cladding for alloy M5® a the of use and rate, burnup fuel uranium-235, higher in enrichment for increased calls it that in use in currently one the The G standing group in 2008. competent the to presented wasoperation) during irradiation fuel in increase limited a for the G the for file safety the involving IRSN by conducted assessmentrequirements. The safety meet occur may that situations accident any and principles management new the that strate demon- to studies report safety of revision complete a require use fuel intensive more EDF to improve reactor performance by through scheduled management fuel in Changes 1,300 MWe reactors management planfor Galice: anewfuel agement plansunderconsideration. man- fuel the on assessments and quiringthatIRSN conduct research re- retained, initially criteria safety fuel the on questions raise changes These reasons. economic for mainly reactors, nuclear pro- in used are cedures management fuel operators changing reactor Nuclear Fuel safety alice alice fuel management differs from from differs management fuel fuel management (featuring (featuring management fuel

- at power. havior in the event of a main steam line break berodfewfuel apoints, as on studies such additional conduct to however,did,EDF ask the G the of implementation disqualified totally that revealnot anypointsIRSN’sdid assessment Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES on fuelsafety criteria Cooperating withNRC International management policies. changing nuclearfuelsandfuel continuity inthecontextofrapidly scientific foundationtoensuretheir future safetycriteriaonasolid agreeing ontheneedtobase themes offuturereflection, organizations setoutthemajor At theendofdebate,two this area. IRSN researchersandspecialistsin relevance ofworkconductedby marks NRC’s recognitionofthe international expert.Thisinvitation invited topresentitspositionasan this subject,wheretheInstitutewas NRC organizedapublicdebateon On September24and25,2008, associated safetycriteria. could leadtochangesinthe accidents, andinthelongterm runaway andlossofcoolant This researchfocusesonreactor in accidentsituations. study thebehaviorofnuclearfuel of NuclearRegulatoryResearchto Regulatory Commission’s Office cooperating withtheUSNuclear In the last two years, IRSN has been alice fuel management. The Institute Institute The management. fuel

41 -

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

Scanair software qualified for safety analysis on the core of the Cabri experimental reactor As part of the safety review on the CEA Cabri test reactor, the Scanair computer code, developed by IRSN, was used as a reference tool. The software evaluates thermal-mechanical behavior of fuel rods in the core of a pressurized water reactor during a reactivity injection accident. This was accomplished by developing and integrating into the software new models adapted to the specific conditions of the Cabri reactor, which is a "pool"-type reactor.

Among the physical phenomena occurring The Cabri reactor core analyzed by Scanair. during a reactivity injection accident, changes in the temperature of the fuel rod cladding play a predominant role, since they have a ding and the reactor coolant was developed Japan’s NSRR experimental reactor. considerable impact on the mechanical per- and integrated into the Scanair software. It was thus possible to use the software to formance of the rods, especially their tensile This innovative model was qualified on both assess the new safety criteria proposed by strength. That is why a specific model on the CEA Patricia facility and in more global CEA for operation of the breeder core on the heat exchange between the fuel rod clad- tests conducted during campaigns run on Cabri reactor.

More details

First results from Mist in the field of nuclear safety

Since July 2007, IRSN, the CNRS and the Mechanical and Civil Engineering Laboratory at the University of Montpellier 2 have united their research units within Mist, a laboratory designed to study micromechanics and structural integrity. In their "virtual" laboratory, engineers and researchers from various entitites come together to reinforce synergy between basic and applied research in their relevant fields of specialization.

In 2008, innovative experimental techniques revealed the fundamental mechanisms underlying cracking in materials with a complex microstructure, such as the cladding on nuclear fuel used at high burnup rates.

In parallel, substantial progress was achieved in modeling and simulation. These advances make it easier to understand diverse phenomena such as sedimentation, spreading of contaminants in rivers, or the behavior of nuclear fuel in an accident situation.

All these results were published in scientific journals and a paper submitted to the French Academy of Science.

https://gforge.irsn.fr/gf/project/mist (continue with this website) A day of exchanges on joint scientific research projects conducted by IRSN and the CNRS at Cadarache. http://net-science.irsn.org

42 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 during nuclear facility risk assessments. This assessments. risk facility nuclear during during a fire must be taken into consideration boards)circuit relays,printed(cables, ment The possible failure modes of electrical equip- tilated enclosures. fire smoke in confined of and mechanically ven- propagation the study to out sets which program,experimental Prisme OECD the cility. These tests were conducted of as part fa- nuclear a inside fire a of representative conditions in cable, electrical of types ous knowledgeonthefailure conditions ofvari NRC, IRSN carried out four tests to improve US- the with cooperation close in Working failures Electrical equipment outside thenuclearsector. applicable also is work This lease. re- radioactive subsequent any of assessment improve and nomena phe- propagation ascertain better to underway currently is Research facilities. nuclear of ra- from dioactivity release significant to lead Fire is one of the accidents that can Fire protection and Metrology Aerosol Physics Laboratory of at theIRSN Research engineer Ouf François-Xavier words In the of The firsttestswerefinalizedin 2009. radioactive aerosols(aluminaand cesiumiodide). used ingloveboxes(PMMAand Lexan)andothernon deterioration. Thetestswerebasedonthepolymers simulating thevariousconditionsofthermal We thenbegananalytical testsonasmallscale, of suspendedparticlesinafiresituation. (modified conecalorimeter)todeterminethecoefficient implementing theexperimentalfacilityonasmallscale Work conductedin 2008firstconcentratedon in theeventoffire. support materialforassessmentsonfacilitysafety matter stability, etc. Thisexperimentaldatawillserveas of energy, thetype of medium,particlesize,particulate behave dependingonparameterssuchastheamount and willallowustodescribehowemittedparticles fire willhelpdeterminewhichparametersaresignificant All ourresearchworkonparticlesuspensionduringa - their operating limits. the heat thereby highest revealing resistance, stress” caused dysfunctions in the cables with tested under real fire conditions. The “thermal provided by different program partners were During the four P four the During "thermal stress". significantapplyingof oven capablemental experi an inside placed energizedcables in SNL to detect and characterize the short-circuits by specifically designed were units two tion Resistance Measurement System. These Surrogate Circuit Digital Unit and the Insula the facilities, test their of two use to IRSN allowed NRC, of behalf on working US, the occur and when, failures the Sandia of National Laboratory in type what determine To cable. the by transmitted current electrical the of intensity the and conductors, of and size number the sheathing, cable for used materials of type the on depends It nents. compo- cable of deterioration thermal by causedshort-circuits of resultgenerally the is failure cable electrical an viewpoint, cal safety.facility to criticaltechni are From a that systems control and instrumentation of failure the cause may dysfunction of type risme tests, eight cables eight tests, - - - Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES fire risk assessment Flumilog Program for Research outlet (100 m performed inasmallbuilding Nine instrumentedtestswere assessments. and calculation tools for fire risk It aims to produce methods etc.), aswellstateauthorities. Acelor, Michelin,Kuehne-Nagel, construction industry(Afilog,GSE sector, industrialstorage,andthe professionals fromthetransport centers (CNPP, Ineris,CTICM), program unitestechnicalresearch a fireinlogisticstoragearea.The Program, studyingfluxemittedby group builtaroundtheFlumilog In 2008,IRSNjoinedaresearch of firerisks. achieve amorerealisticassessment the calculationsmethodsused,to resulting datawillservetovalidate Analysis ofthesetestsandthe waste fromthenuclearindustry. to thoseusedforincineratable plastic wastedrums,similar at therequestofIRSNinvolved example, oneofthetestsconducted the thermaleffectsofafire.For maximum distancereachedby the modelusedtocalculate and measurements,tovalidate and, throughexperimentation the fuelloadonflamegeometry 2 ) tostudytheinfluenceof

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

SARNET IRSN experimental website Users data base Other experimental data bases

Experimental programs

Internet CEA experimental ASTEC data base FzK experimental website data base

Summary reports Test results Physical models

The SARNET Network of Excellence.

Severe accidents research involved corium behavior, contain- 18 lecturers. Likewise, the third international Research on reactor core meltdown ment, release, the ASTEC computer code, European Review Meeting on Severe Accident aims to improve knowledge on the and probabilistic safety studies. In four and Research (ERMSAR), which welcomed over phenomena involved, so that the a half years of existence, SARNET involved 100 participants, was organized in Bulgaria, risks of environmental release of 250 researchers from over 50 different Eu- providing the occasion to draw conclusions radioactive materials can be ascer- ropean and Canadian institutions, financed on the major achievements of the SARNET tained more accurately. These stud- by the European Commission on a budget experience. Lastly, the success of the proposal ies contribute to improving safety of €6 million. submitted for the 7th Framework Program measures taken to avoid accidents on fission research will allow the network or limit their consequences. They General opinion has found the experience to be of excellence to pursue its efforts in the also strengthen IRSN’s assessment a positive one. SARNET provided participants SARNET 2 program. Coordinated by IRSN, capabilities in an emergency re- with the opportunity to share and analyze a SARNET 2 will run for four years, financed by sponse situation. wide range of experiment results collectively. the European Community to the amount of New members of the European Union were €5.75 million. also able to join this scientific community www.sar-net.org SARNET: conclusions on specialized in severe accidents. SARNET helped http://net-science.irsn.org a network of excellence improve and promote the ASTEC severe ac- The SARNET Network of Excellence, set up cident computer code (codeveloped by IRSN as part of the 6th Framework Program of the and its German counterpart GRS) on an in- The growing success of European Commission and supervised by IRSN, ternational scale. The network also achieved ASTEC was brought to an end in September 2008. Its a European consensus on the directions to be The SARNET Network of Excellence and safety research focused on core meltdown accidents taken in research on core meltdown accidents studies conducted by IRSN in France contrib- in water reactors. in the years to come. uted substantially to the enhancement of ASTEC. Designed to simulate core meltdown Along with aspects relative to network man- Among the highlights of 2008, a training ses- accidents in water reactors, focusing mainly agement, sharing research results and dis- sion on core meltdown accidents was held in on pressurized water reactors (PWRs), this semination of knowledge, the main lines of Hungary, bringing together 50 participants and application was developed jointly by IRSN

44 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 signed with partners from Europe, Canada,Europe, from partners with signed were agreements licence user forty Roughly produced a very positive outcome. such as the -PF Phébus international program, obtained through various research programs, data experimental vast against results its ing qualify this application, consisting of compar PWRs and Russian VVERs. Work conducted to onstrated its ability to simulate both Western scenarios, the software has successfully dem and GRS. Applied to a wide range of accident Study oniodinebehavior More which serveinfurtheranalyses. condensed onthefiltersandtrappedvolatilespecies, The samplingdevicescollectaerosolparticulates system hotlegandcoldleg,respectively. temperature (about150°C),simulatingthereactorcoolant at hightemperature(700to900°C),anotheralower the walls.Thetransporttubehastwosamplinglines:one in whichiodinecanreactwiththeotherelementsor through atuberepresentingthereactorcoolantsystem, they aremixedinthegaseousstate.Theythencross a kilnheatedtohightemperature(1,500-1,600°C),where approximately 2bar. Theyaretransportedseparatelyto which reagentsareinjectedatanabsolutepressureof The experimentalfacilityconsistsofanopencircuitin boron. Priority isgiventostudyingcesium,molybdenum,and conditions (typeofgas,residencetime,temperature). iodine asafunctionoftheelementspresentandambient in containment,andtoquantifythefractionofvolatile time itleavesthereactorcoretomomentarrives the reactionsthatoccurduringiodinetransport,from The CHIP-LPexperimentallineisdesignedtoreproduce accident. nuclear pressurizedwaterreactorintheeventofasevere gaseous iodinethatwillreachthecontainmentina The CHIPprogramaimstodeterminetheamountof details - - have shown that Version V1 can already be be already can V1 Version that shown have partners SARNET demonstrated. been has situation, accident an in authorities public advise to Institute the by application,used SESAME4 the in modules the of two ing incorporat- of feasibility growing.The ally The scope of application for ASTEC is gradu dom and South Africa). (EDF) and two internationally (United King Francewithin one granted,were licences commercialothers. Three and India, China, CHIP-LP experiment line. - - on the ITER facility. impact an have could that accidents study to adapted being currently is softwareThe high-temperature reactor (HTR). a affecting accident severe a of event the in substances radioactive of release the study to version same this uses PBMR facturer (CANDU). Moreover, the South African manu- reactors water heavy Canadian-design reactors and water boiling to partially applied Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

First test runs for ISTP The International Source Term Program (ISTP) aims to reduce uncertainty relative to the environmental release of radioactive substances that could occur following a core meltdown accident in a nuclear reactor. Us- ing a test bench specially designed for this purpose, the CHIP project within this program sets out to identify any chemical elements that could change the amounts of gaseous iodine entering the containment through a break in the reactor coolant system. The chemical elements under study are representative of the degradation products from fuel, control rods, and reactor structures. The first tests were conducted in 2008, to qualify the thermal-hydraulic behavior of the experimental facility.

This work was performed in close cooperation with CNRS laboratories, in particular in the Temperature-gradient oven in the CHIP experimental facility. context of doctorate theses on the identifica-

Openness to society

Analysis of the seismic resistance report for the Fessenheim nuclear power plant established by Resonance

In October 2008, in a presentation to the Local Monitoring Commission at Fessenheim in northeast France, IRSN gave its analysis of a seismic resistance report on the EDF plant, prepared in 2007 by the engineering firm Resonance. Commissioned by the Swiss cantons of Basel and Jura, the report concluded that the seismic risk assessment retained in 2002 in preparation for the third ten-year inspection of the power plant was underestimated. This conclusion was based on a critical analysis of the seismic risk assessment method used in France.

In its presentation before the CLS, the Institute explained why the choices made in 2002 were consistent with the state of knowledge at that time, while pointing out that various recent scientific breakthroughs could justify a revision of certain assumptions, and that a joint working group formed by IRSN, EDF and the ASN was currently examining this issue. Analysis of the Resonance report conclusions emphasizes the relevance of R&D performed by IRSN and speaks in favor of periodic safety reviews to take into account new knowledge. Fessenheim nuclear power plant.

46 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 43°30’N 44°0’N in history. The MiddleDurance fault and majorearthquakes nonetheless located in this area. are facilities 1812 and nuclear 1913). Several have caused extensive damage (in 1509, 1708, which of some earthquakes, produces larly It is the seat of moderate seismicity that regu nuclear site at Cadarache in southern France. passing just a few kilometers away from the Provence,Upper in the Alpsen-Provence to plex system that links the region around Aix- com a is system fault Durance Middle The functions a terrestrialfaultsystem knowledge onhow Earthquake: improving facilities. nuclear in safety for hazards these with associated risks the ascertain and research assessments to more its accurately in studies hazards IRSN that naturally-occurring are Earthquakes, floods and heat waves hazards Naturally-occurring the main reactions involved. of on data the kinetics of basic the collection tion and speciation of the formed aerosols and N 20 km °0E 5°30 5°30’E Major earthquakesinhistory Other faults Middle Durancefaultsystem

Middle Durance fault system Cadarache 6°0’E 6°0’E

43°30’N 44°0’N - -

the region. in built facilities nuclear for criteria design earthquake the establish to used been have results The segments. these of size the on ments at 6.3 to 6.5 on the Richter scale, based earthquake magnitude due to fault displace of outcome this a work establishes maximum its various segments in three dimensions. locate The and structure system fault the struct the of 1990’s, make it possible today to recon beginning the since IRSN by conducted publishers) map geological and industry oil the by provided profiles seismic of (analysis studies geological and geophysical several 0.1 mm/year). These results, associated with ments along the fault are slow (approximately Geodesic data clearly indicated that displace- 4 km. sedimentarythein cover, to 0depth ofa at mainly located is activity fault current that demonstratedResearch microearthquakes. recorded any locate accurately to possible it made collected seismicity.data ate The is unique in Europe for a region with moder measuring system featuring 18 stations that geodesic and seismological a on relied tute Toconduct thisresearch program, theInsti advances achieved. the to addition in the IRSN, by obtained rewarded results have research this on tions publica international consultancy.dozen A engineering an Geoter, and CEA, France, de Nice,seille,Universityof CNRS,the Collège cooperation with the University of Aix-Mar in conducted was work etc.). fault,This the fromoriginating earthquakes of magnitude maximum the evaluating depth, their ing determin- and microearthquakes locating segmentation,fault of (determination tions (validation of computer codes) and applica of this research work involved both methods researchgeodesic on this fault system. and The objectives seismological, geological, of In 2008, IRSN concluded nearly fifteen years ------

Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES site for theKrško power plant Study ofseismichazards International scheduled for2009. seismic riskcalculationmodel, results willservetoestablisha in responsetothisquestion.The seismic displacementswasinitiated vibrations undertheeffectof A campaigntomeasureground site’s geologicalenvironment. to thecharacteristicsof of seismicdisplacementsdue the possibilityoflocalamplification faults. Another questioninvolved reveal thelocationofanysuch new geophysicaldatathatcould on agashandhelpedinterpret participated inageologicalsurvey event ofanearthquake.IRSN lead toasurfaceruptureinthe identifying anyfaultsthatcould The firstphaseconsistedof engineering institutes. Slovenian geologicalandcivil in partnershipwithBRGMand electricity generatinggroup, provided totheGEN-Energia Consultancy serviceswere plant siteinSlovenia. train attheKrškonuclearpower of theprojecttobuildasecond seismic hazardassessmentaspart investigations andaprobabilistic IRSN participatedinfield

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

Characterization of geological environments Research outlet Working in Chili, in cooperation with the University of Santiago, IRSN is studying the Seismic risk regulations revised possibility of using recordings of ambient vibrations in the ground to identify specific land configurations that could amplify dis- As part of a review of regulations on earthquake resistance, the Minister for Ecology, the ASN, BRGM and IRSN formed a joint working group to ensure placements caused by an earthquake and use that rules applicable to conventional buildings, "special risk" facilities (where this information to obtain a more accurate consequences may reach beyond the limits of the installation) and nuclear assessment of the local seismic risk. Results facilities formed a coherent regulatory system, while seeking to identify any published in 2008, based on a comparison problems that could occur in enforcement. IRSN contributed its knowledge on with damage observed following an earth- questions concerning seismic hazards and facility vulnerability. The Institute quake that occurred in 1985, show that the presented examples of how current or projected earthquake resistance method reveals variability in callows. But it regulations could be applied to different types of facility located in the same area. is not enough to predict the amplifications This required calculations to compare the reaction to ground displacements that would be obtained for a nuclear facility, a classified facility, or conventional observed locally. A more detailed characteri- buildings (firehouse, school, agricultural buildings, etc.). zation of the geological environment appears necessary.

Integrating naturally- occuring hazards in PSAs In 2008, the risk assessment working group of the Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI) of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) presented its conclusions on integrating naturally-occuring hazards, such as earthquakes, in probabilistic safety assessments (PSA) for nuclear power plants in Member States of the NEA. Finland, France, Germany, the United States, and Taiwan participated in this working group, tasked with reviewing the methods used and results obtained, and studying development prospects. IRSN was responsible for establishing the list of methods used. To date, there are few PSAs that cover naturally-occurring hazards other than earthquakes. Yet all NEA Member States would like to have complete PSAs that cover this type of event, and for new reactors they must be taken into consideration systematically. The consequence of CSNI’s work on this question was a recom- mendation for greater research activity on the impact of climate change (contingencies, consequences for facilities), and integration of naturally-occurring hazards in PSAs. Setting up measuring equipment for characterization of the geological environment in Chili. www.nea.fr

48 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 The aircraft Charles-de-Gaulle carrier. About defense • • IRSN also reviewed safety issues involving the following: for Armament. Delegation General the to tests pre-commissioning conduct to missile ballistic nuclear submarine new-generation the of core first the and reactor the of files compliance the examined IRSN 2008, In Design andconstruction about by changes in their activity. brought facilities these on transformations major any involves also It finally, dismantling. and operation to construction and the CEA, Areva or EADS covers their entire life cycle, from design IRSN assessment of facilities operated by the Ministry of Defense, facilities. and defense-relatedmilitaryorcivilian Safety ofsubmarines,aircraftcarriers dustry. In- for Ministry the and Defense of Ministry the of aegis the under operating authority an Facilities, and Activities Defense-related for Protection tion French Radia- and Safety the Nuclear for Directorate General with agreement support technical a of part as area this in missions out carried IRSN transport installations anddefense-related nuclear systems,basic military of safety the Assessing

Valduc France; in northeast at center CEA/DAM the for building storage waste future the waste at Pierrelatte in southern France; radioactive solid for facility reprocessing NC Areva future the Le TerribleLe before the DSND sends the authorization the sends DSND the before • • •

DAM CESTA center in southwest of France. CEA/ the at hall experiment Megajoule Laser the of outfitting ment station; onboard wastetreatthe the overhaul of and system supply steam nuclear for pool fuel spent the of extension the as such coast,northwest the on base naval Longue Ile the at facilities southern France; in site Marcoule the at unit packaging waste alpha future the for performanceassessmentpurposes. system forthereactor, whichIRSNisstillexamining in particularthemaininstrumentationandcontrol from thethreeothersubmarinesinthisseries, Equipment designonLeTerrible isslightlydifferent divergence. loading ofthereactorcore,andtoinitiate the defensesafetyauthoritytoproceedwithfirst the processrequiredtoobtainanauthorizationfrom before theReactorSafetyCommission,aspartof submitted bytheGeneralDelegationforArmament IRSN presenteditsassessmentofthesafetyfiles event, theculminationofalongindustrialprocess, for thefirsttimeonSeptember10,2008.Beforethis Le Terrible, thefourthandlastofseries,diverged The reactorinthenuclearballisticmissilesubmarine the nuclear submarine Le Terrible Temporary authorization tooperate More details Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

- 49

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Ensuring high-level safety and radiation protection at existing facilities Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 until the end of their service life

More details As for nuclear reactors, the Institute pursued its analysis of the first scheduled downtime for maintenance and repairs of the aircraft Waste management safety commission carrier Charles-de-Gaulle, focusing on the following aspects: meeting for the basic nuclear installation • seismic behavior of the ship’s dock and associated port facilities at Marcoule at Toulon in southern France; • refueling the ship’s two nuclear steam supply systems with new nuclear fuel assemblies.

For land-based naval propulsion support facilities, IRSN analyzed: • docking at the port in Cherbourg and loading of nuclear fuel in the nuclear submarine Le Terrible; • the general operating rules for the basic nuclear installation Missiessy at the port of Toulon; • general operating rules for the Azur reactor, installed at the Cadarache site in southern France, used to qualify new fuel assemblies designed for nuclear propulsion.

At CEA Marcoule site, in 2008 the Institute examined the question of whether or not to continue operation of the site’s liquid waste treatment plant (assessment presented before the Laboratory and Plant Safety Commission on February 7), waste management at the On March 12, 2008, this commission met at the request site (assessment presented to the Safety and Waste Management of the defense nuclear safety authority, to examine Commission on March 12, explained in "More details" opposite), waste management at Marcoule. In this context, IRSN and, for the spent fuel monitoring facility, receiving and process- analyzed the storage conditions and reprocessing strategy for old waste, the conditioning process ing of spent fuel pins from PhÉnix and non-irradiated assemblies planned for waste resulting from dismantling of from Superphénix. facilities at the site, and the processing capacity of the The Institute also began the assessment of the Marcoule vitrifica- waste packaging shops and waste storage areas, given tion unit safety review file in 2008. the volume to be processed. This analysis revealed that, in general, substantial improvements had been As part of the general follow-up of the facilities, IRSN examined achieved in waste management and in reducing the circumstances surrounding several incidents that occurred the risks of environmental release of radioactive on nuclear installations at CEA/DAM Valduc as well as the substances. Moreover, reprocessing of certain types actions taken. It also studied operating experience feedback from of waste, especially those where elimination channels CEA/DAM research centers (Valduc, Bruyères-le-Châtel, Cesta) are available, is expected to accelerate. for the period covering 2004 to 2006.

Dismantling For decommissioning and dismantling operations at the CEA UP1 Operation plant in Marcoule, IRSN: As part of the safety improvement plan for the Valduc basic • examined disassembly of equipment used in the extraction cycles, nuclear installation (CEA/DAM) dedicated to tritium activities, bitumen work around annular tanks and the safety baseline for IRSN examined the safety of new equipment designed for isotope dismantling operations; separation. • continued or started reviewing files relative to decontamination In the same center, the Institute examined the safety baseline of tanks, equipment, and a ventilation duct, and removal of of the building, designed for criticality tests, to prepare for its stored ash and waste. next safety review. For this same center, the Institute examined the starting of As regards the CEA/DAM center at Bruyères-le-Châtel in the Paris a waste conditioning unit in the decladding shop and acceptability region, IRSN examined the possible impact that the explosion of the safety baseline for the decladding shops and the of the boiler of the center would have on the nuclear facilities MAR 400 facility. located at this site.

50 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 related emergency exercises: defense- five in participated also IRSN sites.Areva’s Pierrelatte and ValducCEA at plans emergency the of part operational the involved facilities. This defense-related operating establishments several of plans emergency on-site the assessed IRSN 2008 In emergency plansandexercises on-site permits, intake water and release Effluent programs for ofcertification four new types of package. this area on files dealing with safety options and qualification in test accomplished was work considerable 2008 In files. transport IRSN was also involved in assessing component of nuclear weapons transport of packages containing radioactive materials. and operating experience feedback from safety records involving ages, qualifying the system used to test neutron absorber efficiency, Cross-disciplinary issues were also studied including stowing - pack Marcoule site. CEA the and at the site Tricastin for Areva particularly materials, radioactiveof transport internal for rules Ripault,and CEA and CEA/Cesta for programs protection radiation sites, within ments public on move- provided for authorizations transport for roadways,applications transport of certification for applications involving 2008, in area this in examined were files Several R ment in the gaseous diffusion plants. safety conditions during certain dismantling operations for equip- examined and plant URE the in operations dismantling of review its continued IRSN 2008 in Pierrelatte, in plant NC the Areva At The ofBrest. port adioactive materials transport transport materials adioactive

• • (packages are(packages stored empty). assembly package transport fuel spent a of Storage

aircraftoperationalLongue Ile navalthe atcarrier callingbase. rine nuclear steam supply system in the port of Toulon, and the two exercises organized by the French Navy involving a subma the scenarios and supervising the exercises; preparing for responsible was IRSN where sites, Marcoule and the naval base, and Valducoperational Longue Ile the transport, four nationwide emergency exercises involving a defense-related to review (5in2007) IRSNreports to thedefense safety authority (129in2007) safety ondefense-related facilities (3in2007) 4 97 3 nationwide emergency exercises involving meetings ofdefense safety commissions technical technical advicessubmitted technical Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Today’s research leading Working today to develop the knowledge and resources required to better assessments for to assess risks in the nuclear facilities of tomorrow tomorrow

In 2008 IRSN directed some of its research efforts towards understanding the risks associated with future reactor design concepts, such as sodium-cooled fast breeder reactors, and geological repositories for radioactive waste. To gain access to a tool appropriate for conducting research on accidents, especially severe accidents, the Institute expressed its wish to join the Jules Horowitz Reactor consortium, which is building a research reactor at CEA Cadarache in southeast France. By participating in this joint effort, the Institute would be able to conduct the tests required to fulfil its mission in the study of reactor accident situations. In parallel, IRSN performed new experiments at the Tournemire station near the Pyrenees to prepare for the safety assessment report on the project to build a geological repository for radioactive waste storage, which is due to be submitted by Andra in 2015.

Reactors fast breeder reactor (FBR) has been given and calculation tools relative to core melt- To prepare for safety assessments priority, since it is the most advanced in down accidents and sodium-related risks. on next-generation reactors, IRSN terms of technical maturity, given oper- Two summary reports were established. is defining action to be taken (re- ating experience from the Phénix and search programs, tool development, Superphénix reactors (the latter shut With regards to the core meltdown acci- etc.) to adequately fulfil its mission down in 1998). dents considered (uncontrolled rod with- when the time comes. For IRSN, this implies getting ready to de- drawal, complete and instantaneous plug- fine the safety options to be chosen for ging of an assembly, pump shutdown with the prototype by 2012 and preparing for no rod drop), the summary report summa- Fourth Generation Reactors safety assessments, based on previous work. rizes knowledge acquired from experimen- State of knowledge on IRSN will turn to the substantial R&D work tal facilities such as Cabri or Scarabée, sodium-cooled fast breeder conducted on sodium-cooled FBR safety and describes the main calculation tools reactors from 1970 to 2001 by IPSN, the precursor developed for accident simulation. As In 2006, the French government decided to to IRSN, within vast international collabo- for sodium-related risks, the report has build a fourth-generation prototype reactor rative projects. gathered available information on sodium by 2020, aiming for industrial deployment fires, the behavior of the aerosols produced, towards 2050. Among the different tech- In 2008, working with CEA, the Institute interaction between sodium and concrete, nologies considered, the sodium-cooled took inventory on the state of knowledge detection and monitoring of sodium

Created in 2008 by IRSN, the Neutron Research Cluster is the answer to those wishing to unite the Institute’s skills in an area involving the fundamentals of nuclear reactor operation and safety as well as the nuclear fuel cycle. The purpose is to develop fundamental knowledge and conduct R&D research to prepare for assessments on the reactors and fuel processing facilities of the future, in both normal operation and accident situations. Future designs requiring IRSN technical assessment In the in terms of robustness and demonstrated safety, as they are perceived today, are more complex and words of diversified. Studies will require tools to process a wide range of diversified variables. This cross- Véronique disciplinary project covers two aspects: one involving fundamental data and computation tools, Rouyer and the other the impact of uncertainty on systems with a large number of parameters. Head of IRSN’s Neutron Research Cluster

52 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 It also covered experimentation relative to core meltdown (severe accidents). on sodium-cooled FBRs. assessments safety for IRSN, by conducted be to work R&D future orient help will They unanswered.remain that questions those picture of current knowledge, pointing out and water. The report provides an accurate sodium between reactions and leakage, Transfer poolintheC for planned the P initially tests certain running Jules Horowitz Reactor would be capable of the that safety. confirmed study This reactor water on knowledge acquire to serve could reactorthis how examined IRSN 2008, In doses of neutron radiation. thermal or mechanical stress, or and substantial high to subject situations, materials various test to accident in fuels nuclear it will be used to study the behavior of new Along with the C of safety the current and future nuclear reactors. study to 2015 in operation for ready be to expected is site, Cadarache its at build to started has CEA tor,which reac- experimental Horowitz Jules The nuclear safetyresearch a futureinstrumenttoserve The JulesHorowitzReactor: reactors forexperimentation Experimental reactors and h é experimental reactor to study study to reactor bus experimental abri experimental reactor, abri reactor area.

rods), while additional work is still required required still is work additional while rods), single fuel rod or (a an assembly with just configuration a few simplified a in type this of experiments to conduct be possible it would pressurized on water reactors. It now appears certain that accidents loss-of-coolant agenda SNETP strategic coordinator ofthe in Belgium and Systems atSCK-CEN Advanced Nuclear Institute of Director ofthe Abderrahim Hamid words In the Aït of Illustration ofthefuture Jules Horowitz Reactor. through Statefunds. addresses thepublic’s concerns,whichmustbefinanced funding, byclearlyidentifyingsafetyresearchworkthat the innovativeideaofsharingsourcesfutureresearch in Europe.TheInstitutealsocontributedtopromoting stakeholder inanyreflectioninvolvingnuclearenergy French nuclearpowerplantfleetmadeitanessential safety workgroup.Itsexpertiseandthesizeof Within TSOs,IRSNtookresponsibilityforthenuclear power plants. obligations ortheincreasingservicelifeofnuclear that takesintoaccountinevitableprioritiessuchaslegal the other, coming up with a structured research program helped matchdesiresononeside,andobligations role asindependenttechnicalspecialists.Theyalso Within thisgroup,theTSOscompletelyfulfilledtheir and universities. – safetyauthorities,researchinstitutions,TSOs,industry, over 160scientistsandengineersfrom60organizations was tobegainedinthisproject. This workmobilized sincere effortsofanentirecommunity, whosawwhat Technology Platformwasmadepossiblebytrueand for researchontheSustainableNuclearEnergy Successful preparation,in2008,ofthestrategicagenda www.snetp.eu

use this tool in the coming years. and technical conditions in which it could IRSN to for work with CEA to enough define the contractual positive still are clusions larger number of assemblies. To date, con to examine the feasibility of testing with a Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

53 -

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Working today to develop the knowledge and resources required Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 to assess risks in the nuclear facilities of tomorrow

Geological repositories for radioactive waste To prepare for assessment of An- dra’s project involving a geological radioactive waste repository, the Institute is conducting research work to gain the knowledge necessary to establish a substantiated assessment in this area.

Research on the safety of storing radioactive waste in a deep geological formation The safety of radioactive waste storage in a deep geological formation is a field that justi- fies significant efforts to expand knowledge at IRSN. Research and numerical modeling conducted by the Institute aims to develop a better understanding of phenomena that are only partially explained by current sci- The Melodie software application developed by IRSN is used to model radionuclide transfers. entific knowledge, and to confirm the values given in data submitted by Andra. This work must approach certain complex phenomena up the repository; and the most important Tournemire experimental from a perspective that is different from the parameters required to control the efficiency station designer’s viewpoint. For example, activity of processes used to seal cavities bored in Excavation of 170 meters of new galleries released by the repository into water-bearing the rock. was completed at the Tournemire station formations is checked using the Melodie in southwest France in June 2008. The new software application developed by IRSN. The meeting of the Atomic Energy Commit- galleries will provide IRSN with the space tee held on November 5, 2008 emphasized required to pursue its research and begin an Studies requiring experimentation are being the importance of concluding these research experimental program to assess the long- conducted at the IRSN Tournemire station programs within the deadlines scheduled by term safety of the technology designed to near Roquefort (in Aveyron), covering various Andra for commissioning of the geological seal the disposal cells containing radioactive subjects: the recognition and characterization repository. waste. The program aims to test various types of argillaceous rock to validate certain data of plugs to determine their effectiveness and important for repository safety; interaction strength over time, and to prepare for assess- between the different materials that make ment of the project that will be presented

In 2008, cooperation between IRSN and CNRS on radionuclide transfers led to the creation of a national research group covering soil, subsoil and ecosystems (TRASSE), planned to last four years. This project is part of a broader interdisciplinary program called PACEN, focusing on the downstream part of the nuclear energy cycle. The purpose of TRASSE is to stimulate research initiatives by organizing requests for projects every year, in areas involving radionuclide transfers that are not In the sufficiently covered by academics, starting with surface transfers and hydrogeology. CNRS and IRSN words of have a mutual desire to share their respective skills and search for complementarity. TRASSE offers Hubert research teams a chance to work at two exceptional experimental sites: the Tournemire station near Flocart Roquefort in Aveyron and the T 22 waste trench at Chernobyl in Ukraine. The T 22 trench provides Director of the a unique opportunity to study the transfer of radioactive contamination to the biosphere and PACEN program at CNRS the environment in general.

54 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 values observed. pressure abnormal the of cause the be may transfer of type this whether determine to is goal The gradient. thermal a of effect the under in a the argillite transfer water causing first time the for Conducted laboratory). Swiss Terri Mont the and site, Bure the at laboratory underground Andra’s station, experimental certain clay formations (the IRSN Tournemire at of the center observed pressures hydraulic abnormallyoriginhighofexplainthe to up A "thermal-osmosis" experiment has been set contained in the various clays. water of history and origin the trace to used rock samples takenof during excavation analysis will beand measurements Continuous formation.clay the of levels upper the all the of roof towardstunnel surfacecrossesthroughthe the from 2008 in drilled hole work in argillaceous rock. An ascending bore- excavationby caused damage on studies continue to extended also was station The tive act of June 28, 2006. by Andra in 2015, the date set by the legisla Tournemire experimental station: aspacededicatedtoIRSNresearch. in situ , the experiment consists of - Tournemire opensitsdoors tothepublic Openness long-lived wasterepositoryina deepgeologicalformation. understanding ofthereasonsbehind theresearchconductedonhigh-level, Over 500peoplerespondedtothe Institute’s invitation,givingthemabetter subject, andtocalmconcernsregarding theconstructionofwasterepositories. conducted bytheInstituteatsite,inanswertopublic’s questionsonthis at large,thepurposeofthiseventwastoexplainvisitorsresearch work “open-house”. Organizedforelectedofficials,thelocalpress,and thepublic On September28,2008,theTournemire experimentalstationorganizeditssecond to society to Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Protecting people and Monitoring worker and public exposure to ionizing radiation and the environment from measuring radioactivity nationwide ionizing radiation

With ionizing radiation being found in such wide-ranging applications as power generation, welding inspection and nuclear medecine, radiation protection for workers and the public is an essential aspect of IRSN’s activity. In 2008, the Institute therefore focused significant efforts on upgrading the instruments used to measure worker exposure in order to improve monitoring results. It also updated its strategy on environmental monitoring, along with the associated equipment, as well as methods used to measure contamination after an accident. In other studies, the Institute furthered its knowledge on the behavior of radioactive substances in the environment and their transfer mechanisms. It also took the necessary organizational measures to respond to issues raised by local populations concerning the quality of their environment.

Environmental resentation of atmospheric dispersion based will be deployed gradually in the coming years, exposure on the number of monitors and their location. with priority given to achieving good response IRSN ensures widespread monitor- The method showed that within France, the capability in the first year. ing of the public’s exposure to ion- quality of the network’s response improves In this context, a new generation of radioac- izing radiation. In 2008, measures as the number of stations increases, up to a tive aerosol monitors for sampling and meas- were taken to upgrade the monitor- "ceiling" of 70 stations. urements is currently under development to ing system. The third step will consist of evaluating the improve detection and characterization of network’s response capability for accidents widespread accidental atmospheric contami- that may occur in foreign countries. Monitors nation. Optimizing environmental monitoring The effectiveness of the nationwide monitoring system depends on having the right Lille Beaumont number of automatic aerosol monitors in the La Hague right places. This was achieved in a three-step approach. Paris

Brest Strasbourg Téléray stations The first step, accomplished in 2007, consisted (gamma radiation monitoring) of establishing a database of potential acci- Tours Bourges Sara stations dents that could occur on a nuclear reactor. (aerosol monitoring) Studies were conducted to simulate large-scale atmospheric dispersion of fallout subsequent to this type of accident, considering each EDF Lyon power plant site, and all the different types of meteorological conditions that could possibly occur within a year. Nice Toulouse Biarritz The second step, completed in 2008, consisted Montpellier of determining the optimum number of monitors and the best locations. With this in mind, IRSN developed a method to evaluate the Atmospheric radioactivity remote monitoring networks currently in service that will be upgraded in the coming years. network’s ability to produce an accurate rep-

56 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 ganizations. or variouscertified the byproduced results measurement radioactivity environmental in site 2008. Internet display will The website network’sitsthe and informationof system tivity measurements, IRSN supervised design radioacenvironmental of network national the of management technical and opment devel - the for authority contracting the As measurements environmental radioactivity National networkof cobalt-60 content in milk. consisting of determining the cesium-137 and exercise interlaboratory first the conduct to network the to belonging laboratories the In June 2008, IRSN organized a seminar with by the two supervisory ministries. scientificand technical assessments requested for requests any to respond will IRSN staff. their training and tests, aptitude laboratory inter organizing methods, measuring their validating by DGAL the by certified ratories labo of network the supervise will Institute the laboratory, benchmark national the As for Health. Ministry the and Agriculture of Ministry the by co-financed (AFSSA), consumption food to the for agency French ously entrusted safe previ- mission the over taken has Institute the then, Since foodstuffs. in radionuclides national benchmark laboratory for measuringthe as IRSN appointed (DGAL) Safety Food on General Directorate French the 2008 In in foodstuffs Measuring radionuclides measurements (RNM). radioactivity environmental of network national the by followed Procedure (RNM ex Data presented topublic Data transmission and s change protocol) National network p Data producers ecialists Data checked andrecorded - - - - Response sentto data in database p determine the best way to render information committees in the Loire watershed region to information local two the with dialogue its continued Institute the time, same the At collected at the beginning of 2009. be start could data that so accomplished, to opening the data production platform were mental data. In parallel, the steps required prior platform for the various providers of environ important step, which required opening a test an was tool collection data the of Delivery roducers Agriculture Industry, Ministryof charge oftheFood Director General in Bournigal Jean-Marc words In the of Receiving samplesbefore analysis. achieve greaterefficiency. the radionuclidemonitoringplan, establishedin1987,to support providedbyIRSNalsoincludes restructuring plant insouthernFrance.Thescientificandtechnical of smallcommercialfarmsinthevicinitySocatri consult theInstituteinJulyconcerningirrigation technology watchfortheDGAL.Thisiswhatledusto also conductstestanalysesandengagesascientific for thispurpose. The nationalbenchmark laboratory organized thefirstinterlaboratorycomparisonexercise the nationalnetworkofcertifiedlaboratories.IRSN validating analysismethods,aswellsupervising laboratory. Thisimplies developing,optimizing,and ministry tobeablereferanationalbenchmark radionuclides wereexcessive.Itisessentialforour required tokeepskillsupdateinthefieldof activity onotherspecializations,sincetheresources this mission. The agencywishedtofocusitsanalytical for Food Safety, AFSSA, who wished to discontinue this missionhasbeencarriedoutbytheFrenchagency laboratory forradionuclidemeasurements.Untilthen, establishing thefunctionofnationalbenchmark Cooperation withIRSNin2008covered,firstofall, ing ing - information on the future Internet site. provided food for on thought how to organize on environmental radioactivity. This approach Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES 191 600 (191 in2007) in thenationalremote monitoring network throughout thecountry(600in2007) monitors sampling points

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Monitoring worker and public exposure to ionizing radiation Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 and measuring radioactivity nationwide

Studies on site environments In response to requests from industry and government agencies, IRSN conducts studies on the impact of industrial activities on the environment and population.

State of knowledge on tritium With associations denouncing a possible tendancy for tritium to accumulate in living organisms, and consequently an underesti- mation of its effects on human health, IRSN has initiated work to determine the state of knowledge on tritium behavior in the environment.

Tritium comes from both natural and an- thropogenic sources, and is one of the radio- Radiological surface mapping at the Ile Saint-Denis site. nuclides the most frequently released from nuclear facilities and found in the environment. A hydrogen isotope, it follows the water cycle, thereby finding its way into living Openness to society organisms.

Comrisk The analysis in progress features several phases. The first consists of describing tritium behavior in the environment, based on the IRSN has confronted the difficulty of establishing dialogue with a population mechanisms involved in the water cycle and concerned by radioactive contamination in tasks where it conducts risk measurements taken regularly to determine assessments on contaminated sites, such as the Marie Curie School in Nogent- concentration. The second phase involves find- sur-Marne in the Paris region. Other institutions in charge of managing sites ing out what is known about the effects of this chemically contaminated by past industrial activities are also confronted with radionuclide on animal and vegetable species. these difficulties. The Comrisk study was conducted by Ineris and IRSN, at IRSN will then consolidate the current state the request of the French agency for energy control, Ademe. Its purpose of knowledge and identify any gaps. It will was to collect the results of research work and feedback on the involvement propose research actions to achieve a better of populations in contamination situations and then propose an appropriate understanding of the behavior and impact of management approach. tritium on humans and the environment.

The study was conducted in cooperation with a multidisciplinary follow-up committee consisting of professionals and citizen associations. Since May 2008, Managing industrial the study documents have been made available to all persons involved, i.e. those sites contaminated by who are in contact with contaminated locations, government agencies, and radionuclides other services interested in opening up dialogue with communities touched by The Ministry for Ecology and the ASN asked contamination. IRSN to revise the guidebook on “Managing industrial sites that may be contaminated by The results can easily be applied to any contaminated site and demonstrate radioactive substances”, issued in 2001. The that by providing a better response to stakeholders, site managers can be more purpose is to incorporate changes made by thorough in their action, thereby improving the quality of site management. the Ministry in February 2007 with regards to the general approach to characterization and www.comrisk.fr management of contaminated sites.

58 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 in the relevant organizations. on the current guidebook from various users The first step of consisted feedback collecting Ecology,for Ministry vention,Ineris.the and Pre Risk forDirectorateGeneralFrench the studies, as well as representatives of the ASN, study of soil pollution and radiological impact of experts from the Institute, specialized in the 2008, by setting up a of working fall group composed the in began guidebook the on Work ginning of 2010. The new version will be published at the be Setting upsamplesinthemeasuring system. Polynesian lagoons Pollution observatory created for More changing the target of its monitoring network from human health to the environment. At Tahiti IRSNisgraduallyreorientingitsradioactivitymonitoringstrategyby parameters commontothevarioussitesselectedinfivePolynesianarchipelagoes. The purposeistocollectdataonhydrological,climatic,chemical,andradioactivity this observatory. in 2006),andtheirdesignationasWorld Heritagesitesallpointedtotheneedfor ecosystems, Unesco’s classificationofcertainatollsasbiospherereserves(Fakarava and theFrenchDirectorateforEnvironment.Thevulnerabilityoflagoon partnership withlocallyestablishednationalresearchinstitutes,i.e.Ifremer, CNRS In 2008,IRSNhelpedcreateapollutionobservatoryforPolynesianlagoons,in details - - radium 226 – during the first half of the the of half 20 first the during – 226 radium especially – radionuclides of use industrial through contaminated those particularly sites, considerable polluted at working from experience gained IRSN respect this In creating a "green district" in Ile Saint-Denis Saint-Denis Ile in district" "green a creating involved work this site, one 2008. At in sites these of six at work conducted Institute The at these sites. operations remediation begun have industry th century. In the last 20 years, the State and in the 1990’s, when over 800 m rehabilitated partially was site factory clock former France. This of coast northern the on Bayard" project at Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont "Friche the for development land of charge in authority public Haute-Normandie the by requested also was support IRSN’s sary. neces as it adapt and view in project ment develop- land the with compatible was it whether determine to hectares, 10 roughly covering site, this on campaign acterization char radiological a conduct to IRSN asked Ecology for Ministry The stood. once plant in the Paris region, where a radium extraction amusement park. an to reconversion for site the prepare to has led IRSN to propose additional measures regulations new of Implementation Health. for Ministry the by time that at set ments require- cleanup with comply to removed Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES networks (4in2007) detected by radioactivity monitoring 3 27,600 taken peryear (31,000in2007) exceptional radiological events environement samples 3 of earth was

59 - -

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Monitoring worker and public exposure to ionizing radiation Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 and measuring radioactivity nationwide

Transfer and behavior International of radioactive substances in the environment First international conference on radioecology IRSN is working to improve models on the transfer of radioactive Co-organized by IRSN and its Norwegian counterpart NRPA, the international substances in the environment by conference on Radioecology and Environmental Radioactivity took place developing two major lines of ac- from June 16 to 20, 2008 in Bergen, Norway. A merger of two radioecology tion: validation of models designed to quantify radionuclide behavior events, this three-yearly international conference brought together within ecosystems; and justifying 500 representatives from research, industry, associations, and public authorities. the transfer parameter values used The subjects covered included environmental monitoring activities, transfer in these models. of radioactivity to biological organisms, and the effects of chronic and accidental contamination. Discussions touched on laboratory experiments and the developent of practical methods and calculation tools applicable to Carbon-14 transfers in monitoring an environment exposed to regulated release or accident fallout the environment involving significant amounts of contamination. Participants also focused Carbon-14, like tritium, is a radionuclide that on the effects of persistent, low-level, radioactive contamination in ecosystems. has the particular feature of being found in every compartment of the environment chain, which explains why the study of 14C transfer within ecosystems is of major inter- mammals (in this case cows), as a function updating was completed at the beginning est. IRSN has created an in situ experiment of diet will be studied at a later time, along of 2008. The final version submitted to the workshop, located downwind from the Areva with tritium transfers. IAEA at the end of 2008 should be published NC plant at La Hague, designed to validate in 2009. the relevant transfer models. In 2008 this workshop monitored radionuclide flux as it Radionuclide transfers in migrated between the different elements of the biosphere a prairie (air, rainwater, grass, soil), according The year 2008 saw the end of the IAEA’s EM- to weather conditions and prairie farming RAS working group (Environmental Modeling practices. Comparison of the first measure- for Radiation Safety), coordinated by IRSN ment results against estimated carbon-14 for four years. The purpose of this group was concentrations showed that the model used to update the international handbook of pa- as such underestimated carbon-14 concen- rameter values for the prediction of radio- trations in grass by about 15%. For carbon-14 nuclide transfer in temperate environments concentrations in the air, the model is being (TRS 364). improved to achieve a better representation After compiling a bibliography, consulting of the change dynamics in time. Transfers to data bases, and drafting the different chapters,

Initiated in October 2006 and supervised by IRSN, the coordinated European action FuturaE (a future for radioecology in Europe) presented its conclusions in October 2008. The purpose of Futurae was to study the feasibility of a European network of excellence in radioecology research. At the end of this reflection, it appears not only feasible, but essential to create a network of this type. The radioecology community will soon be confronted with several major challenges: keeping In the European competence in radioecology up to grade; preparing response capability for the expected words of growth in nuclear energy and the issues raised by new facilities such as ITER, as well as questions on waste... That is why, at the end of 2008, IRSN took the initiative of creating a group uniting several Jean-Christophe Gariel of the main European stakeholders in radioecology, so that, under the best possible conditions, they could prepare a response to the Request For Proposals to create a network, which should be issued at Deputy Director of Environment and the end of 2009. Response at IRSN

60 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 ation. situ accident any in involved radiation of on type the information accurate It provides monitoring. environmental and personal or very high doses withdoses great accuracy, low for both very measuring of capable is dosimeter new the (RPL), toluminescence radio-pho - on Based one. “film-based” ous previ - the replace to dosimeter formance enhanced-per an distributing been has Institute the 2008, of beginning the Since healthcare, research and industry. including activity, of sectors various in ers work 155,000 over with radiation, ionizing to exposed workers on Europe in files etry IRSN processes the largest number of dosim dosimetry Monitoring worker better controlofthisrisk. for radiation ionizing to exposure occupational of knowledge prove and proposes tools designed to im- on the job, IRSN conducts research radiation to exposed workers For the workplace Radiation protectionin The new photon-beta-neutron dosimeterdistributed by IRSN. - - - -

CNRS Physics Institute, the Orsay Nuclear Department at Head of Dosimetry Isabelle words In the Vabre of performance andreducedoperating time. characteristics. Thischoiceprovided uswithbetter which demonstratedthebesttechnical andfunctional We chosetheRPLtechnology, recentlyadoptedbyIRSN, capable ofinterfacingwithourcurrentdatabase. automated systempossible,forgreaterflexibilityinuse, our needs.We wanted themostfullyintegratedand identifiying thetechnologythatmostcloselymatched requirements specifiedbyFrenchregulationsand technical criteriaconsistedofmeetingtheperformance We thenputoutarequest forproposalsinwhichthe dosimetry inFrance. techniques usedbyotherorganizationswhoperform months. To replaceit,wesurveyedthevarious threshold istoohighfordosimeterswornthree meets thelatestregulatoryrequirements.Itsdetection This techniquehasbecomeobsolescentandnolonger our activity. photon andbetadosimetry, whichrepresents80%of partners. Upuntilnow, weusedradiographicfilmfor including CNRSstaffmembersandclosescientific using passivedosimetry. We keepfiles on3,000people, CNRS, monitorsexternalexposuretoionizingradiation The dosimetrydepartment,asatechnicalserviceof Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES IRSN (164,732in2007) whose individualdosimetryismonitored by 254 19,993 155,494 (225 in2007) analyses (19,319in2007) whole-body countings radiotoxicological workers

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Monitoring worker and public exposure to ionizing radiation Challenge 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 and measuring radioactivity nationwide

Promoting a nuclear culture based on radiation protection in healthcare is a major priority for the Institute.

Operation of this new dosimeter required protection officers can access this information Institute’s work can be found at the Roanne setting up a laboratory equipped with so- through the IRSN website. Operational devel- Hospital Center in the radiology service and phisticated automation. At the end of 2008, opment of Siseri made considerable progress radiotherapy service, which operates particle over 180,000 RPL dosimeters were sent out in 2008. IRSN boosted the resources allocated accelerators. Workplace studies define radio- to various customers. to this application to solve integration prob- logical zones and classify personnel functions They were manufactured using the new lems related to the poor quality of certain to determine which types of operational and Dosip computer application, released in data sent in. This effort allowed the Institute passive dosimeters are the most appropriate September 2008 after five years of design to achieve an integration rate greater than for monitoring each staff member. and development. 95% for passive dosimetry data and complete integration of operational dosimetry data. The The year 2008 also saw the completion of data transfer protocol for monitoring internal Raised exposure to work conducted by the Institute to improve contamination was also established. Mean- “naturally-occurring” performance on its neutron dosimeter. This while, the Institute has continued recording radiation new, more sensitive device features functions old data in order to compile the complete Certain industrial activities such as the pro- that are convenient for assessments, offering dosimetry history of each worker that has duction of refractory ceramics, the com- greater accuracy on the type of exposure. It been exposed to radiation in France. bustion of coal in thermal power plants is also well adapted to the various neutron or the processing of ores (to produce tin, spectra that workers may be exposed to. aluminum, etc.) involve the use of raw ma- www.irsn.org/dosimetre Studying workplaces in the medical field Given the growing demand for personnel to personal Siseri consolidates its assist radiation protection officers in industry 1,428,178 dosimeters potential and the medical field, in 2008 IRSN developed were read to monitor worker dosimetry Since 2005, the Siseri database has central- consultancy services to study workplaces. This (1,491,118 in 2007) ized and archived all the results on individual service is based on the know-how developed monitoring of worker exposure to ionizing by the Institute over the years and is con- 214 people participated radiation in France, in compliance with the sistent with its mission to promote a nu- in intercomparison exercises mission assigned to the Institute by the Labor clear culture based on radiation protection (143 in 2007) Code. Occupational physicians and radiation in the healthcare sector. An example of the

62 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 does not involve exploiting the radioactive the exploiting involve not does process the where but radionuclides, contain naturally that materials raw with working occupations25,Mayrelativeto of 2005 der This type of exposure is regulated by the Or population.local the workers or exposureof increase significantly may operations These radionuclides. contain naturally that terials ma raw of use the involve etc.) aluminum, response asafunctionofneutronenergy. the Amandefacilitycannowbeusedtocalibrateortestdetector metrology andtesting,theLNE.Inadditiontosettingstandards, established jointlybyIRSNandtheFrenchnationallaboratoryfor serve asthenationalmetrologicalstandardsforneutrondosimetry, The Amandefacilitygeneratesmonokineticneutronfieldsthat > nineweeksforIRSN’s ownR&Dstudies. > > 24 weeksofirradiationoperationstosatisfyvariousneeds: Open tooutsideuserssince2007,IRSN’s Amandefacilityran AMANDE Research outlet experiments inradiobiology; PN3 personalneutrondosimeters,aswellcellirradiationfor ten weeksforcalibrationofIRSNdetectors,includingthenew companies thatmanufactureradiationprotectiondevices; work conductedincooperationwithCNRS,theotherhalffor five weeksforexternalservicecontracts,halfofwhichinvolved - -

sis was conducted by IRSN on the assessment national safety authority). An in-depth analy- the territorial divisions of the ASN (the Frenchby studies these of examination facilitate to criteria assessment established also Institute regulations.The by required studies impact conducting for responsible professionals for 2008 in document a published IRSN issue, this materials. To address these of properties The Amande facility. year, the limit for public exposure. less than the reference value of 1 mSv 1 of valuereference the than less were population the for calculated doses the the for doses calculated workers and 100% of 88% of by industry: 80 submitted nearly files the in presented data analyzing to dedicated thermal coal-fired power in plants. The workers year 2008 by was also received doses of Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ACTIVITIES

-1

per per 63

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Staying alert to prevent preventING proliferation of nuclear, biological, and malicious use of nuclear chemical weapons and controlLING nuclear and radiological energy and radioactivity security in the face of terrorism

In addition to providing round-the-clock security control at nuclear facilities, 2008 was marked by the transfer of responsibility for nuclear security from the Ministry of Industry to the Ministry of Energy. IRSN assisted the two senior defense and security officials from these two ministries during this transfer.

• computerized systems involved in access control; • nuclear materials monitoring systems; • management of protection system inhibi- tion. Inspections covered checking compliance with technical instructions and ensuring that equipment meets the desired objectives, taking into consideration plant layout (distance between buildings, location of the central alarm station, surface area of the zone to be monitored, etc.).

Nuclear material follow- up and accountability: assessment and inspection activities Maritime transport of nuclear materials. In 2008 IRSN carried out 168 files analyses and 121 analyses of nuclear material inventory reports, at the request of the authority Protection and duct inspections at facilities holding nuclear in charge of nuclear material control. control of nuclear and materials, at the Official’s request. Nuclear sensitive materials materials inspectors conducted 55 facilities IRSN specialists, designated by the Senior De- inspections in 2008, two of these being initi- fense and Security Official as nuclear materials ated in response to particular events, as well inspectors, also conducted 63 inspections on Physical protection of as 60 inspections during transport operations nuclear material follow-up and accountability nuclear materials and 18 inspections on transport equipment in 2008. Some of these inspections included In 2008, at the request of the authority in (Categories I and II). specific examination of the accountability of charge of nuclear material control, IRSN exam- these materials and the associated measur- ined about 150 files on the physical protection Certain on-site physical protection systems ing devices. of facilities and nuclear materials, as well as are connected to computerized systems that Efforts made during the last few years to nuclear material transport. participate in video surveillance, remote control of protection systems and alarm acknowl- Experts from the Institute officially appointed edgement and analysis. technical inspections conducted as "nuclear materials inspectors" are man- 15 in facilities under the “declaration regime” dated by the Senior Defense and Security In this context, inspections carried out in 2008 (10 in 2007) Official of the Ministry of Industry to con- focused particularly on:

64 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 i o n Org a niz at a nd Ou t l oo k

Exercise in taking nuclear material inventory in an emergency situation. Development of assessment tools for physical protection of facilities. S umm a ry

improve the content of licensing and control Taking nuclear material and coordination of the various participants files were pursued in 2008. These documents inventory in an (operators, public authorities). They consist are now operational and are used during emergency situation of taking a nuclear material inventory at one inspections. At the request of public authorities, IRSN or more facilities within the space of a few IRSN also conducted 15 technical inspec- regularly organizes emergency response ex- hours to confirm or rule out the existence of tions in facilities holding small amounts of ercises that involve taking nuclear material any malicious acts (theft or misuse of nuclear nuclear materials that are under the so called inventory at a facility. The purpose of these materials or acts of sabotage). “declaration regime”. exercises is to test decision-making chains In 2008 this exercise was conducted at the Areva NC plant at Pierrelatte in southern France. The exercise scenario, prepared by IRSN More details in conjunction with the operator, simulated

a blackmail attempt threatening radioactive C T I V E S A Training Areva personnel in nuclear material control contamination. The emergency response teams at the Ministry of Industry, Areva and IRSN were all activated. The exercise took place over approximately eight hours and involved The need to train personnel in the quite specific area of nuclear material control over thirty people. was identified at Areva, who asked IRSN to organize a customized training Fourteen exercises of this type, held annually, program for the corporation’s operators. This program involved nuclear material have already taken place. They have been used accountability and covered the regulatory framework, stakeholders involved, to test emergency response procedures ap- principles, and technical procedures. plicable at major French nuclear sites. Training dealt with international inspections, conducted in France by the European Commission and the IAEA, and national inspections recently placed under the authority of the Ministry of Energy. 196 inspection missions After the first test session in December 2007, three sessions were conducted in relative to national nuclear material control 2008, with 15 participants taking part in each one. Feedback based on immediate (171 in 2007) reactions at the end of training has been positive, and three more sessions have been scheduled for 2009. Discussions are underway to widen the range of 1 exercise on nuclear material inventory training classes to cover more technical aspects for more specialized employees. in an emergency situation (1 in 2007) Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 65 preventING proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons Challenge 1 5 6 7 2 3 4 and controlLING nuclear and radiological security in the face of terrorism

International

Establishing the qualification profile for IAEA inspectors

As part of the French support program to the IAEA, IRSN has initiated action to establish the behavioral profile required for inspectors in charge of nuclear material inspections. The purpose is to improve the recruiting and training strategy for these inspectors.

The Institute’s proposal, based Samples for the Euratom control. on a method developed for skills management, is receiving serious consideration due to the Institute’s experience and the fact that the International At the beginning of 2008, IRSN created a se- method can be easily adapted to inspections in a non- cured web portal where industry can submit its suit the needs of the IAEA. proliferation context declarations. Used by 83% of the organizations The selected approach consists of In 2008, IRSN continued to provide who must declare their chemical products, drawing on knowledge from both technical support to authorities, in a a survey showed that 80% of the users were nuclear material control and human context where control organizations satisfied with the web site. resource development and using (OPCW, Euratom and the IAEA) are these skills in a complementary increasing their inspection efforts way. in French chemical and nuclear in- International inspections of This project is taking on dustrial facilities. nuclear facilities considerable importance as the www.irsn.org/non-proliferation In 2008, IRSN escorted 45 inspections con- IAEA seeks to replace the more ducted within the framework of the Euratom experienced inspectors who are Treaty and IAEA inspections of French facili- leaving, while the Additional International inspections of ties, compared to 43 the previous year. This Protocol extends the scope of their chemical facilities increase is explained mainly by negotiations activity and changes the required In 2008, IRSN escorted 10 inspections con- between France, the IAEA and Euratom regard- skills profile. ducted by the Organization for the Prohibi- ing inspection procedures for the Georges This activity also gives IRSN the tion of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at French Besse II plant and by requests from Euratom opportunity to approach an area industrial sites, compared to six conducted involving certain facilities that require clari- that is not yet covered in the French on an average basis in previous years. During fication on specific points. Safeguard Support Program. one of these missions, samples were taken and chemical analyses were then carried out The Institute participated in an exercise in the Institute’s mobile laboratory. on what is referred to as a "notification of complementary access", specified in the Ad- IRSN also participated in interministerial ditional Protocol. This allowed IRSN to test 10 missions to escort working groups on challenge inspections, to the emergency instructions and the various inspections involving the chemical weapons ban (4 in 2007) prepare for any very intrusive inspection re- documents prepared for this purpose. A later sulting from a call of defiance issued by a State. exercise conducted internally at the Institute Based on its experience of routine inspections, confirmed that the system implemented is 45 missions to escort the Institute has proposed documents and operational and has reached maturity. inspections involving international nuclear methods that can serve as the basis for an In 2008, the Piment portal, developed by material control (43 in 2007) inspection escort policy, which will be tested IRSN, was deployed in facilities belonging to during future exercise inspections. the Areva group. This tool is used to declare

66 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 i o n Org a niz at a nd Ou t l oo k

International organizations intensify their action. Ioda: a special site for declaring nuclear materials electronically. ry S umm a ry imports and exports of nuclear materials to malicious acts involving nuclear materials, Restricted expert groups IRSN electronically using a secured Internet transport and facilities. Work involved the Consultation of the restricted expert groups connection and electronic certificates. Its draft decree to implement Articles L1332 responsible for examining the technical as- helps to simplify information processing at and L1333 of the Code of Defense and two pects of protecting facilities from acts of IRSN. orders to implement this decree, one related sabotage resumed in 2007, but no meetings to provisions to ensure accounting for and were held in 2008. Examination of the EPR In the same year the Institute also continued control for nuclear materials, the other on project with regards to malicious acts contin- work on its computer systems (processing transport, which grouped together general ued in 2008, while examination of the same and retransmission) to take into account for- provisions covering different types of trans- issue began for the Jules Horowitz Reactor mat changes in the statements required by port of nuclear materials and special provisions at Cadarache. Euratom regulations and used by two of the on the different modes of transportation (road, three main nuclear operators in France. rail, sea, air).

IRSN provided technical assistance to French C T I V E S

In the A authorities in processing several cases, namely words of in defining the scope of application and the IRSN’s support to SGDN basically covers two areas. The means to be invested to protect the informa- Christine first is related to security and defense issues: security of Bamière tion contained in a certain number of sensitive radioactive sources and nuclear materials, protection of Project leader facilities, physical protection and national accountability documents sent to Euratom for inspection reporting to the purposes. IRSN also participated actively in Director of State of nuclear materials. In this area, the Institute’s action covers both work on the definition and practical application of Protection and Security at SGDN regulatory texts and research on how to improve the measures agreed between France and Japan protection of sources against malicious acts. regarding imports of certain equipment de- On a European scale, IRSN applies its competence signed for installation in French plants. with regards to radioactive sources in work conducted to reduce radiological risk. Likewise, the Institute also participates in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). Protection against The second area of collaboration involves diagnostics and treatment for people who have been irradiated. malicious acts The scientific and medical skills available at IRSN are essential, especially in setting up the plan to deal with Regulatory text reviews victims in France. In 2008 IRSN continued to participate in the revision of French regulations relevant to Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 67 preventING proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons Challenge 1 5 6 7 2 3 4 and controlLING nuclear and radiological security in the face of terrorism

The IAEA plays a major role in building nuclear security for tomorrow by identifying long-term goals that are consistent with legal instruments such as the conventions on physical protection and nuclear terrorism or UN Security Council resolutions, and by managing the heritage resulting from past neglect of security issues. To fulfill our commitments, we work with Member States and particularly appreciate the competence, In the expertise, and assistance provided at various levels by France, and especially by IRSN. For example, words of the advisory group on security can rely on the recommendations of IRSN’s Deputy Director in charge Anita Nilsson of defense-related missions to formalize a well-organized program. Director of the IAEA An IRSN specialist contracted out to the IAEA helps us in our daily work, while others provide support Office of Nuclear on how to approach specific aspects or write special directives. Security In 2008 the Institute contributed to many of our activities, such as ensuring complementarity between safety and security approaches, or removing high-activity sources contained in unused equipment from sensitive places. IRSN also helped us publish roughly ten security guidelines.

Security of radioactive In this type of work, IRSN relies on its own Sigis database development sources skills in radiation protection, security, and IRSN’s Sigis database includes information The study program aimed at tightening up emergency response management. Contacts on radioactive sources and the terms of the security against malicious acts targeting ra- have also been made with the Paris Fire Brigade corresponding authorizations. In January dioactive sources continued in 2008 with the and public transportation operators. 2007, the ASN, who already had access to identification of possible aggression scenarios this database, expressed the idea that this tool and assessment of the corresponding radio- Lastly, as part of the organization that the should be extended to its regional divisions. logical consequences. State is setting up to reinforce security around The result gave way to two major changes: radioactive sources, IRSN has proposed to first, the network architecture was modified Assessment of the most sensitive scenarios is extend its operational expertise to include to integrate the Sigis database into the IRSN still in progress, and will determine the medi- source security and offer a complete sup- computer network in a domain open to ASN cal and sanitary response to be implemented port capability that covers all safety, radiation users; second, the application was changed both during and after the accident situation. protection and security issues. to allow the regional divisions of the ASN to

Repeating exercises for better responsiveness in an emergency.

68 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 grant authorizations according to the required i o n Org a niz at procedures, while maintaining the confidentiality of data in the database. Once the various entities of the ASN had received appropriate training, they were given access to the system at the beginning of 2009.

International activities In 2008, at the request of the IAEA, IRSN participated, as an instructor or lecturer, in international courses covering design basis threats (South Africa), physical protection of research reactors (Congo), and the basis of physical protection for nuclear materials and facilities (Morocco). The Institute also

participated in an advisory mission in the a nd Ou t l oo k Netherlands involving physical protection of Cattenom nuclear power plant. nuclear materials. ry S umm a ry Elsewhere, IRSN took part in working groups Develop IRSN’s technical to society involving: response and mobilization Openness • the IAEA document on fundamentals security capabilities to handle a principles; radiological emergency of Policy document on safety • Revision 5 of the circular INFCIRC 225, con- malicious origin vs security taining recommendations on protection of In April 2008, a meeting to collect feedback nuclear materials and facilities; on the EPEES 03 nationwide exercise (which • the recommendations document on radioac- took place at the Cattenom power plant in As part of its mission to protect tive source security; Moselle in November 2007) was organized nuclear facilities from malicious • the structure of texts in IAEA recommen- by the Senior Defense and Security Official acts, IRSN is producing a policy document that compares the dations; from the Ministry of Industry, in the presence safety approach and the security • some technical documents (on information of all the participating entities and with the approach. These two are quite systems security, protection of radioactive technical support from IRSN. The observations similar in terms of principles, sources, and transport of nuclear materials, recorded by assessment specialists from each but nonetheless feature specific

for example). entity pointed out lines of improvement that points that require different C T I V E S A will be taken into account by each stakeholder implementation procedures. Moreover as part of measures taken to de- in the next exercise. The policy document will reinforce velop a nuclear security culture, the European The purpose of EPEES exercises is to test co- complementarity between the Commission asked IRSN to participate in sev- ordination between nuclear facility opera- safety analyses and security eral missions (in Brussels, Singapore, Jordan, tors, who are responsible for site protection, analyses that IRSN submits to Morocco) to assess the relevance of develop- and public authorities: the Prefect, the state the relevant authorities in these two fields. ing European training centers or networks prosecutor, local and national police forces. In (through centers of excellence, for example), in 2008, IRSN began organizing the next exercise, several countries outside the European Union EPEES 04, which will continue to prepare major (in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa). operators (EDF, CEA and Areva) for management of an emergency situation of malicious IRSN also participated in the development of origin at a nuclear site. methods to assess the potential consequences of a malicious act in the context of cooperation with the US/DOE (characterization of the source term). 1,400 movements of radioactive sources recorded in the Sigis database (1,100 in 2007) Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 69 Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Studying emergency DevelopING IRSN’s technical response and mobilization capability situations and their to face a major radiological emergency consequences to improve readiness

Aiming to improve its assessment and operational capabilities in the event of a radiological accident, IRSN achieved significant progress in 2008 in three areas. First, it contributed to the definition of national policy relative to post-accident situations by preparing new accident scenarios to serve as a basis of reflection for the steering committee in charge of managing the post-accident phase of a nuclear accident (Codir-pa). Second, It consolidated its own emergency response organization by implementing new mobile measuring units. Third, it developed new tools to further its knowledge on exposure to ionizing radiation and improve treatment of patients irradiated accidentally.

National policy IRSN is involved in work aiming to International establish a national policy for management of nuclear post-accident Welcome extended to Norwegian and Russian observers situations.

Participation in Codir-pa work Since 2005, IRSN has been strongly committed to preparing a national policy on management of nuclear post-accident situations. In 2008 a total of more than 20 specialists at the Institute participated in work conducted by the steering committee for management of the post-accident phase of a nuclear accident (Codir-pa), set up by the ASN in 2005.

In addition to being present in nine of the eleven thematic groups, two created in 2008, In collaborative work conducted by IRSN and the Norwegian Radiation IRSN led two groups, one responsible for Protection Agency (NRPA), a physician from the Russian radiation protection agency (FMBA), an engineer from FMBC (the Russian technical support agency) evaluating the radiological and dosimetric and an engineer from the NRPA were invited to observe the national emergency impact on the environment and humans, and response exercise held on October 7, 2008; both in the field and at the IRSN the other responsible for choosing the as- Emergency Response Technical Center. The exercise simulated an accident at the sumptions on which predictive assessments Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux nuclear power plant in the center of France, leading to would be based. environmental release of radioactivity.

The purpose of the visit was to help FMBA improve its local organization within IRSN presented a new accident scenario to the framework of a bilateral project between FMBA and NRPA. This organization the steering committee, where plutonium will be tested during an exercise scheduled at Gremikha (Russia) during the was released to the environment, in order summer of 2009, where IRSN observers will be invited. to test the first policy measures proposed in 2007 for assessment and management of

70 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Developing emergency i o n Org a niz at response teams and equipment In 2008, the Institute continued its efforts to reinforce the selection of people capable of taking part in an emergency, either at the Emergency Response Center to help with assessments, or in the teams sent out in the field to measure radioactivity.

The Emergency Response Center responds to any radiological emergency situation. Even if the number of team members had already reached over 300 people, the Institute wished to take an exhaustive inventory of the immediate consequences of radioactive • its ability to predict the radiological and all its employees that could hold a function fallout from an accident involving people, dosimetric consequences occurring imme- in an emergency, in order to ensure rapid buildings, and agricultural production. diately after accidental release; mobilization of all competent specialists at

• mobilization in the field with regards to all times and maintain operational teams on a nd Ou t l oo k The Institute also began unique research to gathering samples, measurement results, a long-term basis. construct a severe accident scenario where and contextual information used to refine substantial release occurs over a long period preliminary assessments. As regards the Emergency Response Center, ry S umm a ry (two weeks). This new scenario, presented in the 2008 inventory pointed out the need spring 2009, will be used to test and adapt the to add more people for situations affecting approaches proposed by Codir-pa, which until laboratories, plants, experimental reactors, now had only considered short-duration ac- Consolidation of and defense-related facilities. In the field, it cident scenarios with a moderate impact. emergency response appeared necessary to reinforce measure- organization ment coordination functions at the operations In parallel to national-level work, IRSN has IRSN is constantly improving the control center set up by the local authorities continued to improve its organization and ways and means it employs in a radi- (40 people) and to add mobile units for tak- emergency response assessment methods ological emergency so that it can re- ing measurements in the environment and on in terms of: spond appropriately in any situation. people (about 80 people).

Since 2005, the ASN has led reflections on a national policy for post-accident management of a C T I V E S

nuclear accident situation. This effort is based on work accomplished by the steering committee for A management of the post-accident phase of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency situation (Codir-pa). About 130 people from national and local government agencies, local public authorities, various In the specialized institutes, such as IRSN and InVS, and associations participate in work conducted words of in the 11 working groups set up by the Codir-pa steering committee. A report on their preliminary results was submitted to the government last March and was published André-Claude on the ASN website. IRSN took an active part in these discussions, where it was necessary to deal with Lacoste numerous complex technical questions and come up with practical answers. Some of the Institute’s ASN Chairman important contributions included defining the notion of "post-accident", making a distinction between the different operational phases, and clarifying the role of each stakeholder. From a technical viewpoint, the Institute conducted specific studies to confirm strategic thinking with regards to the possible consequences of different types of scenario. The first phase of reflection was closed at the end of 2007, with an international conference held in Paris and a progress report submitted to the government at the beginning of 2008. Our next milestone is set for 2010, when we aim to hold another international conference and submit a final report to the government at the end of the year.

www.asn.fr Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 71 DevelopING IRSN’s technical response and mobilization capability Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 to face a major radiological emergency

International

IRSN operates in Tunisia

On March 23, 2008, an irradiation accident occurred at an industrial site in Tunisia, subsequent to a malfunction on a gamma radiography device used for weld inspections, equipped with an iridium-192 radioactive source. IRSN immediately recommended that the patient, with hand burns, be transferred to the Percy Hospital in Clamart (in the Paris region), a center highly specialized in the treatment of serious radiation The dosimetric properties of the plastic used on phones are tested using electron paramagnetic resonance. burns. When Tunisia called for assistance, the IAEA asked France to take charge of the patient for medical treatment. The ASN gave A special effort focused on integrating IRSN Developing tools a positive reply to this request sites in areas outside the capital into the emer- To improve treatments applied to and the patient was transferred gency response structure, to reduce the time victims of accidental irradiation, to the Percy Military Hospital on required to intervene in the field. IRSN is working to develop dosime- the evening of May 1. Theoretical training started in 2008 will be try tools and therapeutic treatments The patient was treated using followed up by practical training in 2009. Skills for radiation-induced lesions. the new therapeutic approach will be kept up to date through participation conceived by IRSN for treating in national emergency exercises or specific radiation burns, applied previously internal exercises. New materials for after accidents that had occurred in retrospective dosimetry Chili and Senegal. Skin grafts were In parallel, the program to upgrade IRSN’s To improve its ability to measure doses re- combined with local administration mobile operational units resulted in delivery ceived by victims of accidental irradiation, of mesenchymatous stem cells. of two trucks equipped for taking measure- IRSN is studying the dosimetric properties A retrospective dosimetry ments in the environment. To move its teams of materials such as glass, plastic, and even assessment was conducted by IRSN and implement radiological measurement the electronic components in objects found based on bone samples. systems in an incident situation, IRSN now has on most people (mobile phones, watches, emergency vehicles, laboratories on wheels, glasses, plastic buttons, etc.). These studies are and a control center vehicle. These vehicles based on various techniques, such as electron have been positioned at Avignon (southeast paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry, France), Fontenay-aux-Roses (Paris region) thermo-luminescence, and optically stimu- accident dosimetry, given the instability in and Agen (southwest). lated luminescence. the radiation-induced signals they produce. Although luminescent techniques are more In 2008, dosimetric properties were studied sensitive on electronic components, their on a wide range of samples. As an example, use remains limited due to signal instability. the glass used in liquid crystal screens was Additional work is in progress to take into found to be the most promising material for account this phenomenon. units added 3 measurements using EPR. Most glass of this to the Emergency Technical Center (2 in 2007) type produces a radiation-induced signal that is steady and intense enough for dose measurements of a few grays several weeks 4 dose assessments through biological dosimetry (7 in 2007) after an accident. Among the different plas- tics tested, very few appeared appropriate for

72 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 treat skin lesions. In this aim, the Institute is i o n Org a niz at examining the therapeutic potential of other types of stem cells through experimental models. Preliminary results obtained in 2008 showed that the administration of stem cells present in adipose tissue (ASC) improves healing of a wound on irradiated skin. These cells are capable of stimulating cell regeneration in the epidermis and lead to the formation of new blood vessels, which is essential for a wound to heal correctly. The remarkable plasticity of adipose stem cells and the fact that they are easily taken from adipose tissue make them a promising solution for the treatment of radiation- induced skin lesions. This work is being

conducted under a contract with the French a nd Ou t l oo k armament procurement agency, DGA, which runs from October 2008 to October 2011. Analyzing chromosome abnormalities in samples from an irradiated patient. ry S umm a ry

nationwide nuclear Automation of biological accidentally irradiated patients have been 4 emergency exercises dosimetry successfully treated by IRSN and the Percy involving defense-related activities If a large number of people are exposed to Military Hospital in Clamart through cell (3 in 2007) radiation in an accident situation, it is im- therapy, including techniques based on the portant to classify the victims according injection of mesenchymal stem cells. nationwide nuclear 9 emergency exercises to the actual dose received. The aim is to excluding defense-related activities identify those who have received the great- IRSN’s research programs aim to improve the (9 in 2007) est exposure so that therapeutic treatment clinical conditions of using cell therapy to can begin as quickly as possible.

The dose received by each victim can be assessed by taking blood samples to count In 2008 we conducted an intercomparison study on

the dicentric chromosome abnormalities C T I V E S

results obtained from four laboratories participating in A caused by irradiation. This reference tech- the national biological dosimetry network. This exercise, nique provides results in a few days for a based on a blood sample, confirmed that the network is limited number of victims (less than 10), but operational for rapidly sorting a large number of people would require extensive resources if the as- In the suspected of being potentially irradiated, in the event sessment involved a large number of people. words of of a malicious act or a large-scale accident at a nuclear A variation of this technique was tested after Philippe Voisin power plant. an irradiation accident involving 63 potential Head of the victims in Dakar in August 2006. In 2008, Radiobiology and The national network consists of the IRSN biological certain steps in recognition of chromosome Epidemiology dosimetry laboratory, two CEA cytogenetic laboratories, Department at IRSN abnormalities were successfully automated. and a laboratory at the French National Natural This new method reduced the required analy- History Museum. The network was formed through a sis time by a factor of three and correctly government-sponsored R&D program associated with identified 96% of the persons exposed. the effort to combat nuclear, radiobiological, biological, and chemical terrorism, coordinated by the Secretary General of National Defense. The network may soon Treatment using adipocyte be reinforced by a laboratory being created within the stem cells military health service. Treating radiation-induced skin lesions is extremely complex and delicate. Since 2006, Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 73 Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Better quantification Understanding the effects of chronic low-dose exposure of risk related to low-level radiation doses to optimize radiation protection

In 2008, IRSN pursued its ENVIRHOM research program divided into two parts: the environment, with research on the genetic adaptation mechanisms of invertebrates in response to chronic exposure to uranium; and humans, with new knowledge gained on how chronic exposure to uranium affects the human organism. In parallel, the Institute published a report on cases of infant leukemia observed near nuclear facilities and concluded a three-year study on worker exposure to radiation in the nuclear sector, conducted within the Alpha-Risk project.

ENVIRHOM exposed populations. In fact, the higher the also more vulnerable in a new environment. Program uranium concentration, the faster adaptation This observation is extremely important, since Since 2001, the IRSN ENVIRHOM was achieved. At high concentrations, however, it implies that if environmental chages take program has increased knowl- the response is not proportional to the con place quickly and frequently, populations that edge on how chronic exposure to tamination level. Other results show that while have adapted to a particular environment ionizing radiation affects the envi- these populations adapt to uranium, they are may tend to disappear. Continued research ronment and humans. In 2008 this work focused on exposure to uranium.

ENVIRHOM and adaptive phenomena in the environment Work conducted for the ENVIRHOM program continued in 2008 with research on uranium, to improve assessment of the risk involved when ecosystems are chronically exposed to this radioelement. Understanding adap tive mechanisms is an important phase in identifying the ecological consequences of exposing plant and animal populations to a contaminant.

Experiments have demonstrated that aquatic invertebrate populations exposed to uranium are capable of rapid genetic adaptation.

After eight generations, the test populations consisted of individuals showing rapid growth Visualizing the stage of development of living organisms. and high fertility, comparable to that of un

74 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 i o n Org a niz at

Initial results on uranium distribution in parts of the cell were obtained Laboratory experiment on the ecotoxic effects of chronic exposure through SIMS ion microscopy. This analysis showed that uranium accumulates to uranium on living organisms for the ENVIRHOM project. in the membrane of liver cells in the rat. a nd Ou t l oo k in this area will confirm whether the same results may be observed in the natural en ry S umm a ry vironment. For over 40 years radiation protection has been founded on the assumption that there is no mimimum limit below which exposure to ionizing radiation has no effect on human health; but 40 years of research have shown that Impact of uranium on men and women, young and old, from various ethnic the rodent reproductive In the groups react differently to the same amount of exposure. system words of The year 2008 was dedicated to studying the This implies that we do not have quantitative proof consequences of chronic ingestion of small Wolfgang Weiss to answer the question of whether or not we provide amounts of depleted and/or enriched uranium Chairman of the people from all categories – workers in the nuclear High-level Expert on the physiology of reproduction. Group on European sector, physicians, the general public – with an Low-dose Research adequate level of radiation protection. Yet a question In the female mouse, several months of in as fundamental as this demands a scientific consensus, which is why a high-level expert group (HLEG) on gestion of water contaminated by depleted European low-dose research was formed, to define uranium (the reference radionuclide in the a European-wide, common, transparent policy on risk

ENVIRHOM program) caused structural modi quantification. French organizations, especially IRSN, C T I V E S A fications in ovocytes, although uranium did are the most active in conducting research in this not accumulate in the ovaries. A diversification area and contribute considerably to the high-level of ovocyte anomalies was observed for the expert group’s work. In 2008, the group asked eight higher concentrations tested. internationally recognized specialists to outline European research strategy in terms of the fundmental In the male rat, ingestion of water con questions that can no longer be left unanswered. taminated by enriched uranium disturbed Management of such a long-term project is too complex the metabolism of certain sexual hormones. to be placed under the individual responsibility of scientists or institutions. These effects were not observed with depleted uranium, indicating radiological Cooperation and integration of research work must toxicity of uranium rather than chemical toxic therefore be conceived on a European scale. I am ity in these studies. therefore inviting IRSN and other members of the Research is still in progress to determine high-level expert group to contribute their knowledge, whether these effects of uranium cause prob competence, and resources to a multidisciplinary lems in the reproduction function. initiative on low-dose research, and to create a long- term, operational framework for European research on risks in this area. Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 75 Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Understanding the effects of chronic low-DOSE exposure

EDF nuclear power plants CEA research centers Gravelines Others

Penly Chooz La Hague Paluel Cattenom Flamanville Fontenay Saclay Nogent Fessenheim Saint-Laurent Dampierre Chinon Belleville

Civaux Bugey Blayais Saint-Alban Grenoble Romans Cruas Tricastin Golfech Marcoule Cadarache

Locations of civil nuclear facilities in France. An open-pit uranium mine.

Chronic risks Britain, and near the Kruemmel nuclear power leukemia cases was not higher in persons IRSN is conducting epidemiologi- plant in Germany. aged from 0 to 24 in the vicinity of nuclear cal studies to measure the effects of In another IRSN analysis based on multi-site sites. The observation reported in a German chronic human exposure to ioniz- studies, including France, the frequency of publication at the end of 2007 showing a ing radiation from the workplace, the environment, accident situations or medical treatments. International

The Protect Project: conclusions and recommendations Knowledge on the risk of leukemia Many studies have attempted to explain the The Protect project for coordinated action ended in October 2008. local excess of childhood leukemia around Carried out as part of the 6th Framework Program, the Protect project was certain nuclear facilities. Most of the stud a joint effort of the British Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), the Swedish ies encounter methodological limitations Radiation Protection Authority (SSM), the Norwegian Radiation Protection that make it difficult to demonstrate a causal Authority (NRPA) and IRSN. This consortium issued several recommendations link. In 2008 IRSN conducted a critical review of international scope, consistent with UNSCEAR and ICRP work accomplished on all epidemiological data available on the in environmental radiation protection. The use of statistical methods, already risk of infantile leukemia occurring in the applied to chemical substances and adapted by IRSN for working with radioactive substances, is preferred over expert opinions in determining vicinity of nuclear facilities. the criteria to be applied to protecting the biodiversity of ecosystems. To ensure protection of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, Based on over 400 international publications, the consortium recommended that a dose rate equivalent to 10 µGy/h over the review revealed a great amount of diver the ambient background noise should not be exceeded. Research to define sity in the studies, approaches and choice criteria specific to different plant and animal species is encouraged. Construction of methods. of a radiation protection system for the environment will be pursued in the IAEA EMRAS II program. Conclusions point to a local excess of child www.ceh.ac.uk/PROTECT hood leukemia cases close to the reprocessing plants in Sellafield and Dounreay in Great

76 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 greater risk of leukemia in children aged from i o n Org a niz at 0 to 4 living less than 5 km from a nuclear More details power plant in Germany has not been backed up by studies carried out in other countries. The Epice Program studies possible effects of cesium IRSN’s critical review also showed that it is contamination difficult to determine the causes of the excess incidence of leukemia observed locally mainly due to insufficient knowledge of the risk fac tors contributing to infantile leukemia.

Alpha-Risk: conclusions after three years IRSN is coordinating the European Alpha- Risk project, organized under the 6th Frame work Program. Initiated in 2005, the purpose

of this project is to compile knowledge on the a nd Ou t l oo k quantification of risks associated with multi ple chronic exposures of workers to ionizing radiation. Particular focus has been given to

The consequences of the Chernobyl accident are followed up on a population of children living S umm a ry the effects of internal contamination caused in Russian contaminated territories. by alpha-emitting radioelements (uranium, radon, and its decay products). Alpha-Risk In 2005, IRSN initiated a program called "Epice" to examine pathologies induced brings together 18 partners from nine differ by cesium contamination, more specifically oriented towards determining ent countries. whether or not there is a link between chronic contamination by cesium-137 and the occurrence of non-cancerous pathologies in children living in Russian The project covered cohorts of uranium miners contaminated territories by fallout from the Chernobyl accident. In 2008, from France, the Czech Republic, and Germany, a pilot study confirmed feasibility of the program and enabled IRSN to continue for a total of over 50,000 miners. The study with the study of cardiac arrhythmia on roughly 18,000 children living both on contaminated and uncontaminated territories in the Bryansk oblast in Russia. examined several topics, such as risks other The study seeks to compile data on the frequency of cardiac arrhythmia and than lung cancer, quantification of the risk of explore a possible link with chronic ingestion of food contaminated by cesium-137. lung cancer associated with radon (factoring in After a year dedicated to establishing the protocol and procuring equipment, tobacco smoking), and improvement of dose the screening campaign should begin in 2009, with the support of local teams. assessments on organs in miners, with help

from dosimetry specialists. C T I V E S A

Alpha-Risk also studied workers in the nuclear industry concerned about internal contamination. Continuation of this study will focus on monitoring a cohort of work ers potentially exposed to uranium in France and England.

The Alpha-Risk project has already issued roughly 15 publications. The final report will be published at the end of 2009. www.alpha-risk.org Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 77 Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Developing a nuclear Developing protection against ionizing radiation in the culture based on healthcare sector radiation protection in the healthcare sector

Given the growing use of ionizing radiation for medical purposes and recent radiotherapy accidents, IRSN reinforced its work in this area in 2008. The Institute has developed new research approaches devoted to complications in radiotherapy treatments, prepared several assessment reports on accidents that have occurred in the hospital environment (including one on the contribution of human factors and organization to accidents), and continued developing a national database on the patient exposure, working in cooperation with the InVS.

Radiopathology Assessments in the International IRSN is conducting research to ad- medical field vance understanding of the mecha- Knowledge gained by IRSN has nisms that cause complications suf- contributed to improving the con- Kick-off of the fered by certain patients following ditions of patient exposure to ion- Cardiorisk project radiotherapy treatment. izing radiation .

Since 2008, IRSN has been Implementation of the Assessment on the participating in the European Rosiris program radiosurgery accident at Cardiorisk project, coordinated Radiotherapy has become an extremely com the university hospital in by the University of Munich plex field, with new technologies that call on Toulouse (Germany) as part of the particle accelerators. To define criteria capable This complex assessment on the impact of 7th Framework Program. of measuring the risk for the patient and opti overexposure on patient health, requested Its main goal is to study the mize current radiotherapy protocols, the medi by the ASN, was conducted by Institute ex physical and pathological cal world needs a better understanding of the perts and researchers in dosimetry, ionizing mechanisms of cardiovascular effect and severity of complications related to radiation physics, and radiopathology of the these treatments. The Rosiris experimental central nervous system. First the dosimetric diseases resulting from low-dose research program was conceived to advance impact of the calibration error on organs at external exposure. knowledge on the mechanisms that cause risk was established for each patient, one at In recent epidemiological data, the side effects of radiotherapy treatments. a time. Specialists searched for any correla it appears that exposure to a To meet this challenge, Inserm and IRSN have tion between overexposure and the clinical cumulative dose of less than one combined their skills in radiobiology, radiopa symptoms observed on certain patients. IRSN Sievert could lead to a significant thology, radiotherapy and physical dosimetry. then compared the data from the "Toulouse risk of cardiovascular disease. In 2008, a feasibility study was initiated in cohort" with data described in scientific publi There is currently controversy over two directions: first, mathematical modeling cations on complications observed after treat this data. of the path traced by ionizing radiation and ing various types of pathology. The patients’ radiation-induced damage to tissues; second, overall impressions were analyzed through The Cardiorisk project the study of functional disturbances in irradi a questionnaire prepared by international will provide complementary ated tissues or organs. scientific advisors. experimental results on non- cancerous pathologies related to low-dose external exposure.

78 ACTIVITIES _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 mSv

100

Myocardium 201 TI-Chloride Abdomen + pelvis scan 10 Myocardium 99m Tc-SESTAMIBI Tumors Thorax scan 18 F-FDG Bones 99m Tc-MDP/HMDP i o n Org a niz at Thyroid Brain scan 99m Tc-Pertechnetate Lumbar spine 1 Kidneys Abdomen 99m without Tc-MAG3 preparation

Dorsal scan

Brain Lungs 0,1

Order of magnitude of the effective dose (mSv) in medical imaging. An observatory was created to compile more complete data on patient exposure in France.

This work was described in a report where tion affect the control that professionals analyzed data on doses received by patients, IRSN expressed its recommendations on the exercise over treatment parameters; submitted by healthcare establishments be medical follow-up of patients, changes in ra • examine how the conditions in which tech tween 2004 and 2006.

diosurgery practices, and scientific follow-up nical devices are received and implemented The analysis results were sent to the ASN and a nd Ou t l oo k of the patient cohort. have an influence on safety. the Ministry for Health in March 2008 and will www.irsn.org serve as a basis for updating DRLs. This work may contribute to discussions en www.irsn.org ry S umm a ry gaged in the "road map" project initiated in Radiotherapy treatments 2007 by the Ministry for Health, following In 2008, IRSN led discussions to identify what several accidents that occurred during radio ExPRI, an observatory for type of studies and research could be initiated therapy treatments. The goal is to define what patient exposure to improve radiotherapy treatments in the actions could be taken in the short term to To further knowledge on medical exposure medium term. Interviews were conducted with improve the safety of patients treated using to ionizing radiation, IRSN and the InVS have healthcare professionals involved in adminis this technique. spent four years working towards the creation tering these treatments and several accidents www.irsn.org of a national observatory named ExPRI. While were analyzed. information on patient examinations carried out in the private sector can be accessed The conclusions of this work pointed to four Analysis of diagnostic through the national health insurance system, lines of development: reference levels this data is not available for those treated • adapt the concepts and methods used for Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) serve to through the public health sector. safety analysis in nuclear facilities to the optimize diagnostic practices in radiology IRSN and the InVS initiated a survey in the

field of radiotherapy; and nuclear medecine. They are established public sector in 2008. The results will be used C T I V E S • study how work organization can contribute for standardized examinations and typical to update the assessment of the average an A to making sure the doses delivered comply patients. According to the Order of Febru nual individual dose, to specify the distribution with the doses prescribed; ary 12, 2004, IRSN is entrusted with periodi of delivered doses, and to establish the number • ascertain how computerization and automa cally updating DRLs. For this purpose, IRSN of people actually exposed.

The radiotherapy accident that occurred at the hospital in Épinal triggered an in-depth reflection on radiotherapy in France, in terms of organization, human resources, and safety awareness. IRSN played an essential role in these discussions. Its multidisciplinary research program is designed to limit the after-effects suffered by over-irradiated patients. The aim is to reduce, or even prevent, the toxicity of radiotherapy, in both the acute phase and in the medium to long term. The program is part of a general In the approach to optimizing received doses by taking into account individual diversity. words of In terms of training, our priority is to stimulate greater awareness among professionals of the risks Dominique involved in radiotherapy. The continuous training program conceived by IRSN will allow them to Maraninchi detect, report, and manage minor incidents before they can occur again. Chairman of the French National Cancer Institute Ensuring e ffici ncy

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ACTIVITIES 79 “Actively striving to optimize”

[TRANSPARENCY]

[GOVERNANCE]

[EXCELLENCE]

80 ENSURING EFFICIENCY _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Quality 82

Hygiene, safety and 83 environmental protection

Scientific and technical 84 excellence

Human resources 86

Communications 88

ENSURING EFFICIENCY

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ ENSURING EFFICIENCY 81 QUALITY A concept, an organization, a method, an outlook

After being certified in July 2007 for its quality policy based on the ISO 9001 standard (version 2000), IRSN devoted 2008 to creating and optimizing its program of total quality management.

Goals to customer’s needs, analyzing dysfunctions • To satisfy IRSN customers and partners. and complaints, writing up improvement • To maintain an excellent level of service. sheets, conducting internal audits, and cre- • To benefit all members of society. ating a group of accredited laboratories to standardize good practices.

IRSN’s certification comes up for renewal in 2010, when it will need More efficient and to demonstrate not only that its transparent practices “quality” documentation is complete All process reviews were completed and the and updated regularly, but above all results used to prepare annual activity pro- that its total quality management programs. Moreover, on the basis of experience gram is operating at all levels of the acquired over previous years, the IRSN gov- organization. ernance process was completely revised to Each employee contributes to the Institute’s incorporate actual practices, while making performance. them more efficient and transparent. Getting personnel involved In parallel, reflection on certain concepts in the The total quality management system must total quality approach, such as the benefits to give each employee the incentive to im- society, was brought to maturity. 10 accredited laboratories prove IRSN’s performance and operation. according to the ISO 17025 standard (7 in 2007) In 2008, significant efforts went towards making the entire quality system operational so that its ability to drive continuous News brief improvement would appear to employees as clearly as the role played by the operational IRSN was audited twice by LRQA, a and functional goals set out in the Contract certification authority, and no major of Objectives. or minor cases of non-compliance Implementation of the Medium- to Long- were detected. term Plan in 2008 provided the opportunity to test the robustness and efficiency of the total quality management system. A large- scale project was initiated to consolidate the total quality approach within all IRSN activities. In this context, various procedures were rolled out, such as systematically listening

82 ENSURING EFFICIENCY _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 • equipment, dedicated to: monitoring radioactive sources and electrical for called ASISA application computerized a of implementation the saw 2008 year The of radioactivesources Computerized management conditions thatpreserve human health. safe under work to able is location IRSN an at employed anyone that ensure To Goal

development project sustainable Head ofIRSN’s Zalecki Séverine by IRSN units; held radiation ionizing emitting equipment tive sources (sealed or unsealed) or electrical issued by authorities and the actual radioac ensuring compliance between authorizations words PROTECTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, SAFETY In the of before implementationin2010. result willthenbevalidatedbytheexecutivecommittee commitments, effortsandoperationalorganization)that and membersofalldivisions.Theproposals(policies, by aworkgroupmadeupofemployeerepresentatives This projectbeganwithaninitialdiagnosisperformed in allofitseffortsoverthelongterm. that concernforsustainabledevelopmentisreflected authority, itisnormal forIRSNtoinvestinthisareaso contribution tosocietyandtheenvironment.Asapublic with feedbackontheimpactofitsworkandimprove IRSN undertook at the end of 2008 is to provide the Institute The goalofthe“sustainabledevelopment”projectthat development project. protection. At theendofyear, thisprocess resulted intheimplementationofasustainable Over thepastyears, IRSNhaspursued efforts concerninghealth, safety andenvironmental an example Setting - measures. preventive to existing changes any necessary propose and needs, training associated the to reassess the level required certification and analyzed wascarefully certification electrical requiring activity program.Each certification electrical its reviewed IRSN 2008, 25, April on Fontenay-aux-Rosessite the at tractor subcon- a for working technician a of tion Following the accidental death by electrocu Reducing electrichazards •

of IRSN facilities, transfer, disposal). and electrical equipment (loan, use outside tracing any movements of radioactive sources Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ENSURINGEFFICIENCY - aux-Roses ResearchCenter building attheFontenay- Renovation ofthemain and presented to the Board of Directors. overall renovation plan was prepared in 2008 building structure itself was also concerned, an of with Since safety the compliance regulations. out and disrepair in was site aux-Roses Fontenay- the of since building main the 2006, completed work significant Despite 10 (10 in2007) with theEnvironmental Code environmental protection incompliance News brief safety andtheenvironment. and responsibilityregardinghealth, exercise theirdelegationofpower which directorsofresearchunits the geographicalboundariesin buildings. Thenewrulesdefine on sharedresponsibilityfor IRSN definedanewpolicy

facilities classified for

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE Setting the benchmark in science and technology

Initiated in 2003, IRSN’s policy of scientific and technical excellence aims to achieve the highest possible level in the field and have this excellence recognized by both the scientific community and IRSN partners.

Goal Pursuing scientific and To reach the highest possible scientific and technical assessment News brief technical level in all IRSN research and as- process sessment activities, based on three major The year 2008 was marked at IRSN by the > In 2008, the French National criteria of excellence: publication of the Scientific and Technical Research Agency (ANR) opted to • scientific and technical quality of teams Assessment Guide, which specifies the basic finance three of the 13 research and results; principles and different procedures involved. projects proposed by IRSN. • relevance of the subjects covered; The purpose is to have IRSN activities audited These projects involve biology, • efficient organization of scientific by experts chosen for their competence and the environment and radioactive and technical activities (methods, independence, based on standard criteria, i.e., waste storage, and earthquake collaborative work, etc.). scientific quality, relevance and efficiency. risk. Since its creation in 2005, the ANR has funded a total of 13 IRSN cross-disciplinary Two assessments were completed in 2008, research projects, aiming to Cross-disciplinary which covered: produce new knowledge while scientific interaction • work conducted by the laboratory of encouraging interaction between Two new cross-disciplinary scientific interac- measurement of radioactivity in nuclear public and private laboratories by tion groups were created in 2008 (Aerosols materials; forging research partnerships. Club and Statistics Group). These groups pro- • the review conducted on "reliability of the vide the opportunity for IRSN researchers spent fuel pool cooling system in the fuel > The 2007 Scientific and Technical working on the same topics to exchange their building of EDF reactors". Report was published in June points of view. 2008. Seven other assessments were also started on http://net-science.irsn.org neutron metrology, the use of R&D on fires in > On November 6, 2008, IRSN Exploratory research probabilistic safety assessments, the influence organized a science day devoted gets underway of extreme climatic events on the distribution to nuclear and radiological risk. In 2008, three research projects exploring new of radionuclides in the environment, "Radionu- http://net-science.irsn.org vistas reaching beyond established programs clide" sheets, airborne contamination, impact were added to the four initiated in 2007. A of probabilistic safety assessments on opera- mid-point review has shown the success of tor risk evaluation practices, and reflooding the these four projects, two of which will be fol- reactor core in an accident situation. lowed up by new actions that have already 86 doctorate students (85 in 2007) been included in the IRSN programs for 2009, Another aspect of this policy consisted of the two others revealing promising results. organizing the first thematic scientific council. The program has established a path towards Consisting of 11 outside experts, including 50 post-doctorate students scientific excellence for IRSN and a workshop nine foreigners, it met for the first time to (31 in 2007) was conducted in 2008 to perpetuate and audit IRSN’s source term research. broaden its range in the coming years. 20 theses defended (18 in 2007) Training through research Recruiting of doctorate students and post- doctorate students was strengthened in 2008 with deployment of a selection system for

84 ENSURING EFFICIENCY _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 be confirmed every year. In 2008, the event the 2008, year. every In confirmed be The success of Dissertation Days continues to the laboratories. of capacity supervision the to corresponds equivalents) full-time annual (30 retained lence. The number of students post-doctorate with IRSN’s goals to achieve scientific excel commission to select subjects in adequation teams in 2008 made it necessary to set up a researchfromnumerousdents,requests the safety, etc.). In the case of post-doctorate stu- (ecotoxicology, radiobiology, nuclearfields in various training for IRSN three-year joined students In 25 total, new doctorate Institute. by members from both inside and outside the formed by a were selected dates commission after examining the research subjects, candi subjects and candidates. For doctorate theses, DaysDissertation at Vogüé insouthernFrance. IRSN SeniorExpert Jacques Vendel words In the of Today, thesegroupshelpspreadandfurtherknowledgeatIRSN. departments, analyzetherelevanceofthesetopics,andthendrive thegroupdynamics. IRSN’s CollegeofExperts.TheyseekoutthetopicsthataremostlikelytointerestseveralIRSN encouraging exchangesamongspecialists.Thisisaneffortsupported andledbythemembersof experts totransmitknowledgebyansweringthequestionsposed bynon-specialists,whilealso whether theyareexpertsorsimplypeoplewho"needtoknow". Interactionduringmeetingsallows of thesegroupsistobringtogetherIRSNemployeesinterested inascientificortechnicalsubject, aerosols, andcalculatinguncertainty, withafourthgroupondropletflowunderway. Thepurpose At IRSNwehavethreecross-disciplinaryscientificinteraction groups onMonteCarlomethods, - - operates, and defined a work program. ous year’s work, learned about how the college seminar where theyExperts were of briefed on College the a previ at Aix-en-Provence in The new members were welcomed in October the number of members to 48. bringing experts, senior and seven 17 experts added “Experts”of College IRSN’s to bers A second nomination campaign to elect mem- Reinforcing the College at ofExperts Aix-en-Provence. College of“Experts” village of Vogüé in southern France. the in industry, and CNRS, universities, IRSN, brought together nearly 160 participants from

Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ENSURINGEFFICIENCY -

39 360 175 (41 in2007) to superviseresearch at conferences (350in2007) (123 in2007) in scientific journals with review committees persons qualified lectures publications

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization HUMAN RESOURCES Supporting tomorrow’s experts

At a time when the nuclear power sector is expected to expand, the generation of engineers who helped design, build, and operate current reactors and facilities is retiring, while engineering schools are having problems meeting the increasing demand for people with scientific and technical qualifications. In this context, IRSN is particularly vulnerable and must be proactive and creative to recruit and retain staff.

Goals ployees’ expectations in terms of career ad- • To anticipate the skills IRSN will need vancement and the frequency and quality of Proportion of managerial/ non-managerial staff in the coming years and take action. recognition. • To encourage the development of An agreement modifying the classification and individual competence and pool skills pay scale for managerial staff was signed with 28% to promote collective action. four labor unions on April 1, 2008. Accord- • To ensure constructive relations ing to the terms of the agreement, all staff between management and personnel. members with managerial status can request an annual raise on an individual basis. Supervisors can choose from a range of indi- 72% For the human resources team that vidual pay increases to recognize employee proposed actions to respond quick- performance. This system, more flexible and Non-managerial staff Managerial staff ly to changes in the job market and easier to understand than the previous one, highlight IRSN’s advantages, 2008 should reflect an employee’s career devel- was an innovative year. opment more adequately by facilitating recognition for accepting technical or other Proportion of men/women responsibility. Participation in career fairs After analyzing the needs of the various op- A profit-sharing agreement was signed on 45% erational units, the Institute adopted a policy June 26, 2008, correlating employee com- of extensive participation in “career fairs”. pensation with IRSN’s financial results and IRSN participated in forums organized by the improving their overall income. National Institute for Nuclear Science and Compensation is calculated according to 55% Technology and the National Employment IRSN’s activity, based on indicators repre- Agency for Managerial staff (Apec), as well senting scientific production, influence within as events such as Pollutec or the science fair European research, maintaining ISO-9001 Women Men held in Marseille. Efforts were focused on certification, developing IRSN’s own sources creating a stand that was both attractive of revenue, and customer satisfaction. and welcoming, to give IRSN an image that For this first agreement, IRSN received permis- matched the expectations of potential candi- sion from its supervisory ministries to provide 28% of staff composed of dates. Staff from all divisions were available to a budget allowance representing 2% of the technicians and technical and administrative take visitors’ questions and discuss careers at total gross payroll. support staff (28 % in 2007) IRSN. Through these events and the involvement of IRSN officials in candidate selection, employees recruited on 103 candidates were offered positions in 2008. 103 Professional training permanent contracts (90 in 2007) on the rise Aware of the importance of developing the New pay plan skills of their staff members, supervisors have n 1.6 million in training costs IRSN undertook important negotiations to made sure that measures in the training plan (m1.3 million in 2007) implement a new pay plan that meets em- have been fully implemented, or, when neces-

86 ENSURING EFFICIENCY _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 implemented within the next two years. staff which be should and requirements, skills career paths by confirming a project to predict its skills base and provide employees with clear ing designed to activities forecasting preserve Finally, IRSN has taken a major decision regard- members. staff by 2,895 taken of training hours 48,357 budget,withtraining the to allocated funds the all used has IRSN foundation, its since time first the for Thus, needs. actual to nent sary,replaced by others thatare more perti Training todevelop staff skills. Resources, INERIS Director ofHuman C Élisabeth words aron In the of our institution. human resourcesteam,weareworking internallytosetupasimilarprojectadaptedtheneeds of all, sinceexpertsarewhatgives purposetothesepublicauthorities.Today, afterameetingwithIRSN’s scientific expertisebyproposingnon-managerialcareerprospects. Thisisanissuethatconcernsus presented uswithitsCollegeofExperts.Theadvantagethisapproach istoenhancetechnicaland career management,skillsdevelopment,mobility, training,salary, etc.ItwasinthiscontextthatIRSN we haveincommonbytakingadvantageofeachother’s experienceinallaspectsofourfunctions– on bestpracticesfordevelopinghumanresources.Duringthese meetings,wedealwithproblems industrial andcommercialactivitieshavecometogetherfourtimes ayearforinformaldiscussions For almosttenyears,aboutfifteenhumanresourcedirectorsfrom publicauthoritiespursuing - or seconded IRSN personnel contracted out 05 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Seconded 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 8 10 (as ofDecember31, 2008) 21 Contracted out 50 57 77 100 CEA CCE Inserm committee Works Areva SGDN SFRP ITER OECD Total ASN IAEA Riskaudit Ministries Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ENSURINGEFFICIENCY (52,773 in2007) 2,895 48,357 72% researchers andmanagers (72%in2007) completed (2,926in2007) 05 Age py 0% 2% 3% 3% Men 7% 9% 10% 12% 12% 13% 14% 14% 14% 14% 16% ramid 18% 18% 20% 25 of staff are engineers, training programs Women hours oftraining 0 Under 25 25 to30 31 to35 36 to40 41 to45 46 to50 51 to55 56 to60 Over 60 100

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization Communications Transparency, education, responsiveness, visibility and global presence

Risk prevention begins with information. IRSN’s communication efforts in 2008 were therefore directed at providing better information to those working in the nuclear sector as well as the general public who are interested in issues involving nuclear safety, nuclear security, and protection from ionizing radiation.

Goals • To provide the media with transparent and detailed information. • To present more instructive and accessible information to the public. • To improve responsiveness in communication and information in emergency situations. • To give greater visibility to IRSN research conducted to support assessment activity. • To promote IRSN’s international activities.

Better communication for greater transparency As an independent public expert, IRSN is Open-house at Fontenay-aux-Roses. committed to communicating as openly as possible, expressing the viewpoint of a technical safety organization in coordination with Providing comprehensible IRSN likewise planned to completely revise other nuclear stakeholders, including govern- information its Internet site in 2009, building it around ment authorities, safety authorities, industry, Information must not only be transparent, major topics (nuclear facilities, environment, etc. With this in mind, IRSN has expanded but also comprehensible to be useful to the health, etc.) and user profile (general pub- the content of its website to include current ordinary citizen. IRSN’s communications de- lic, professionals, scholars, etc.) to respond events and major topics (more than 70 cur- partment therefore sought to enhance the more effectively to the needs of its different rent events, along with over 30 press releases educational aspect of its materials. In reports audiences. and information notices published in 2008). In on the incidents at Socatri, results of environ- coordination with the French nuclear safety ment measurements were presented using authority (ASN), in 2008 IRSN also decided maps for easier interpretation. to give Internet coverage to summaries of 1,100,000 pages technical opinions that it delivered to stand- consulted on the IRSN website ing expert groups in which it participates, Traveling exhibition on Nuclear Power (900,000 in 2007) and Society, from Knowledge to Control while complying with the applicable rules of confidentiality. 205,000 pages consulted on IRSN’s scientific website 4,000 visitors (4,400 in 2007) (135,000 in 2007)

88 ENSURING EFFICIENCY _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 today represent an increasing portion of of portion IRSN’s communication effort. increasing an represent today questions,which public and events current of importance growing the reflect changes These basis. daily a on public the with open line a keeping link, contact Internet its via year the throughout received information tal center to demonstrate the experiments experiments the demonstrate to center tal house events in the Tournemire experimen open- organizedFontenay-aux-Roses, and invited the public to visit its laboratories at fair,IRSNscience a During2008. in efforts communication IRSN’s of theme main the was events public various its during or of facilities several at activities assessment and Illustrating the relationship between research research gained byIRSNfrom Explain theknowledge processed also has IRSN time, same the At media. the and associations, authorities, safety authorities,government from requests to respond to rapidly very analyses and data detailed and reliable circulate and organize Socatri plant, IRSN has endeavored to collect, the at incidents accidents release effluent the and radiotherapy as such events of coverage media increased of context the In Exhibition attheGrand Palais inParis. Inform morequickly

about one thousand requests for for requests thousand one about - year. same the Paris in Institute the by organized Eurosafe the through practices safety tion of technical developmentby promoting standardizathe international increasing IRSN’s served ment - depart communications IRSN the 2008, In efforts abroad Support forIRSN’s work in progress at its new laboratory for for radiophotoluminescent dosimetry. laboratory new its at progress in work presented it there.At performed Vésinet (8 in2007) 1,000 270 where (3in2007) IRSNparticipated 4 12 (720 in2007) processed (200in2007)

trade fairs orpublic events Forum of nuclear safety experts,safety nuclear Forumof conferences organized

press requests

press mentions

Annual ReportIRSN2008 _ ENSURINGEFFICIENCY - in 2008 Selected events Journées françaisesderadiologie . Medec andtheradiologyevent many tradefairssuchasPollutec, in conjunctionwiththeASN,and Laye, Lyon andAuch),organized Control (inSaint-Germain-en- Society: fromKnowledgeto exhibition NuclearPowerand IRSN alsotookpartinthetraveling > > > Union. presidency oftheEuropean Science Fair, undertheFrench participated intheMarseille November 21-22:IRSN Union. presidency oftheEuropean Paris inthecontextofFrench of ScienceattheGrandPalaisin contribution totheEuropeanCity November 14-16:IRSN’s management. on nuclearandradiologicalrisk IRSN’s mainresearchprograms Institut HenriPoincaréinParisof November 6:Presentationatthe

Ensuring efficiency ACTIVITIES Summary and Outlook Organization A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Glossary

_ A ANDRA _ C Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets ADEME radioactifs (French national radioactive CABRI Agence de l’environnement et de la maîtrise waste management agency) Test reactor used by IRSN (CEA) to study de l’énergie (French agency for the nuclear fuel safety environment and energy control) ASTEC Accident Source Term Evaluation Code CANDU AFNI Canadian deuterium-uranium reactor Agence France Nucléaire International AVN CATHARE (French international nuclear agency) Association Vinçotte nucléaire (Vinçotte Thermal-hydraulic computer code used to nuclear association, Belgium) study the behavior of pressurized water AFSSA reactors during accident situations Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des aliments (French agency for safe food Cellular plasticity consumption) The ability of a cell to change into another _ B type of cell AFSSAPS Agence française de sécurité sanitaire Becquerel (Bq) Cesium (Cs, atomic number 55) des produits de santé (French agency for Official international unit of measure used Toxic rare metal with characteristics the safe use of health products) for radioactivity. The becquerel is equal to comparable to those of potassium one transformation per second AFSSET CESTA Agence française de sécurité sanitaire Bel V Centre d’études scientifiques et techniques d’Aquitaine (center for technical and de l’environnement et du travail (French Technical safety organization of the Belgian scientific studies in Aquitaine) (CEA) agency for environmental and occupational Nuclear Safety Authority health protection) CHIP Beta radiation (symbolized as "β") CHIP: Program to study the chemistry of Alpha radiation (symbolized as "α") Radiation consisting of electrons with gaseous phase iodine in a PWR reactor A highly ionizing form of particle radiation a positive or negative charge. Propagation coolant system in a core meltdown accident with low penetration consisting of helium-4 can be stopped by leaving a space of a few situation nuclei. A simple sheet of paper can prevent meters around the source or providing its propagation a barrier using a simple sheet of aluminum CIGEET foil Commission for information on the major AMANDE energy facilities at Tricastin Accelerator for dosimetry metrology and BNRA neutron applications (Cadarache) Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency CNPP Centre national de prévention et de ANCLI protection (French national center for Association nationale des commissions BRGM prevention and protection) locales d’information (French national Bureau de recherches géologiques association of local information et minières (French institution for research Containment or reactor building committees) in Earth sciences) Sealed concrete structure containing the

90 GLOSSAry _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 reactor vessel, reactor coolant system, DOSIP _ F steam generators and safety-related Passive individual dosimetry auxiliaries for a pressurized water reactor FMBA Federal Medical Biophysical Agency – Corium Russian radiation protection agency Agglomeration of fuel and structural elements from a nuclear reactor core, _ E FMBC melted and mixed together following Federal Medical Biophysical Centre. Provides a severe accident EADS technical support to the Russian FMBA European Aeronautic Defense and Space COWAM Company Foundation raft Community Waste Management program Thick, reinforced concrete foundation funded by the European Community ENVIRHOM providing stable support Research program that studies the Criticality (risks) processes involved in radionuclide FP7 Risks associated with uncontrolled fission accumulation and the biological effects Seventh Framework Programme for research phenomena in fissile materials induced by this accumulation in flora, fauna and technological development (European and humans in a chronic exposure situation Union) CTICM Centre technique industriel de la construction EPR Fuel assembly métallique (French industrial technical European Pressurised water Reactor Bundle of fuel rods assembled in a metal center for metal construction) structure, used in nuclear reactors ERMSAR Cytogenetics European Review Meeting on Severe Biological technique used to study Accident Research chromosome anomalies in cells ETSON _ G European Technical Safety Organisations Network GALICE _ D Management system featuring a limited EURATOM increase in fuel irradiation during operation European atomic energy community DIVA Facility used to study fire, ventilation and Gamma radiation (symbolized as "γ") Eurosafe airborne contamination Electromagnetic radiation with high International conference co-organized penetration but low ionization, emitted by IRSN and its German and Belgian DOE during the transformation of radionuclides. counterparts, GRS and Bel V, to promote Department of Energy (USA) Protection is provided by concrete or lead the standardization of technical safety screens practices in Europe DosImetry Determination of the dose of radiation GP Med (radioactivity) absorbed by a substance Radiation protection standing committee or an individual through assessment or for medical and forensic applications of measuring ionizing radiation

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ GLOSSAry 91 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

GP Rad _ I ISTP Radiation protection standing committee International Source Term Program for industrial and research applications of IAEA ionizing radiation International Atomic Energy Agency ITER International Thermonuclear Experimental GRS ICRP Reactor Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und International Commission on Radiation Reaktorsicherheit (German technical safety Protection organization) Ifremer _ K GWd/t Institut français de recherche pour Fuel burnup unit. Gigawatt-hours per l’exploitation de la mer (French research kV metric ton of fuel. Commonly used unit of institute for exploitation of the sea) KiloVolt measure giving the level of irradiation of fuel assemblies, expressed as energy output INB by the assembly in the reactor per ton of Basic nuclear installation the initial uranium INBS _ L Basic nuclear installation classified as confidential for defense purposes LRQA Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Ltd., _ H INERIS a certification organization Institut national de l’environnement HAO industriel et des risques (French national High activity oxide workshop at institute for the study of industrial the UP2-400 plant in La Hague environments and risks) _ M HCTISN INRS M5® Haut comité pour la transparence et Institut national de recherche et de sécurité Type of fuel cladding used in pressurized l’information sur la sécurité nucléaire (French national institute for research on water reactors, with alloy developed by (French high committee for transparency safety) Areva and information on nuclear safety) InVS Medical device vigilance system HLEG Institut national de veille sanitaire (French Monitoring of incidents and incident national institute for health surveillance) High-level Expert Group on European risks that may result from the use of low-dose research commercially available medical devices. Isotopes It accompanies the implementation of new Elements whose atoms have the same number of electrons and protons, but a rules on marketing medical devices adopted different number of neutrons. Designated by the Member States of the European by the same name, they display the same Union chemical properties. There are currently 325 known natural isotopes and 1,200 artificial MELODIE isotopes Modèle d’Évaluation à LOng terme

92 GLOSSAry _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 des Déchets Irradiants Enterrés (model for Nuclear fuel PHÉBUS long-term assessment of buried radioactive Material capable of undergoing fission Experimental reactor waste) used in a reactor to develop a nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear fuel that has been PRISME MOX irradiated in and permanently removed Fire propagation in elementary, multiple- enclosure scenarios Fuel made from (natural or depleted) from a reactor core is referred to as “spent uranium and plutonium oxide fuel” PROTECT Protection of the environment from ionizing mGy (milliGray) radiation in a regulatory context Unit of radiation absorbed dose used in the international system PSA _ O Probabilistic Safety Assessment MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) Cells taken from bone marrow that can OECD PSI multiply and differentiate into a variety of Organisation for Economic Co-operation Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen (Switzerland) cell types and Development PUI mSv (milliSievert) OPCW Internal emergency plan Unit of equivalent dose used in Organisation for the Prohibition of the international system Chemical Weapons MWe ONERA _ R Megawatt electric Office national d’études et de recherches aérospatiales (French national office of Radioelement aerospace studies and research) Natural or artificial radioactive element

Radionuclide _ N Radioactive isotope of an element

NEA _ P Radiation protection Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD) Any action taken to protect the population PATRICIA and workers against sources of ionizing radiation NPP Loop for the study of thermal-hydraulic Nuclear power plant materials related to propulsion reactors RNR-Na (CEA) Fast breeder reactor cooled using sodium NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USA) PBMR ROSIRIS Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, high- Research program on the radiobiology NRPA temperature reactor technology and name of integrated systems for optimizing Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority of the company that designed it treatment using ionizing radiation and assessing the associated risk NSRR PCR Nuclear Safety Research Reactor (Japan) Radiation protection specialist

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ GLOSSAry 93 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

_ S TSO _ Z Technical Safety Organisation SARNET Zircaloy-4 Severe Accident Research NETwork of Alloy used for fuel assemblies in pressurized excellence, a European research project to water reactors study core meltdown accidents on water reactors _ U Zirlo Alloy developed by Westinghouse SCANAIR UF Computer system developed by IRSN for 6 Uranium hexafluoride analyzing injection reactivity accidents For more information, consult the online glossary UJV SESAME4 at www.irsn.org Ústav Jaderného Výzkumu Rež a.s. (Czech Accident situation progression plan and assessment methods, an information nuclear safety research institute) system developed by IRSN for its emergency response center UNSCEAR United Nations Scientific Committee on SIGIS the Effects of Atomic Radiation Système d’Information et de gestion de l’inventaire national des sources de rayonnements ionisants (French information system used to manage the national inventory of radioactive sources) _ V

SISERI VTT Information system for monitoring Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus exposure to ionizing radiation (engineering research center in Finland)

SNETP VVER or WWER Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Vodo Vodianoï Energetitcheskyi Reactor or Platform Water-Water Energetic Reactor. Russian- design reactors that operate along the SSM same principle as Western pressurized water Swedish radiation safety authority reactors

_ T _ W TACIS Technical Assistance for the Commonwealth WHO of Independent States (European program) World Health Organization

94 GLOSSAry _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Editorial and production coordination Strategy, Development and External Relations Division, with support from Anne-Marie Girardin (TroisCube)

Steering Committee Michel Bouvet François Rollinger Michel Baudry Édouard Scott de Martinville Patrice Deschamps Yves Souchet Emmanuelle Mur Sylvie Supervil

Editorial Committee Supervision and coordination: Emmanuelle Mur & Sylvie Supervil Jocelyne Aigueperse Agnès Dumas Françoise Bretheau Dominique Franquard Stéphanie Clavelle Bernard Goudal Patrick Cousinou Jean Jalouneix Jean Couturier Pascale Monti Aleth Delattre Jean-Luc Pasquier Didier Demeillers Christine Tharaud Bruno Dufer

Written by IRSN, with support from Camille Jaunet (La Clé des mots) and Jean-Christophe HÉdouin (HIME)

Graphic Design and Production

Translation Provence Traduction

Printed by Idéale Prod

Photo credits Front cover: Olivier Seignette – Michael Lafontan – Corbis/Photo division/bilderlounge – Corbis/Pixland Antoine Devouard: pages 27, 36, 71 and 75 _ Areva/Nicolas Petitot: pages 39, 40, 41 and 51 Areva/Jean-Marie Taillat: pages 66 and 76 _ BARC: page 8 _ Birp/BSPP: page 68 CEA: pages 23, 38, 40, 42, 50 and 53 European Commission, Directorate General for Energy and Transport: page 64 Corbis/Gregor Schuster/zefa, Corbis/Courtesy of the US Geological Survey, Corbis/Fancy/Veer: pages 20-21 Corbis/Sie Productions/zefa: pages 80-81 _ Dean Calma/IAEA: page 67 EDF Médiathèque/Sperber Aldo: page 36 _ EDF Médiathèque/W. Beaucardet: pages 70 and 40 EDF Médiathèque/W. Beaucardet - Alexandr Vlassyuk: page 10 _ EDF Médiathèque/S. Bollendorff: page 40 EDF Médiathèque/Rolland Christophe: page 35 _ EDF Médiathèque/D. Marc: page 69 EDF Médiathèque/M. Monteaux: page 46 _ EDF Médiathèque/A. Morin: page 37 Fotolia.com: pages 10 (Alexandr Vlassyuk) and 59 (Joël Fournier) Ineris: page 43 _ IRSN: pages 23, 25, 29, 42, 47, 48, 62, 67, 72, 75, 77 and 85 Karen Eliot: page 28 _ Laurent Stéfano: page 76 _ Les films Roger Leenhardt (Andra): page 9 French Navy: pages 18, 49 and 51 _ Noak/Le Bar Floréal: pages 62 and 79 Olivier Seignette – Michael Lafontan: pages 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 19, 26, 28, 30, 32-33, 36, 45-46, 51, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 61, 63, 65, 71, 73, 74, 75, 82, 85, 87, 88 and 89 _ Photothèque MIN Rungis: pages 9 and 24 Stéphane Jungers: pages 38, 44, 47 and 57 _ Tiphaine Lanvin: page 22

This Annual Report is printed on 100% recyclable and biodegradable chlorine-free, coated paper using vegetable-based ink.

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ GLOSSAry 95 IRSN certified quality management system

Head office 31, avenue de la Division Leclerc 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses RCS Nanterre B 440 546 018

Telephone +33 (0)1 58 35 88 88

Correspondance BP 17 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex

Website www.irsn.org 2008 Annual Report

Contents

Management report ...... 3

Balance sheet ...... 8

Income statement ...... 10

Income statement subtotals ...... 11

Budget vs actual report ...... 12

2008 Financial Report

Management report

1 _General Outlook

The year 2008 focused on deployment Lastly, the Board of Directors was renewed • continued, gradual building of a fund of the Medium- and Long-term Manage- and a new president nominated. allocated to financing future costs for ment Plan, prepared in concert with all dismantling and remediation, the total of IRSN’s partners. Important milestones The initial 2008 budget was modifed by cost of which is currently being revised. were reached in terms of our economic an amendment (DM1) presented to the The result of this revision will be incor- objectives: Board of Directors in June to take into porated in 2009 accounts by updating • special measures were taken to allocate account the following: the provision created for this purpose €5 million to the fund for remediation • investment projects in progress carried and adjusting the corresponding dis- and dismantling of nuclear facilities, over from 2008, representing €19.6 mil- mantling asset. following the decision to shut down the lion, paid into working capital when ac- Phébus experimental reactor; counts were closed in 2007; All of these investments were not com- • investment was pursued to renew and • adjustment of the grant allocated by the pleted during the fiscal year, and a proposal optimize environmental monitoring Ministry of Ecology, concerning both to carry over €10.2 million for operations equipment and to acquire mobile units the change in the precautionar y reserve in progress will be proposed in a budget for emergency response operations; level, and Amendment II 23 voted by the amendment to modify the projected • s t a t e property located in Fontenay-aux- National Assembly; revenue and expenditure statement for Roses, referred to as "the Annex", was • a change in expediture for the Cabri 2009. recorded in the Institute’s accounts, project, financed by drawing from the representing a total surface area of Institute’s working capital; The account s closed in 20 08 recorded t wo 33,227 m2, subsequent to the grant • beginning of dismantling of the Phébus exceptional operations that had no impact attributed by the government on No- reactor, which revealed the need to ac- on the income statement: vember 29, 2006, published officially celerate financing for remediation and • t h e Fontenay-aux-Roses site was added on December 29, 2006. dismantling of nuclear facilities. to the Institute’s assets, representing a grant for a value of €4.2 million (see In another area, an employee profit- Budget execution in 2008 involved a vast above); sharing agreement was signed in 2008 investment program totaling €42.9 mil- • an unallocated grant of €8.8 million with labor unions representing Institute lion, including operations carried over appearing on the transfer balance sheet personnel. According to the terms of the from the previous year, which covered when IPSN became IRSN, was trans- agreement, the first payment will be made the following: ferred to reserves. in June 2009. • the final phase of changing the technology used in worker dosimetry monitoring; • continuation of the equipment renewal program (mobile emergency units, national monitoring and measurement system, etc.) and upgrading of the Cabri reactor (IRSN equipment);

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ FINANCIAL REPORT 3 2008 Financial Report

2 _Budget Balance

Execution 2006(1) 2007(2) 2008(3) Difference Budget execution in 2008, as in previ- In spite of the special operations involv- (in € millions) 2008/2007 ous years, shows a budget balance that ing a value-added tax adjustment and Total resources 306.9 298.4 255.2 –14.4% appears to be magnified by the €10.2 the fund dedicated to dismantling, which Total expenditure 301.7 265.8 281.2 +5.8% million in investments carried over, minus distort the budget comparison, the year Balance +5.2 +32.6 –26.0 –179.8% the impact of the net withdrawal of €15 2008 can be characterized as follows: million from this year’s grant. Recalculat- • results match the balance figures given ing to take into account these operations in the projected revenue and expendi- (1) Results for 2006 include €31 million in dismantling expenditure balanced by a provision for the same amount gives the following results: ture statement approved by the Board in revenue. of Directors; (2) Results for 2007 include VAT, increasing resources by € € Recalculated execution 2007 2008 9 million and decreasing expenditure by 12 million, for € • a budget execution rate of 92.5% (com- a total impact on the balance of €21 million. (in millions) pared to 93.1% in 2007), i.e. a difference (3) Fiscal year 2008 shows an exceptional reduction of Balance +32.6 –26.0 € 15 million, corresponding to reconciliation of the 2006 carryover +15.2 - of €24.4 million, of which €10. 2 million €20 million VAT adjustment on one hand, and a special surplus of €5 million added to the dismantling fund on 2007 carryover –19.6 +19.6 corresponds to an offset in the execution the other. 2008 carryover - –10.2 of certain investments. Not including Special operations –21.0 +15.0 these offsets, the budget execution rate Net balance +2.2 –1.6 would be 95.6%.

3 _Income Statement Analysis

3.1 _Revenue total in government grants received for • €3.3 million from the agreement signed Budget Program 189 reached €212.6 mil- with the Ministry of Defense as part of Execution 2006 2007 2008 Difference (in € millions) 2008/2007 lion, of which €21.2 million was recorded Budget Program 212, the same level Sales 35.1 31.8 31.8 0% as a capital grant. The difference with the as in 2007; Grants 233.4 190.6 195.5 +2.6% grant appearing in the initial Budget Act • €0.7 million from other subsidies, in- Other operating 3.3 22.7 3.9 –82.8% € revenue was the result of a 15 million reduction cluding local government authorities, as € Operations 271.8 245.1 231.2 –5.7% allowed to adjust the value-added tax compared with 0.8 million in 2007; sub-total recorded the previous year, to the amount • €31.8 million of self-generated revenue Investment income 1.6 4.0 3.7 –7.5% of €20 million, minus an additional al- from consultancy services, co-funding Extraordinary 2.0 33.4 6.4 –80.8% revenue lowance granted to accelerate financing of research programs, or other services, Total 275.3 282.5 241.3 –14.5% of the fund dedicated to remediation steady as compared to 2007; > Operating revenue dropped by €13.9 mil- and dismantling of nuclear facilities. This • €3.9 million in other operating revenue lion (–5,7%) in comparison with the previ- operation occurred too late in the year (€22.7 million in 2007), equivalent to ous fiscal year, reaching €231.2 million, to be invested, so the €5 million for this 2006. This amount includes fees paid for with: special fund was accounted for in working industrial property (€0.1 million, steady), • €191.4 million from the public service capital and will be recorded differently other operating income (€0.6 million, grant paid by the Ministry of Ecology. The in the 2009 budget; declining) resulting from adjustments

4 FINANCIAL REPORT _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 made in previous years, as well as write- • personnel charges decreased by 1.3% Execution 2006 2007 2008 Difference (in € millions) 2008/2007 backs on depreciation and provisions to €110.4 million. This reduction is the 60 - Purchases 68.0 55.0 62.9 +14.4% (€3.3 million). The sharp decline in the result of controlled pay rises combined 61 - Outside 39.3 36.9 35.4 –4.1% last item is explained by the fact that with the considerable structural impact services early retirement expenses entailed by of new recruits who joined the Institute 62 - Other 18.2 15.3 17.8 +16.3% outside services the Capron agreement and risks related during the year. This recruiting effort, Total 125.5 107.2 116.1 +8.3% to the Institute’s financial situation with particularly strong at the beginning of regards to the business tax no longer the year, is explained by tension on the This table breaks down the year’s outside appeared in this year’s budget. job market in the nuclear sector, as the expenses, which amount to €116.1 mil- construction of new power plants is lion. It highlights the following: > Financial income, which reached expected to stimulate activity on both • the steep rise in Purchases (Item 60) €3.7 million, was slightly lower than in the domestic and international market. and Other outside services (Item 62), 2007 (–€0.3 million). A large number of employees also re- up by 14.4% and 16.3% respectively, tired in 2007 (through the Capron agree- resulting mainly from growth in activ- > Extraordinary revenue declined sig- ment), entailing extraordinary charges ity (subcontracting to CEA, temporary nificantly to €6.4 million, compared to amounting to roughly €2 million. In spite employees, etc.); €33.4 million in 2007. It consisted mainly of the economic downturn, at the end • the slight decline in Outside services of capital grants recorded in the income of the year the workforce totaled 1,478 (Item 61), down by 4.1%, explained by statement to the amount of €6.2 million. employees on permanent contracts, efforts to control costs on operations in- The exceptional peak recorded in 2007 was slightly higher than the 1,476 employees cluded under this heading, not directly due to tax adjustments. recorded at the end of 2007; involved in carrying out the Institute’s • taxes amounted to €12.4 million, down mission (general subcontracting, main- by €1 million, due to the declining tax tenance, rentals, etc.). 3.2 _Expenditure base for the employment tax; • depreciation rose by 6.1%, reaching > Financial charges progressed from Execution 2006 2007 2008 Difference € € € (in € millions) 2008/2007 17.5 million, whereas provisions, al- 0.4 million to 0.7 million due to inter- Purchases 125.5 107.2 116.1 +8.3% located mainly to the employee profit- est paid on loans (€7.2 million + €4. 8 mil- Personnel 109.6 111.9 110.4 –1.3% sharing plan, increased by €1.1 million lion + €5.6 million + €2 million) to finance Taxes 11.1 13.4 12.4 –7.5% compared to 2007; the Institute’s new headquarters and new Depreciation 15.3 16.5 17.5 +6.1% • purchasing of goods and services rose dosimetry technology, along with losses Provisions 7.0 0.3 1.4 +366.7% significantly by €8.9 million (up 8.3%) on currency exchange operations, in par- Others 1.0 1.6 1.2 –25.0% to €116.1 million, essentially due to ticular those involving the Japanese yen Operations 269.5 250.9 259.0 +3.2% sub-total finalization of work on the Cabri ex- and the American dollar. Financial 0.3 0.4 0.7 +75.0% perimental reactor and increased sub- charges contracting in "core activities" to sup- > Extraordinary charges remained steady Extraordinary 0.6 0.3 0.3 - charges port growing demand for assessment at €0.3 million. Total 270.5 251.6 260.0 +3.3% services on behalf of ASN; • other expenses represented €1.2 million, > Operating expenses for the year amount- as opposed to €1.6 million in 2007. ed to €259 million, up by €8.1 million, or +3.2%. This variation was concentrated mainly in purchases, and breaks down as follows:

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ FINANCIAL REPORT 5 2008 Financial Report

4 _Results and Financing

Execution 2006 2007 2008 Difference financial income and a €4-million rise This €9.3-million deficit in cash was com- (in € millions) 2008/2007 in ex traordinar y revenue (write-back on pensated by the following payments: Result 4.9 31.0 –18.7 –160.3% capital grants); • outside resources (€2.3 million), Cash provided 22.4 26.7 –9.3 –134.8% by operations • a decrease in charges estimated at including a €2.1-million loan to finance Variation 5.2 32.6 –26.0 –179.7% €19.6 million, resulting from a combined deployment of the new dosimetry in working capital drop in personnel charges and purchases technology; for a total amount of €19.6 million, with • the portion of the public service grant > The net balance for the year shows a fluctuations in other items cancelling paid by the Ministr y for Ecolog y allocat- deficit of €18.7 million, as compared to each other out. Part of this operating ed to capital grants (€21.2 million). profits of€ 31 million in 2007. The differ- budget, amounting to €4.6 million, was The resulting total resources only covered ence between the revised forecast in the transferred to the investment budget. part of investment and financial charges, budget amendment, predicting a deficit of which amounted to €4 0.1 million. The ad- €25.8 million, and the accounts at clos- > Cash provided by operations, budgeted ditional €26 million required for financing ing on December 31, 2008 is €7 million, at –€14.3 million in the budget amend- was drawn from working capital. which is explained by a favorable balance ment, reached –€ 9.3 million, a positive between: difference of €5 million, resulting from: Investment projects in progress, for a • a decline in income estimated at • a €7-million improvement in income; total amount of €45.4 million, includ- €12.6 million, resulting from the • an increase in the portion of capital ing the €4.6 million transferred from the €15-million reduction in the public grants included in the income state- operating budget, were executed up to service grant allocated by the Minis- ment, representing €3.7 million, 77.5% (€35.2 million). The difference of try for Ecology on one hand, and the • a depreciation differential of €1.4 million; €10.2 million was carried over to fiscal €2.6 million of revenue generated by • a decline in provision write-backs year 2009, which will be proposed in the the Institute on the other, partially com- amounting to €0.3 million. 2009 budget amendment. pensated by a €1-millon increase in

5 _Balance Sheet Analysis

5.1 _Liabilities reaching €76.2 million. Given the ad- > Short- and medium-term debt, for the > During the period, two adjustments were ditional capital grant recorded (see para. amount of €106.2 million, as opposed made to "Allowances", the first being the 3.1 above), this item rose by €14.9 million. to €87.8 million in 2007, rose due to the €8.8 million allowance transferred from Since contingency and loss provisions were increase in accounts payable to suppli- CEA accounts to "Reserves", and the sec- reduced to €1.9 million, the Institute’s ers (up by €20.3 million). The rest of the ond being the Fontenay-aux-Roses site long-term capital declined only slightly variation is explained by reimbursement written into the Institute’s assets to the to €161.7 million, as compared to the of existing loans (–€0.8 million), tax and amount of €4.2 million. After recording €163.2 million figure of 2007. social liabilities (+€0.3 million), other li- these movements, with an €18.7-million abilities (–€0.7 million) and prepaid in- loss, the net result was down by 16.1%, come (–€0.7 million).

6 FINANCIAL REPORT _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 5.2 _Assets > Current assets receded to €132.3 mil- consists essentially of a rise in "customer > Fixed assets increased to €135.6 million lion, compared to €139.1 million in 2007, receivables" for €4.7 million and a drop (up by €23.7 million), due to continued subsequent to clearing tax debt, which of €2.7 million in advances on orders. renewal of IRSN facilities and equipment, amounted to €41 million last year, for VAT and incorporation of the Fontenay-aux- payable for the period from 2005 to 2007, Roses site in the Institute’s assets (see counterbalanced by a €23-million rise para. 5.1 above). in liquidities. The rest of this fluctuation

Conclusion

> The 2008 budget was executed within mediation and dismantling fund, €1. 2 mil- to shut down the Phébus experimental the forecasted budget balance presented lion for the employee profit-sharing plan reactor, confirmed by the Atomic Energy to the Board of Directors. and €10.2 million for carryover of invest- Committee. The first exceptional contri- ment projects in progress. The last two bution of €5 million was carried out in > Liquidity movements decided after re- operations are movements that will be 2008 to finance work planned for 2009. vising the Institute’s fiscal situation have incorporated in the 2009 budget amend- The remaining amount to be financed now been completed, with the withdrawal ment, the withdrawal for the special re- to cover work in 2010, 2011 and 2012 recorded at the end of 2008. mediation fund appearing already in the is currently estimated at €20.5 million, initial budget. which will require another exceptional > The withdrawal from working capital contribution as soon as possible. amounted to €26 million, which includes > The contribution to the dismantling and withdrawals spread out throughout 2009 remediation fund, set at €1.1 million every representing €5 million for the special re- year, is now insufficient, given the decision

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ FINANCIAL REPORT 7 2008 Financial Report

Balance sheet

ASSETS

In euros 2008 2007 2006

Gross depreciation Net Net Net & provisions

Intangible assets 15,180,181.45 11,925,797.14 3,254,384.31 2,136,430.05 2,618,231.40

Tangible assets 216,343,972.77 89,084,222.56 127,259,750.21 106,598,815.35 94,405,259.93

Financial assets 5,115,702.80 - 5,115,702.80 3,158,525.44 2,139,011.49

Fixed assets 236,639,857.02 101,010,019.70 135,629,837.32 111,893,770.84 99,162,502.82

Inventory and work in progress - - - - -

Prepayments and advances on orders 431,094.07 - 431,094.07 3,200,128.34 142,937.41

Accounts receivable 46,732,526.49 22,992.36 46,709,534.13 73,808,863.09 26 478,214.01

customer receivables 30,520,429.27 22,992.36 30,497,436.91 25,816,309.97 24,546,800.04

related receivables 16,212,097.22 - 16,212,097.22 47,992,553.12 1,931,413.97

Other receivables 3,689.80 - 3,689.80 45,159.22 -

Investment securities 75,854,958.53 - 75,854,958.53 49,913,075.86 85,092,342.32

Cash 9,297,888.40 - 9,297,888.40 12,140,939.23 5,254,892.15

Prepaid expenses

Current assets 132,320,157.29 22,992.36 132,297,164.93 139,108,165.74 116,968,385.89

GRAND TOTAL 368,960,014.31 101,033,012.06 267,927,002.25 251,001,936.58 216,130,888.71

49.4% 50.6% Assets 32.2% Current assets

� � Fixed assets 135.6 million 50% Cash and cash equivalents 85.2 million Current assets �132.3 million Prepayments �0.4 million 0.1% Customer receivables �30.5 million Other receivables �16.2 million 11.5% Current assets �132.3 million 6.2%

8 FINANCIAL REPORT _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 LIABILITIES

In euros 2008 2007 2006

Allowances 4,183,945.65 8,782,859.59 8,782,859.59

Reserves 90,783,098.42 51,083,266.14 46,222,746.95

Retained earnings - - -

Fiscal year profit or loss –18,724,287.79 30,963,852.03 4,860,519.19

Net position 76,242,756.28 90,829,977.76 59,866,125.73

Capital grants 50,013,274.68 35,091,137.98 6,547,264.28

Equity 126,256,030.96 125,921,115.74 66,413,390.01

Contingency provision 1,978,000.00 2,109,000.00 2,013,000.00

Provision for taxes due 177,000.00 177,000.00 15,375,369.57

Loss provision 33,294,000.00 35,011,000.00 38,285,000.00

Contingency and loss provision 35,449,000.00 37,297,000.00 55,673,369.57

Bank borrowings 14,429,135.32 15,183,905.42 11,012,752.99

Various debts and liabilities 190.50 190.50 190.50

Prepayments and advances on orders - - 2,432,850.45

Trade notes and accounts payable 58,826,534.14 41,835,202.76 44,716,299.49

Tax and social liabilities 24,015,522.27 23,748,397.96 24,085,228.42

Other operating liabilities - 130,669.38 -

Payables to fixed asset suppliers and related accounts 7,197,842.14 3,845,582.51 9,042,920.05

Other liabilities 1,752,746.92 2,373,871.64 2,753,887.23

Prepayments and accrued income - 666,000.67 -

Liabilities 106,221,971.29 87,783,820.84 94,044,129.13

GRAND TOTAL 267,927,002.25 251,001,936.58 216,130,888.71

21.9% 47.1% Long-term capital 15.3% 22.6% Liabilities

Net position �76.2 million Tax and social liabilities �24 million Capital grant �50 million Trade payables �66 million Provisions �35.5 million Other liabilities �16.2 million 31%

62.1%

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ FINANCIAL REPORT 9 2008 Financial Report

Income statement

In euros 2008 2007 2006

Research work 11,165,866.34 11,600,446.57 12,331,633.33

Service contracts 14,937,300.43 14,965,765.23 17,816,377.00

Other services provided 5,720,848.65 5,281,978.47 4,946,515.75

Net revenue 31,824,015.42 31,848,190.27 35,094,526.08

Operating grants 195,447,206.52 190,599,016.47 233,413,984.22

Write-backs on depreciation and provisions 3,270,980.62 18,653,925.36 2,770,683.10

Expense transfer 128,863.34 206,282.73 24,721.71

Other income 553,067.57 3,782,854.33 457,815.11

Operating income 231,224,133.47 245,090,269.16 271,761,730.22

Outside expenses for the fiscal year 116,148,653.80 107,093,251.77 125,464,361.29

Taxes, duties, and similar payments 12,373,634.74 13,397,986.18 11,117,320.62

Personnel expenses 110,426,772.00 111,865,157.14 109,618,595.41

Depreciation & provisions 18,924,712.32 16,806,211.72 22,295,556.87

Other expenses 1,179,411.04 1,618,502.86 1,053,293.40

Operating expenses 259,053,183.90 250,781,109.67 269,549,127.59

Operating income –27,829,050.43 –5,690,840.51 2,212,602.63

From controlled entities - - -

Other interest income 24,566.87 26,907.87 52,762.66

Foreign exchange gains 38,754.50 11,803.62 12,011.51

Gains on sales of short-term investments 3,627,624.62 4,013,420.35 1,506,850.89

Investment income 3,690,945.99 4,052,131.84 1,571,625.06

Interest expense 564,466.81 347,426.62 319,792.03

Foreign exchange losses 153,739.95 77,998.99 3,627.22

Losses on sales of short-term investments - - -

Financial charges 718,206.76 425,425.61 323,419.25

Financial income 2,972,739.23 3,626,706.23 1,248,205.81

Income before exceptional items –24,856,311.20 –2,064,134.28 3,460,808.44

Gains on sales of assets - 500.00 -

Capital grants recorded in fiscal year’s income statement 6,286,126.30 2,427,906.30 1,958,340.98

Capital grants strictly for the period 46,879.34 143,500.00 28,163.26

In operations 88,447.78 30,803,312.89 26,822.62

Extraordinary revenue 6,421,453.42 33,375,219.19 2,013,326.86

In operations 222,636.97 311,692.69 263,442.72

Book value of assets sold and other capital losses 66,793.04 35,540.19 350,173.39

Depreciation & provisions - - -

Extraordinary charges 289,430.01 347,232.88 613,616.11

Extraordinary income 6,132,023.41 33,027,986.31 1,399,710.75

Minimum tax on corporations - - -

Income tax - - -

Fiscal year income –18,724,287.79 30,963,852.03 4,860,519.19

10 FINANCIAL REPORT _ Annual Report IRSN 2008 Income statement subtotals

CAPTIONS 31/12/2008 % 31/12/2007 31/12/2006

Sales 31,824,015.42 14.00% 31,848,190.27 35,094,526.08

+Operating grants 195,447,206.52 86.00% 190,599,016.47 233,413,984.22

FISCAL YEAR PRODUCTION 227,271,221.94 100.00 222,447,206.74 268,508,510.30

–Outside expenses 116,148,653.80 51.11% 107,093,251.77 125,464,361.29

ADDED VALUE 111,122,568.14 48.89% 115,353,954.97 143,044,149.01

–Taxes 12,373,634.74 5.44% 13,397,986.18 11,117,320.62

–Personnel expenses 110,426,772.00 48.59% 111,865,157.14 109,618,595.41

OPERATING INCOME BEFORE INTEREST,

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION –11,677,838.60 –5.14% –9,909,188.35 22,308,232.98

+Write-backs, expense transfer 3,399,843.96 1.50% 18,860,208.09 2,795,404.81

+Other income 553,067.57 0.24% 3,782,854.33 457,815.11

–Depreciation & provisions 18,924,712.32 8.33% 16,806,211.72 22,295,556.87

+Write-back on capital grants 6,286,126.30 2.77% 2,571,406.30 1,986,504.24

–Other expenses 1,179,411.04 0.52% 1,618,502.86 1,053,293.40

OPERATING INCOME –21,542,924.13 –9.48% –3,119,434.21 4,199,106.87

+Investment income 3,690,945.99 1.62% 4,052,131.84 1,571,625.06

–Financial charges 718,206.76 0.32% 425,425.61 323,419.25

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

BEFORE INCOME TAXES –18,570,184.90 –8.17% 507,272.02 5,447,312.68

+Extraordinary revenue 135,327.12 0.06% 30,803,812.89 26,822.62

–Extraordinary charges 289,430.01 0.13% 347,232.88 613,616.11

EXTRAORDINARY INCOME –18,724,287.79 –8.24% 30,456,580.01 –586,793.49

–Income tax - - - -

FISCAL YEAR RESULT –18,724,287.79 –8.24% 30,963,852.03 4,860,519.19

Income in detail (in �M) Operating income (in �M)

191.5 231.2 Ministry for Ecology grant Operating income 176.5 245.1

3.3 3.7 Ministry of Defense grant 4 Investment income 3.3

0.7 6.4 Other grants Extraordinary revenue 10.8 33.4

0 10 100 1,000 31.8 Own revenue 31.8 2008 2007 3.9 Other 22.7

0 10 100 1,000

2008 2007

Annual Report IRSN 2008 _ FINANCIAL REPORT 11 2008 Financial Report

Budget vs actual report

INCOME STATEMENT in euros 2008 Budget 2008 Actual

REVENUE

Service contract sales 34,830,178.00 31,824,015.42

Government grants 210,211,344.00 195,447,206.52

Other operating revenue 2,830,000.00 4,508,204.02

Internal operations 6,025,690.00 9,557,106.92

TOTAL REVENUE 253,897,212.00 241,336,532.88

EXPENDITURE

Personnel expenses 121,856,255.00 110,426,772.00

Other operating expenses 141,140,305.00 130,643,930.40

Internal operations 17,500,000.00 18,990,118.27

Precautionary reserve - -

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 280,496,560.00 260,060,820.67

RESULT (PROFIT) - -

RESULT (LOSS) 26,599,348.00 18,724,287.79

TOTAL INCOME STATEMENT BALANCE 280,496,560.00 260,060,820.67

Transfer of result to cash provided by operations in euros 2008 Budget 2008 Actual

RESULT –26,599,348.00 –18,724,287.79

+Loss on sale of assets - 65 405.95

+Depreciation & provisions 17,500,000.00 18,924,712.32

–Gains from offsetting depreciation - 46 879.34

–Portion of grants recorded in result 2,500,000.00 6,242,826.30

–Write-backs on depreciation and provisions 3,525,690.00 3,270,980.62

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS –15,125,038.00 –9,294,855.78

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION in euros 2008 Budget 2008 Actual

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS –15,125,038.00 –9,294,855.78

Acquisition of tangible and intangible assets 40,755,509.00 35,163,169.38

Financial assets 2,136,800.00 2,107,438.88

Long-term debt paid 2,000,000.00 2,861,967.41

Dismantling assets - -

TOTAL USES OF CASH 60,017,347.00 49,427,431.45

Government capital grants 21,164,964.00 21,164,963.00

Other sources (excl. internal operations) 3,630,000.00 150,261.52

Increase in long-term debt 2,000,000.00 2,107,197.31

TOTAL SOURCES OF CASH 26,794,964.00 23,422,421.83

CONTRIBUTION TO WORKING CAPITAL –33,222,383.00 –26,005,009.62

12 FINANCIAL REPORT _ Annual Report IRSN 2008

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