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describe practices ASN considers to be satisfactory. As
part of the ongoing reorganisation of the general technical
regulations applicable to BNIs, the BSR are gradually
being replaced by ASN guides. Work is under way to
identify the BSR which can be repealed and the guides
needing to be updated.
The ASN guides collectionwas created as an educational
tool for professionals. In 2015, it comprised twenty non-
binding guides designed to affirm ASN doctrine, detail
the recommendations, propose methods for achieving
the objectives set in the texts and present methods and
best practices stemming from experience feedback from
significant events.
The ASN guides collection is presented in the appendix
to this chapter.
3.2.4 French nuclear industry professional codes
and standards
The nuclear industry produces detailed rules dealingwith
the state of the art and industrial practices. It groups these
rules in “Industrial Codes”. These rules allow concrete
transposition of the requirements of the general technical
regulations, while reflecting good industrial practice. They
thus facilitate contractual relations between customers
and suppliers.
In the particular field of nuclear safety, the Industrial
Codes are drafted by the French association for NSSS
equipment construction rules (AFCEN), of which EDF
and Areva are members. The RCC Codes of design and
construction rules have been drafted for the Design,
Manufacture and Commissioning of Electrical Equipment
(RCC-E), Civil Engineering (RCC-G) and Mechanical
Equipment (RCC-M). A collection of in-service
monitoring rules for mechanical equipment (RSE-M)
has also been drafted.
These codes do not take the place of the regulations but
are industrial tools which can be usefully employed as
a basis for meeting the requirements of the regulations.
ASN’s actions in this field are to oversee the drafting and
updating of the codes and the acceptance of their usage
in activities subject to its regulation.
ASNexamines the codes drafting and utilisation processes,
even if it does not carry out a complete analysis of their
contents. It helps with the drafting and updating of codes
in areas inwhich it considers that this would allowbetter
implementation of the regulations.
ASN submits its comments on the use of the codes and,
if it so deems necessary, sends requests for changes to
the organisations responsible.
3.3 Plant authorisation decrees
and commissioning licenses
Chapter III of Title IX of Book V of the Environment
Code contains a creation authorisation procedure, which
may be followed by a number of licensing operations
throughout the life of a BNI, from its commissioning up
to final shutdown and decommissioning, including any
modifications made to the facility.
3.3.1 Safety options
Any industrial concern intending to operate a BNI may,
even before starting the creation authorisation application
procedure, ask ASN for an opinion on all or part of the
safety options it has adopted for its installation. The
applicant is notified of the ASNopinion andwill produce
any additional studies and justifications as necessary
for a possible creation authorisation application. ASN
generally asks a competent Advisory Committee to review
the project.
The safety options will then be presented in the creation
authorisation application file, in a preliminary version
of the safety analysis report.
This preparatory procedure in no way exempts the
applicant from the subsequent regulatory examinations
but simply facilitates them.
3.3.2 Public debate
Pursuant to Articles L. 121-1 et seq. of the Environment
Code, the creation of a BNI is subject to a public debate
procedure when dealing with a new nuclear power
generation site or a newsite (other than for nuclear power
generation) costingmore than€300million and, in certain
cases, a new nuclear power generation site, or a new site
(other than for nuclear power generation) costing between
€150 million and €300 million (Article R. 121-1 of this
same Code).
The public debate looks at the suitability, objectives and
characteristics of the project.
3.3.3 The Creation Authorisation Decree
The creation authorisation application for a BNI is filed
with the Minister responsible for Nuclear Safety by
the industrial concern which intends to operate the
facility, which thus acquires the status of licensee. The
application is accompanied by a file comprising several
items, including the detailed drawing of the installation,
the impact assessment, the preliminary version of the
safety analysis report, the risk management study and
the decommissioning plan.
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CHAPTER 03:
REGULATIONS
ASN report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2015