THE FRENCH APPROACH TO PROTECT NUCLEAR FACILITIES AGAINST SABOTAGE

In addition to the measures taken in the frame of nuclear safety demonstration, the French nuclear facilities are subjected to a specific verification approach concerning the risk resulting from a malevolent action which may cause a release of radioactive materials in the environment. This approach aims at determining the protection level for facilities, based on predefined threats and the provisions to be set, if necessary, to ensure a satisfactory protection. This approach deals with the whole of the civil nuclear facilities (power reactors, research reactors, laboratories and fuel cycle plants,…) and will be soon extended to defence nuclear facilities. This approach is applied to the design as well as to the operation of these facilities. Considering the expected risks, this approach needs a strong consultation between safety and physical protection specialists.