
Nuclear safety is all about preventing accidents and controlling the technical risks associated with the operation of nuclear facilities.
Nuclear security, on the other hand, is there to protect against malicious acts (intrusion, sabotage, cyberattacks), and covers measures to guarantee the safety and security of employees in all situations, including those related to the working environment.
In France, nuclear safety is based on regulations considered to be among the strictest in the world. The operator is responsible for controlling the risks and potential adverse effects that their facility may pose to protected interests. The ASNR monitors
this control at all nuclear facilities, whether they are in operation, under construction or in decommissioning.
Did you know?
In 2025, France combined the technical expertise of the IRSN (the French Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety) and the powers of control of the ASN (the French Nuclear Safety Authority) into a single independent authority: the ASNR (the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority).
This governance model reflects a desire to streamline and simplify the organization while strengthening the effectiveness of nuclear safety and radiation protection controls throughout the nuclear industry.
Nuclear safety is a major global challenge that requires international cooperation to ensure the safety of all.
Since the dawn of nuclear energy, international conventions have been established to lay the foundations for a common approach to risk prevention and public protection.
International agencies such as the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), which has been active since 1957, play a key role in promoting a global culture of nuclear safety.
Similarly, WANO (World Association of Nuclear Operators) facilitates the exchange of best practices among nuclear operators with the aim of continuously improving reliability and risk prevention.
Within the European Union, nuclear safety is based on harmonized regulations led by Euratom (the European Atomic Energy Agency).
Its role is to ensure the highest safety standards across member states, while promoting cooperation and sharing
of best practices.
Each country remains responsible for its own nuclear facilities but undertakes to comply with common rules.
The ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle consists of keeping exposure to ionizing radiation as low as possible, taking into account technical, economic, and social factors. It is applied by major regulatory bodies such as the IAEA, the ASNR, and Euratom.
Nuclear safety is a priority at Orano. Every year, the group conducts internal verifications on an ongoing basis, supplemented by more than 200 inspections by the ASNR and the HFDS - the French Senior Defense and Security Official [Haut Fonctionnaire de Défense et de Sécurité]. These include around 50 unannounced inspections.