Protection of nuclear installations and nuclear material against malevolent actions

The paper presents the process used in France to cope with sabotage of nuclear material or facilities. Design basis threats are associated with the risk of aggression and the means used. Implementation of regulations uses a performance-based approach which gives the operators flexibility to choose the means and measures to be taken. The physical protection system is based upon the principle of 'defence in depth'. This concept is applied to the design and operation of the physical protection system. Sensitivity is defined by the level of radiological consequences resulting from malevolent action determined by using safety analyses to identify potential accident sequences. Vulnerability is assessed by estimating the resources required to destroy a system or function, and the paths which lead to sensitive zones or systems. Acceptable consequences are defined as levels of release which are equal to, or less than, the levels defined in the facility safety case. (author)