Complementary Safety Assessment of AREVA's nuclear facilities

The aim of complementary safety assessment (CSA) is to analyse the robustness of a nuclear facility for extreme situations such as those that led to the Fukushima accident. This article presents the methodology that has been followed to draw CSA for AREVA's nuclear facilities: La Hague, Tricastin, Romans-sur-Isere and Melox. A 4-step approach has been followed for each site. First, a review of the measures already taken into account in the design of the facility and their conformity to applicable regulations. Secondly, a study to transpose the concept of severe accident in a nuclear power plant to the context of a fuel cycle facility. Thirdly, to assess the robustness of the facility and the real safety margin. Fourthly, the analysis of external or internal means that could be used in case of accidents to restore or maintain a minimal level of safety. (A.C.)