Relations between the safety authorities and nuclear power plant operators

Experience in France has prompted the safety authorities to focus particular attention on the competence and responsibilities of nuclear power plant operators. It seems unlikely that excessive regulations and excessive controls will improve safety: on the contrary, they might well lead the operator to abdicate his responsibilities. It is up to the public authorities to establish safety objectives, and the operator's duty is to define the practical ways of attaining them, to convince the authorities that his practices are justified, and to ensure their correct implementation. It is then for the public authorities to monitor, through appropriate checks, how well they have been implemented. Both sides must be meticulous in carrying out their roles and in exercising their responsibilities. These various activities require continuous technical dialogue which is not in contradiction with strict regulatory control. (author)