Supervision of nuclear safety in France

In France an important distinction is made between radiation protection (in charge of preventing or limiting the human risks subsequent to the normal use of ionizing radiations), and nuclear safety (in charge of preventing or limiting any risk of a nuclear accident). This article does not concern at all radiation protection, but only nuclear safety (we deplore ''nuclear safety'' is not any more allowed as a descriptor), for which the French administrative structure is described. Formerly, CEA was in charge of this safety. Since 1973, a specific institution dependent on the State has been settled. The two major principles are: responsibility of operators, financing of the State institution by the operators. (D.L.). 2 figs