Context
Environmental radiation monitoring systems (ERMS) are present around nuclear power plants and provide the link between the outside and inside of the site to detect any radioactive leaks and prevent overexposure to ionising radiation. In accordance with the nuclear transparency law, France’s Nuclear Safety Authority (ARSN) publishes the radioactivity measurement readings taken around facilities to inform the public of any risks observed near inhabited areas. However, in the event of a major incident (natural disasters, terrorist attacks, etc.), the entire ERMS system can be damaged, depriving the operational teams of crucial information on the radiological situation.
Following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, the Nuclear Emergency Task Force (FARN) was set up by EDF and trained to intervene immediately in a crisis situation.
FARN is made up of 4 teams spread over the sites of Civaux (Vienne), Dampierre (Loiret), Bugey (Ain) and Paluel (Seine-Maritime), offering geographical coverage at the 4 compass points of French territory to take action in less than 26hr. The distribution of FARN teams has many logistical advantages.
In the event of an incident, it is necessary to mobilise human resources and transport equipment to supply the reactor building with water and electricity, and deploy an emergency system to measure radioactivity. FARN thus helps to avoid the risk of complete meltdown of the reactor and contamination of groundwater and soil.
