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Nuclear industry and safety fundamentals
Find your bearings in the nuclear sector and understand the requirements that govern every operation. Connect facility operation, radiation protection and safety culture to communicate more effectively with teams and prepare your projects. Develop the professional understanding needed in an environment where rigour is essential.
- Duration
- 2 days 14 hours
- Code
- IND018FR Code
Presentation
Entering the nuclear sector requires a rapid understanding of its challenges, stakeholders and fundamental rules. It is a tightly regulated environment where even a limited misunderstanding of safety principles or regulatory obligations can have significant consequences for facility safety and the compliance of those working there.
This 2-day course introduces the foundations of the nuclear sector: its organisation, main stakeholders, key operating principles of facilities, and the basics of radiation protection and nuclear safety. You will also explore the French regulatory framework and the obligations applying to personnel and organisations working in the sector.
By the end of the course, you will be able to work confidently and in compliance in this demanding environment. You will adopt the professional practices expected of everyone working in the nuclear sector, whether an operator, service provider or subcontractor.
Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- describe the nuclear fuel cycle and identify the sector's main global stakeholders;
- understand the organisation, stakeholders and reactor fleet of the French nuclear sector;
- master the main operating principles of basic nuclear installations and different reactor types;
- understand radiation protection fundamentals (ALARA, zoning and dosimetry) and calculate the dose for a work activity;
- apply nuclear safety principles, including defence in depth and safety culture;
- define external contractors' obligations (prevention plans, authorisations and traceability);
- adopt sound professional practices to work in compliance with the French regulatory framework.
Program
Module 1: exploring the organisation and stakeholders of the nuclear sector
- Main stages of the nuclear fuel cycle: sector overview and global stakeholders.
- Reactor types and how they operate.
- The French nuclear fleet: reactors in operation, under construction and being decommissioned.
- The sector's energy, economic and environmental challenges, and major upcoming projects.
Module 2: mastering radioactivity and radiation protection fundamentals
- Applied nuclear physics: fission, chain reactions and basic neutronics.
- Concepts of radioactivity and ionising radiation.
- Radiation protection principles: ALARA, zoning, dosimetry and protective equipment.
Practical exercises
- Calculate doses for a work activity.
Module 3: applying the key principles of nuclear safety
- Key safety principles: defence in depth, barriers and safety culture.
- Facility design and sizing.
- Managing incidents and accidents: lessons learned.
Module 4: applying the regulatory framework and stakeholder obligations
- The French regulatory framework and reference ministerial orders.
- The role of safety authorities: inspection, authorisation and oversight.
- Obligations of operators and service providers: prevention plans, authorisations and traceability.
Audience
This course is intended for professionals working in or with the nuclear sector, including:
- new entrants to the nuclear sector (engineers, technicians and project managers) seeking to quickly gain an overview;
- service providers and subcontractors working at nuclear installations who need to understand the regulatory framework;
- managers and project leaders seeking to understand the regulatory context to lead their teams more effectively;
- any professional working in or with the nuclear sector, regardless of previous experience.
Prerequisites
The following prerequisites apply:
- Basic knowledge: some initial familiarity with industrial environments.
- Please note: no prior nuclear sector experience is required; this course is designed as an introduction to the sector.
Teaching and assessment methods
- Initial skills assessment
- Training materials provided to participants
- Continuous assessment throughout the course
- End-of-course feedback questionnaire
- Combination of theory and practical application
- Attendance records
- Post-course follow-up evaluation
- Practical exercises
- Case study
Course highlights
- Trainer from the nuclear industry: practical instruction delivered by an expert with hands-on sector experience.
- A complete sector overview: from the global organisation of the fuel cycle to French regulatory obligations, within a single course.
- Practical approach: case studies and a dose calculation exercise to reinforce radiation protection principles.
- An ideal starting point: essential context for working confidently from your first assignments in a nuclear environment.
Dates and sessions
Choose the date and delivery format that suit you.
No upcoming sessions are currently available.