Ionizing radiation: transposition of the Euratom directive of December 5, 2013

In 2018, France updated its radiation protection regulations for workers, lowering the radon dose limit level and strengthening monitoring measures.

Marie Faucon
EHS Consultant
Update : 
12.09.2025
Publication: 
08.02.2019
Contents
Example H2
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Two decrees were published in June 2018 in order, in particular, to transpose the Euratom Directive of December 5, 2013. The aims of these regulatory changes: to update radiation protection classifications and bring simplifications to the process of monitoring workers' exposure to ionizing radiation. And focus on radon-related risks.

The French Public Health Code (protection of public health, hygiene and safety) and the French Labor Code(protection of workers' health and safety) have been amended accordingly. Additional implementing decrees are expected.

Exposure to ionizing radiation, among the main developments :

  • The introduction of a new registration system, between the declaration and authorization systems, for the operation of nuclear activities;
  • Classification of radioactive sources according to their potential effects in the event of malicious use (Categories A to D) and reinforcement of the safety obligations incumbent on those responsible for nuclear activities (in particular informing the authorities in the event of a malicious act or loss/theft involving sources classified A to D);
  • The operator is required to keep an inventory of sources to justify their origin and location at all times, with annual transmission to IRSN for activities subject to authorization, and every 3 years for other administrative regimes;
  • Lowering the dose limit for the crystalline lens from 150 mSv to 20 mSv over 12 consecutive months;
  • Aligning the assessment and management of ionizing radiation risks with the principles already applied to conventional risks;
  • The definition by the employer of relevant individual dose constraints (in place of job analysis and exposure sheets) prior to any activity carried out in a controlled area or operating zone;
  • The appointment of a radiation protection advisor, who may be either a "PCR" (internal) or an "OCR" (external) certified radiation protection competent person;
  • Reinforced protection against exposure to natural ionizing radiation, radon.

For radon-related risks in particular

A decree now lists the communes with radon potential (zones 1 to 3), making it easier for employers to identify the risk ofradon exposure.

Since July1, 2018, the reference level for radon in the workplace has been lowered to 300 Bq/m3 (from 400 Bq/m3) as an annual average, and radon exposure monitoring has been extended to all workplaces located in basements and first floors, whereas previously only underground environments were covered by mandatory monitoring.

If a company is located in zone 3 :

  • Measurement campaigns (using passive integrated radon measurement devices) must be carried out when the results of the risk assessment show that exposure is likely to reach or exceed the reference level.
  • Analyses must be carried out by COFRAC-accredited organizations.
  • In the event of exposure in excess of 6 mSv/year, the employer must introduce radon zoning, individual dosimetric monitoring of workers and "reinforced" monitoring by an occupational physician.

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