- Site: Sellafield
- Inspection ID: 50832
- Date: September 2022
- LC numbers: 23, 27, 28, 34
Executive summary
Purpose of inspection
In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR’s) Sellafield Strategy, each year ONR performs a series of planned inspections to seek assurance of compliance against selected licence conditions, targeted at those facilities with significant importance to nuclear safety. One such inspection was undertaken at B14 (Redundant Active Handling Facility – RAHF) of Beta Gamma Operating Unit within the Sellafield site in West Cumbriato sample evidence of implementation of the Sellafield Limited's arrangements for compliance with Licence Conditions (LCs) 23, 27, 28 and 34 in order to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with its legal duties under the nuclear site licence.
In addition, the inspection also considered Sellafield Limited's arrangements for compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2021, Regulation 4: Duty to manage, within B14.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC23 - Operating rules (Rating - Green)
- LC27 - Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits (Rating - Green)
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (Rating - Green)
- LC34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste (Rating - Green)
- Asbestos (Duty to Manage) (Rating - Green)
Key findings
The inspection was undertaken on 28 and 29 September 2022 by the ONR Site Inspector for the Remediation Value Stream supported by Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Conventional Health and Safety Specialist Inspectors.
The inspection comprised discussions with Sellafield Limited personnel, review of records, documents and processes and a targeted walk down of B14.
In relation to LC23 the facility has a current safety case covering surveillance and maintenance activities only. We were satisfied that the licensee provided an adequate level of assurance that the safety case has been fully implemented and also provided evidence of compliance records.
In relation to LC27 we were satisfied that there was consistency between designations on Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits (SMDCs) between the safety case, Operational Clearance Certificate and the Engineering Schedule. Overall, we were satisfied that SMDCs had been identified in the safety case, could be located on plant and were properly connected and in good working order, or in an adequate condition, to deliver the safety function.
In relation to LC28, we were satisfied that the licensee provided an adequate level of assurance and evidence to demonstrate compliance with LC 28. Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing was being undertaken in an appropriate and timely manner and that non-delivery was appropriately justified. The licensee also provided assurance that obsolete ventilation plant is being adequately managed by the asset management condition and prioritisation process.
In relation to LC34 we were satisfied that the licensee provided an adequate level of assurance and evidence to demonstrate compliance with LC34.
Sellafield Limited's arrangements for asbestos management at B14 are being suitably implemented. The building has a small asbestos inventory which is managed on a day-to-day basis by the asbestos coordinator. The asbestos management plan specifies the measures for managing the risk in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, approved code of practice and guidance. Overall, the corporate arrangements for asbestos management at B14 are being implemented and Sellafield Limited demonstrated compliance with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
During the inspection a number of minor anomalies have been identified and regulatory advice has been provided as appropriate.
Judgements made
On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, and noting the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, we consider that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited for Sellafield Limited implementation of its LC23, LC27, LC28, LC34 corporate arrangements, and The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 4 in the B14. Regulatory advice was provided to ensure sustained compliance in some specifically identified areas; this will be followed up via routine regulatory engagement as necessary.