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Sellafield - Inspection ID: 52823

Date(s) of inspection: December 2023

Executive summary

Aim of inspection

This is a targeted inspection of the adequacy of the fire safety and emergency arrangements of the SRP construction project with the aim of assessing compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) during construction activities.

The aim of the inspection was to gain confidence in the Principal Contractor and associated other contractors life fire safety and emergency arrangements during the construction phase of the SRP project. The intention of this inspection is to focus on implementation of the arrangements on all areas of build.
 
The inspection will focus on the following aspects of fire safety:
  • the application of the physical and management arrangements of the general fire precautions; 
  • the application of the management and control of fire safety by the Principal Contractor;
  • the control and management of high risk activity such as hot works and working in confined spaces;
  • the control applied to the planning of construction work such that impacts to general fire precautions are understood;
  • the control, management and application of the fire alarm systems across varied areas of the construction project (to be determined on the day) - design, testing, and maintenance records; and
  • provide an opportunity to meet with safety and project managers directly responsible for assessing fire safety arrangements.

Subject(s) of inspection

  • Construction Fire Safety - Rating: Not Rated

Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made

The SRP construction project is a significant nuclear new build site. Several areas of the concrete outer building are enclosed and escape is predominantly via scaffolding. I inspected life fire safety provision on the site in its current state (i.e not assessing the final state of the building or fire strategy). 

Sellafield Ltd act as the client on this project with the Programme and Project Partners (PPP) joint venture discharging the duties of principal contractor under CDM. 

I reviewed key fire documents and spoke to Sellafield, PPP and sub-contractors at the SRP site. 

I made enquiries into a number of areas relevant to life fire safety. These included the following:

  • Sources of ignition
  • Hot work controls
  • Combustibles and housekeeping
  • Compartmentation and building enclosure progress
  • Travel distances
  • Emergency lighting
  • Fire alarm and detection

Overall I am content that the dutyholder demonstrated an adequate understanding of the fire safety arrangements for the SRP site and that these were appropriately implemented.

Some areas for potential improvement were observed and advice was given to the dutyholder. No significant life fire safety shortfalls were identified. As such, I have rated this inspection as green.

Nuclear site health and safety shortfalls observed on the walkdown have been followed up with the relevant dutyholders (ONR-SDFW-CR-23-606).

Conclusion

Overall I am content that the dutyholder demonstrated an adequate understanding of the fire safety arrangements for the SRP site and that these were appropriately implemented.

Some areas for potential improvement were observed and advice was given to the dutyholder. No significant life fire safety shortfalls were identified. As such, I have rated this inspection as green.