Dounreay - Site inspection to ensure compliance with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005

• Site: Dounreay
• IR number: 19-061
• Date: July 2019
• LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was a planned inspection at Dounreay, undertaken as part of the intervention strategy for Sellafield, Decommissioning, Fuel & Waste Division.

The purpose of the intervention was to ensure that the Licensee was demonstrating compliance with the fire/life safety requirements of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

Interventions carried out by ONR

• The inspection assessed management arrangements to support fire safety, and sampled the implementation of practical measures within selected areas on the site.
• I examined a series of documents prior to my arrival on site.
• I conducted meetings to assess the approach taken to the management of fire safety examined fire risk assessment documents and plans of buildings.
• During my inspection, I challenged managers and subject matter experts about procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision.
• I undertook a walk-through inspection of the Dounreay Fast Reactor and reviewed decommissioning fire safety arrangements for the Materials Test Reactor.
• I questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not judged to be Adequate

Not Applicable

Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

The site demonstrated a high standard in the day-to-day management of fire safety and gave me confidence in the capability to respond pro-actively to future developments. Those responsible for the management and practical application of fire safety had a good understanding of fire engineering principles to maintain adequate fire safety in facilities undergoing decommissioning, which presents challenges to the use of conventional approaches.

During the walk-down and the meetings held during the day, I identified several examples of good practice.  People that I met during my inspection displayed a positive attitude to safety, demonstrating a confident approach to achieving compliance with fire safety legislation.

Immediately following my inspection, I de-briefed the Security and Resilience Manager of my findings and assessment of legal compliance with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, and confirmed areas of good practice.

Conclusion of Intervention

I concluded that the areas inspected are compliant with the legislation, the Site’s fire safety arrangements are effective and implemented to a satisfactory standard.

I have rated the outcome of this inspection as GREEN.