Site inspection to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• Site: Trawsfynydd
• IR number: 19-166
• Date: January 2020
• LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was a planned inspection at the decommissioning Trawsfyndd site, undertaken as part of the intervention strategy for the Decommissioning, Fuel and Waste Sub-Division.

The purpose of the intervention was to ensure that the Licensee was demonstrating compliance with the fire, life safety requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

The inspection assessed management arrangements to support fire safety, and examined the implementation of fire protection within pre-selected areas on the site.

• I examined a series of Fire Safety Strategies, Building Plans and Fire Risk Assessments prior to my arrival on site.
• I conducted meetings to assess the approach taken to the management of fire safety and discussed the fire engineering assumptions supporting the fire risk assessment documents.
• During my inspection, I challenged managers, contract partners and subject matter experts about procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision.
• I undertook a walk-through of the Safestores, Ponds Complex and the FEP basement area.
• 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

My overall impression was one of a site that achieves a high standard of day-to-day management of fire safety and has the appropriate expertise to respond pro-actively to future developments. Those responsible for the management and practical application of fire safety demonstrated a good understanding of the challenges that exist on a decommissioning site.

During the walk-down and the meetings held during the day, I identified a number of examples of good practice particularly in the cooperation and coordination with contract partners.  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 Site management team of my findings and assessment of compliance, which included areas of good practice.

Conclusion of Intervention

This inspection demonstrated that the Site’s fire safety arrangements are effective and implemented to a good standard.