The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has served an enforcement notice on BAE Systems Marine Ltd (BAESML) following a fire at the Barrow-in-Furness site in Cumbria.
ONR’s enquiries found that five employees entered an area in the Devonshire Dock Hall facility when the fire was still in progress on 30 October 2024.
As a result, two employees were taken to hospital for treatment. Both employees were discharged and returned to work on the same day.
Enquiries concluded that the licensee’s arrangements for ensuring workers did not enter places of danger without the appropriate safety instructions were inadequate. There was also a lack of guidance to inform staff of their required actions in the event of a fire.
ONR served the enforcement notice under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, specifically Article 15(1)(c) and Article 8(1)(a).
To comply with the notice, BAESML must demonstrate it has suitable emergency arrangements in place to ensure the protection of workers in the event of a fire.
Bruce Archer, ONR’s Head of Propulsion Sites Regulation, Operating Facilities Directorate, said: “We will continue to engage with BAE Systems Marine Ltd during the period of the enforcement notice to ensure positive progress is made to address this shortfall.”
BAESML provides and operates facilities to design, manufacture, construct, test, and commission nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy.
BAESML has until 12 September 2025 to comply with the notice.
ENDS
Notes for editors
Separate enquiries into the cause of the fire are being led by Cumbria police.