A specialist rail freight company has rectified shortfalls in its transport of radioactive materials.
Direct Rail Services Limited (DRS) was served an improvement notice by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) after failings were discovered last November within DRS’ management system for the procurement of nuclear services.
An inspection of DRS’ supply chain management revealed shortfalls relating to audit and surveillance activity which had in turn failed to identify that DRS’ subcontractor was not compliant.
Transport arrangements for radioactive material must meet strict regulatory requirements to protect workers and the public.
DRS, which is part of Nuclear Transport Solutions, routinely transports Class 7 dangerous goods by rail, including Mk A2 AGR transport flasks containing irradiated fuel between EDF's advanced gas-cooled reactors and Sellafield in Cumbria.
The company has now made the required improvements in relation to the improvement notice and demonstrated compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulation 2017 (IRR17) and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009; the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Edition 2025; and the Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) 2025.
Russell Bowden, an ONR Transport Competent Authority inspector, said:
"We have engaged with Direct Rail Services Limited since we served the improvement notice and are satisfied that they have now addressed the shortfalls."
There was no harm caused to the public or the environment.