- Site: Berkeley
- IR number: 19-167
- Date: Janauary 2020
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
One of the DFW strategic objectives is to ensure that licensed nuclear sites are either compliant with their legal obligations or are brought back into compliance, making improvements to safety when it is reasonably practicable to do so. This inspection was to evaluate the effectiveness of ML’s asbestos management arrangements on the site.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
Prior to the inspection, Magnox Ltd (ML) provided ONR with documents that set out its arrangements for complying with duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR).
The key regulatory activities undertaken during the inspection were:
- Discussion of site management arrangements for managing asbestos containing materials (ACM); and
- Plant walk-downs of a number of locations to evaluate the effectiveness of these arrangements.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
N/A
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The licensee has effective procedures in place for the management of ACM on site. Through meetings with relevant personnel and discussions with the construction office, it was evident that those with responsibilities for managing asbestos at the site are competent, and the procedures, in regard to work control and setting to work, appear to be adequately implemented.
I gave advice on the management of ACMs in the safe-stores, in particular: taking action to reduce fibre levels to as low as reasonably practicable through the sealing of penetrations and provision of additional ventilation. In addition, I advised that work should be carried out to ensure safe access to the safe-stores for LC28 related inspections. I gave further advice on developing the site asbestos management plan so that it reflects more accurately the specific arrangements at Berkeley. I also welcomed the improvements to the asset register to allow greater contextualization of the ACM items and thus improve risk profiling and targeting of resources.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, I consider that ML has effective arrangements in place for the safe management of its asbestos at its Berkeley site.