- Site: Dungeness A
- IR number: 21-049
- Date: July 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection at Dungeness A, focussing on the B38 office facility, 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 life safety requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. (FSO)
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The inspection assessed management arrangements to support fire safety and sampled the practical implementation of measures to protect life safety within pre-selected areas on the site.
- I examined a series of documents prior to my arrival.
- I conducted meetings to assess the management of fire safety and the production of fire risk assessment documents.
- 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 of the B38 office building.
- I questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements.
- I held discussions regarding fire safety arrangements for the proposed Wet Waste Transfer Facility.
- I held discussions regarding fire safety arrangements during the decommissioning of the reactor buildings.
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 maintains a good standard of management of fire safety in the areas inspected and has the capability to respond, pro-actively to future developments. Those responsible for the management and practical application of fire safety demonstrated a good understanding of the measures available to control risks on a decommissioning site.
The documentation reviewed prior to inspection was to a satisfactory standard and additional areas for consideration were discussed at the time of the inspection.
The fire safety implications of measures to restrict the transmission of Covid-19 have been risk assessed and suitable mitigation is identified.
The Head of Safety, the Fire Systems Engineer and Fire Safety Co-ordinator demonstrated a good level of co-operation and proactive interaction toward fire safety management. Discussions were held regarding recruitment of additional fire risk assessors and training to support the new Fire Safety Co-ordinator both of which will help to strengthen fire safety provision.
The value of early consideration of fire safety arrangements in the design and development of the proposed Wet Waste Transfer Facility and changes to fire safety arrangements during decommissioning of the reactor buildings was discussed and encouraged.
Immediately following my inspection, I advised the Site Management team of my findings and assessment of compliance, which included highlighting 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 and are therefore compliant with the legislation. No further Life Fire Safety regulatory action is required at this time based on the findings of the inspection.