- Site: Berkeley
- IR number: 21-105
- Date: October 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection at Berkeley, focussing on the Intermediate Storage Facility (ISF), Modular Intermediate Level Waste Encapsulation Plant (MILWEP) and B79 Office Building . The inspection was undertaken as part of the intervention strategy for 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 questioned personnel experts about their knowledge of procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision.
- I undertook a walk-through of operating facilities and an office building.
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 during the inspection.
The fire safety implications of measures to restrict the transmission of Covid-19 have been risk assessed and suitable mitigation is identified.
Inspection of the ISF building showed a building with extended travel distances mitigated by low fire risk and good management of escape routes in line with the findings of the premises fire risk assessment and additional areas for consideration were discussed during the inspection.
Inspection of the modular office building showed a broadly compliant building with additional areas for consideration discussed during the inspection.
Inspection of the MILWEP building (currently under principal contractor management) indicated that when in operation a Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres risk resulting from the production of hydrogen by the process will exist. Magnox confirmed that the relevant findings of the DSEAR risk assessment will be incorporated into the premises fire risk assessment.
Discussion was held regarding the provision of firefighting water supply on site due to the ageing nature of the site fire main. Confirmation of the maintenance of adequate provision, in consultation with the Local Authority Fire Service, for conventional fire risk was given.
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.