Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
February 2025
Aim of inspection
Nuvia Limited (Nuvia) has requested that the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) approve a modification (96270_DE_MOD_015_A) to the GB/3739A/B(U)F (NOVAPAK) transport frame. The package is designed by Nuvia and used to transport plutonium contaminated material (PCM) between Nuclear Restoration Services’ (NRS) Harwell site and Sellafield Ltd. Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is the designer of the transport frame and oversees manufacturing through a framework contract with WH Davies. The modification covers the amendments made to the design of the NOVAPAK transport frame and demonstrates that the new frame design will detach in accordance with SSR-6 and the PDSR requirements.
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is the design authority for the transport frame and operator/owners of the packaging and transport frame.
A number of design changes to the NOVAPAK transport frame have been made to ensure that it is compliant to SSR-6 and BS EN 13001. A new engineered weak link will be incorporated in the twistlock shaft to increase the strength of the structure to withstand transport normal conditions of testing (NCT) accelerations, but fail during the hypothetical accident conditions of testing (ACT), enabling the NOVAPAK to break free from the transport frame without compromising the impact performance of the package.
The aim of the inspection is to ensure that NWS has suitable arrangements to ensure that the transport frame is designed and manufactured (through the supply chain) in accordance with the PDSR and relevant regulations.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Transport - Management Systems - Rating: Green
- Transport - Package Design and Modification - Rating: Green
- Transport - Package Maintenance and Operation - Rating: Green
- Transport - Package Manufacture and Supply Chain - Rating: Green
- Transport - Training and Competence - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Nuvia Limited (Nuvia) has requested that the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) approve a modification (96270_DE_MOD_015_A) to the GB/3739A/B(U)F (NOVAPAK) transport frame. The package is designed by Nuvia and used to transport plutonium contaminated material (PCM) between Nuclear Restoration Services’ (NRS) Harwell site and Sellafield Ltd. Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is the designer of the transport frame and oversees manufacturing through a framework contract with WH Davies.
This inspection was undertaken in support of the permissioning strategy documented in permissioning record PR-01822, focusing on transport frame manufacturing arrangements. The purpose of the inspection was to gain confidence that the manufacture of transport frames is undertaken in accordance with an established management system and that an adequate quality plan is being adhered to. During the inspection, ONR visited the NWS maintenance facility and inspected their arrangements pertaining to both frame and packaging maintenance. The inspection consisted of a desktop inspection of documentation and a maintenance facility walkdown.
The arrangements pertaining to the design, maintenance, manufacture and supply chain of transport packaging and ancillary equipment, as well as the training and competence of employees undertaking these activities, were acceptable and in accordance with relevant good practise.
Conclusion
I am satisfied that NWS has adequate arrangements in place to support the manufacture of the NOVAPAK transport frame. Relevant good practise is being followed and evidence has been provided to support legal compliance. I am content that maintenance and spares are being managed appropriately, in line with the NWS management system. I have assigned an inspection rating of Green to this inspection.