Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
May 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection was to gain assurance that Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) are compliant with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and associated Sellafield Limited procedures and standards for work associated with operations within SNM South (SNM (S)).
The inspection focussed on the following IRR17 Regulations:
- Regulation 8 – Radiation risk assessments;
- Regulation 9 – Restriction of exposure;
- Regulation 10 - Personal Protective Equipment;
- Regulation 15 - Information, instruction and training; and
- Regulation 18 - Local rules and radiation protection supervisors for work undertaken within SNM South.
Subject(s) of inspection
- IRR17 - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection was undertaken on 21 May 2025 by the ONR site inspector for the Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) Value Stream and supported by two radiological protection specialist inspectors.
The inspection comprised a facility visit and discussions with Sellafield Limited personnel, review of records, documents and processes specific to SNM South.
From my review of the sample of records and discussions with Sellafield Limited personnel, I am satisfied that Sellafield Limited has adequately implemented the corporate arrangements for compliance with IRR17.
I am content that there are no significant gaps in compliance with those requirements of the IRR17 regulations examined.
During the inspection I identified site-wide issues regarding radiological refresher training (including for RPSs), High Activity Sealed Source (HASS) user training, local rules effectiveness and contingency arrangements. These issues will be taken forward by the radiological protection specialist inspector during the routine Level 4 engagements with the Sellafield Limited corporate Radiological Protection team.
In addition, I provided regulatory advice on the management of source store 69, to assess the potential impact of acid corrosion on the sources in source store 69, and on the contingency arrangements in local rules.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, I found that SNM (S) is compliant with the licensee’s corporate arrangements for IRR17.
Taking all of the above into account, and noting the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, it is my opinion that, on balance, an inspection rating of GREEN (i.e. no formal action) for IRR17 is merited here.
I provided regulatory advice to address some minor shortfalls identified.
Whilst some documents requested have not been provided, this will not affect the conclusions of this inspection.