Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
July 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that the arrangements at Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) are compliant with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 18 - Radiological protection - Rating: GREEN
- LC 32 - Accumulation of radioactive waste - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This report presents the findings of a planned intervention that was undertaken to assess compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) at the Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) licenced site.
The intervention examined the implementation of NWS LLWR arrangements used to secure compliance with the requirements of IRR17 through prior sampling of evidence, and discussions with key facility personnel prior to an inspection of facilities. The key requirements examined were those relating to the following IRR17 regulations and areas:
- Regulation 8 – Radiation risk assessments
- Regulation 9 – Restriction of exposure
- Regulation 14 – Radiation protection adviser
- Regulation 15 – Information, instruction, and training
- Regulation 17 – Designation of controlled or supervised areas
- Regulation 18 – Local rules and radiation protection supervisors
- Regulation 20 – Monitoring of designated areas
- Details of any IRR17 events and how these have been addressed
It is my judgement that NWS LLWR site senior management and Senior Advisor, Radiation Protection have demonstrated compliance with IRR17 for the regulations sampled. The Senior Advisor, Radiation Protection understands the current and future radiological challenges associated with the programmed work, has appropriate dose monitoring mechanisms, and has been able to demonstrate those controls. I consider the documents submitted to ONR of a high standard.
The findings of this inspection have been shared with, acknowledged, and accepted by NWS LLWR lead team and Senior Advisor, Radiation Protection as part of normal inspection feedback.
Four pieces of advice and three observations were raised.
- Advice 1. Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository includes within their Radiation risk assessments, the review date and the name of the Radiation protection adviser reviewer.
- Advice 2. The Senior Advisor, Radiation Protection to review relevant Radiation risk assessments and considers the potential failures/equipment breakdowns which may impact upon radiological safety and if required update the Radiation risk assessments.
- Advice 3. Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository to undertake a review of their Radiation risk assessments and Local Rules, to ensure the contingency arrangements identified within the Local Rules are aligned.
- Advice 4. Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository to review their LC32 arrangements for the storage of radioactive waste in temporary units/areas.
- Observation 1. Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository Radiation Protection team to continue, and commence undertaking the assessment and issue of the remaining two overarching Radiation risk assessments.
- Observation 2. The Senior Advisor, Radiation Protection to liaise with the Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste independent nuclear oversight function to develop and establish a schedule of internal audits and/or inspections.
- Observation 3. The Senior Advisor, Radiation Protection to consult with the Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository Emergency Planning Officer to seek assurances that all members of the radiation protection team who participate in on-site exercises and rehearsals is documented. IRR17 regulation 13(2)(c) requires that ‘where appropriate, rehearsals of the arrangements in the plan are carried out at suitable intervals.’.
Several areas of good practice were also observed whilst undertaking this inspection. These included:
- The quality of radiation risk assessments provided to ONR to sample prior to the inspection were of a very high standard. They were well written, suitably structured, and followed the aspects identified within the associated ACoP.
- Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository have made provisions that they are able to ensure there is always Radiation protection Supervisors on-site and also aware of all key programmes of work by placing into their arrangements that all Duly Authorised Persons will also dual qualify as Radiation protection Supervisors
- The arrangements incorporated at Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository relating to the management of Local Rules is to be noted as good practice
- A high standard of the cleanliness and general ‘housekeeping’ on the Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository site.
- All signage (including Local Rules). were adequately displayed – presented clearly and in the appropriate locations.
- The Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Change room was suitably demarcated, with plenty of stock of Personal Protective Equipment available.
Conclusion
Overall, I have judged that, based on evidence sampled prior to and at the time of this on-site inspection, compliance with IRR17 has been demonstrated and an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.