Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
July 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection is to gain assurance that Spent Fuel Services (SFS) has implemented the Sellafield Ltd arrangements for LC28 (Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (EIM&T)) and is compliant with the requirements of the nuclear site licence for this licence condition. The intervention may include other related statutory maintenance requirements, for example Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment 1998 regulations.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I, the Site Inspector for the Spent Fuel Services Operating Unit at the Sellafield Site in Cumbria, undertook a Licence Condition (LC) 28 (Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing) inspection covering the Spent Fuel Services (SFS) Operating Unit’s Fuel Storage (North) area of operations; specifically the Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor Storage Pond (AGRSP) and the First Generation Oxide Fuel Storage Pond (FGOFSP). The inspection comprised the sampling of records against the arrangements made for LC28 and also considered other related statutory requirements, and included a plant walkdown of both facilities. I found that Fuel Storage (North) has implemented the arrangements made under LC28, and additionally against the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 9 (Thorough examination and inspection). I have made several observations and provided regulatory advice, but overall I am content that the operating unit is compliant in the areas sampled. In accordance with ONR's established arrangements, I rate this inspection as Green (no further action).
Conclusion
I am satisfied that SFS has implemented the Site’s LC28 arrangements at the AGRSP and FGOFSP at Fuel Storage (North); maintenance was evidenced to have been completed against schemes laid down in writing by SQEP individuals and under the control and supervision of persons appointed by the Licensee. Where maintenance has not been completed it has been subjected to the Site’s non-delivery arrangements and taken out of service. Items sampled were in date for their through examination under the Lifting Equipment and Lifting Operations Regulations 1998.
In my opinion this inspection merits a Green (no formal action) rating.