Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
May 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that Legacy Ponds are compliant with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and associated Sellafield Limited procedures and standards for work associated with operations within FGMSP and PFSP.
Subject(s) of inspection
- IRR17 - Rating: Amber
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection was undertaken on 19 and 20 May 2025 by the ONR site inspector for Legacy Ponds 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 Legacy Ponds.
During the inspection it became evident that the two facilities of the Legacy Ponds area would need to be rated separately.
ONR confirmed that observations at FGMSP were positive in comparison to the site visit earlier in the year, noting that the challenge will be to sustain the improvements and roll-out updated arrangements and systems to all of the boot barriers at the facility. The inspectors judged that the facility was compliant with IRR17 and rated the inspection green.
ONR confirmed that there were a significant number of shortfalls observed at PSFP, many in relation to waste and equipment management and boot barrier standards. ONR noted that it was disappointing to observe these during the inspection given that Sellafield already has robust internal assurance arrangements which include regular engagement with the NIO team. The inspectors judged that the facility was not compliant with two of the regulations sampled under IRR17, and rated the inspection amber, with specific shortfalls against IRR Regulation 9 - Restriction of Exposure and IRR17 Regulation 18 - local rules and radiation protection supervisors.
ONR confirmed that a new level 3 Regulatory Issue will be raised and discussed with Sellafield in order to ensure that Sellafield remediate the observed shortfall.
In addition, I provided regulatory advice and guidance on several areas from observations on both facilities.
Conclusion
ONR confirmed that the inspection would be rated by each facility separately.
ONR confirmed that observations at FGMSP were positive in comparison to the site visit earlier in the year, noting that the challenge will be to sustain the improvements and roll-out updated arrangements and systems to all of the boot barriers at the facility. The inspectors judged that the facility was compliant with IRR17 and rated the inspection green.
ONR noted that they will monitor and discuss implementation of the new j5 barrier monitoring system through the quarterly site-wide corporate radiological protection level 4 meetings. ONR confirmed that following the inspection they would also issue advice and guidance to capture some of the minor observations made on plant.
ONR confirmed that there were a significant number of shortfalls observed at PSFP, many in relation to waste and equipment management and boot barrier standards. ONR noted that it was disappointing to observe these during the inspection given that Sellafield already has robust internal assurance arrangements which include regular engagement with the NIO team. The inspectors judged that the facility was not compliant with two of the regulations sampled under IRR17, and rated the inspection amber, with specific shortfalls against:
Regulation 9 - Every employer must, in relation to any work with ionising radiation that it undertakes, take all necessary steps to restrict so far as is reasonably practicable the extent to which its employees and other persons are exposed to ionising radiation.
Regulation 18 - An employer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any local rules which are relevant to the work being carried out are observed.
ONR confirmed that a new level 3 Regulatory Issue will be raised and discussed with Sellafield in order to ensure that Sellafield remediate the observed shortfall.
ONR noted that there may be an opportunity to use the newly establish Legacy Ponds wide RPIG to share positive learning between both facilities and encouraged the Head of Operations to undertake their own site walkdowns, ideally with Sellafield NIO, to confirm the ONR observations.