Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
September 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection was to sample evidence of the implementation of the Sellafield Limited (SL) arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition (LC) 22, specifically within the Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage (HALES), in order to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with its legal duties under the nuclear site licence.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC22 - Modification or experiment on existing plant - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I judged the adequacy of the dutyholders arrangements and their implementation at the Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage (HALES) facility against the expectations associated with Licence Condition (LC) 22 (Modification or Experiment on Existing Plant). This inspection sampled aspects of the following:
-
Categorisation of modifications
-
Review and approval of modifications
-
Control and Implementation of Plant Modification Proposals (PMPs) and Temporary Plant Interventions (TPIs)
-
Governance arrangements for PMPs and TPIs
Sellafield Ltd, as demonstrated at the HALES facility, has a mature set of arrangements for LC22, and I was content that they are being implemented adequately. Personnel understand the requirements, and exhibit good behaviours in ensuring that modifications are tracked to completion.
Conclusion
From the evidence that I sampled during the course of this inspection, I consider that the licensee has adequate arrangements for the control of modifications at the HALES facility. I consider that a rating for LC 22 of GREEN (no formal action) is warranted for this inspection.