Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- December 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection is to gain assurance that Spent Fuel Services (SFS) is adequately controlling and supervising operations at the Fuel Handling Plant (FHP) and complying with Radioactive Substances Regulation (RSR) Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) Permit KP3690SX conditions 1.1.1, 2.3.4 & 2.3.5.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC26 - Control and supervision of operations - 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 26 (Control and supervision of operations) inspection at the Fuel Handling Plant. The inspection was jointly undertaken with a regulator from the Environment Agency who covered relevant permit conditions; these permit conditions will be reported on separately under the Environment Agency’s reporting arrangements. I found that Spent Fuel Services is broadly compliant with the requirements of Licence Condition 26, however, I did find one shortfall in relation to the control of decision making arrangements that requires addressing, and I will manage this via a Level 4 (lowest level) regulatory issue. Due to the industrial action taking place at the Sellafield Site, the full scope of the inspection was not completed, however I am of the opinion that the modified scope of the inspection was sufficient to warrant an inspection rating. I will consider returning to inspect the activities missed in a future inspection programme.
Conclusion
Based on the sample of the key documents and activities undertaken under the requirements of LC26, I am satisfied that SFS is compliant with the LC. However, I did identify a shortfall with the management of decision making arrangements and I have raised a Level 4 (lowest level) regulatory issue to address this. Overall I rate LC26 as Green.