Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
February 2026
Aim of inspection
As BAES moves into operations involving nuclear material in DDH for the first time since the fire in October 2024, our aim is to undertake a regulatory compliance inspection of the general fire precautions arrangements against all duties imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, (Articles 8 to 22), or by regulations made under Article 24. This is to gain assurance that the Licensee’s arrangements associated with all applicable articles are suitable and adequate, and that the licensee is working to those arrangements.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Fire (Life Safety) Compliance Inspection - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This life fire safety inspection focussed on the DDH, chosen as BAES are moving into operations involving nuclear material for the first time since the fire in October 2024. I sampled the fire risk assessment, maintenance and testing records for fire safety related systems and conducted a walkdown of the facility.
Overall, I am content the licensee demonstrated an adequate understanding of the duties required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) , and that arrangements for life fire safety were suitable and sufficient. It was clear that a significant amount of work had been carried out to improve compliance, with a number of areas of good practice observed.
No significant life fire safety shortfalls were identified. Therefore, I rate the inspection on the compliance against the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as GREEN (no formal action).
Conclusion
Overall, I am content the licensee demonstrated an adequate understanding of the duties required under the RRO, and that arrangements for life fire safety were suitable and sufficient. In general the premises demonstrated areas of good practice and only minor advice was given. BAES demonstrated development against previously raised issues and no significant life fire safety shortfalls were identified.
Therefore, I rate the inspection on the compliance against the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as GREEN (No formal action).
This rating is in line with the established ONR guidance as follows:
- Relevant good practice generally met, or minor shortfalls identified, when compared with appropriate benchmarks.
- Relatively minor, if any, deficiencies in compliance arrangements.