Sellafield - Inspection ID: 54037

Executive summary

Date(s) of inspection:

February 2026

Aim of inspection

The aim of this intervention is to inspect against compliance with the requirements of:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).
• Licence Conditions (LC): 10, 23, 24 and 28

This inspection has been targeted to determine compliance related to life and nuclear fire safety within the Sellafield Limited WAMAC and Diamond Wire Facilities.

The purpose of this intervention is to gain assurance that Sellafield Limited are meeting their responsibilities as the Responsible Person by the legislation referenced above. It is also to gain assurance that these facilities' fire safety management and system arrangements are adequately implemented, effective and integrated to ensure the required application of the general fire precautions.

Integral to these aims, are to gain a view regarding the sustained compliance following RI-11740 ( Cutting Activities and Hot Works Controls).

Subject(s) of inspection

• LC10 - Training - Rating: GREEN
• LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: GREEN
• LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: GREEN
• LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: GREEN
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - Rating: GREEN

Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made

The purpose of this inspection was to enable inspection of the duty holder's arrangements within the B88,WAMAC and B259,DWSP areas regarding the legislative requirements of :

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Sustained compliance following RI-11740 ( Cutting Activities and Hot Works Controls).
• LC10 Training
• LC23 Operating Rules
• LC24 Operating Instructions
• LC28 EIMT

The inspection was carried out in 3 phases:

1. Review of submitted requested documentation and information to establish targeted areas where further enquiries and inspection are required.
2. A walk through of the WAMAC and DWSP areas to ensure documented processes and controls are in place and effective.
3. Supplementary document review and clarification of identified matters as appropriate.

Where appropriate, matters subject to both the FSO and Licence Conditions were assessed simultaneously

For the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, I was satisfied that Sellafield Limited arrangements for WAMAC / DWSP broadly complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Regarding RI-11740, I judge that Sellafield Limited has demonstrated learning from experience and has measures in place to reduce the likelihood of a repeat incident and sustain legislative compliance .

I judge that structures, systems and components (SSCs) have been identified within the Nuclear Fire Safety Assessments (NFSA), but have not been formally claimed as delivering the nuclear fire safety functions. This will be discussed further outside of this inspection report as the duty holder has stated an aim to encompass both nuclear and conventional hazards and risks within a holistic safety case . No significant matters were identified during this site inspection that require immediate regulatory attention .

Regarding LC10, training: I am satisfied that the inspected site has implemented the Site’s training arrangements and was able to demonstrate this. The sampled training records were appropriate and up to date.

For LC 23, Although no operating rules specific to nuclear safety have been identified, the safety cases, fire safety strategies and fire risk assessments adequately identify the hazards, risks and mitigation measures.

For LC 24, I judge that Sellafield Limited has suitable operating instructions in place and that these are managed appropriately.

For LC27, No Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits (SMDC) specifically relating to nuclear fire safety have been identified by the licensee.

For LC28, I judge that examination, inspection, maintenance and testing are being undertaken in an appropriate and timely manner.

Conclusion

For the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, I judge that Sellafield Limited arrangements for WAMAC and DWSP broadly complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Regarding RI-11740, I judge that Sellafield Limited has demonstrated learning from experience and has measures in place to reduce the likelihood of a repeat incident and sustain legislative compliance.

Regarding LC10, training: I judge that that the inspected facilities have implemented the Site’s training arrangements and was able to demonstrate this. The sampled training records were appropriate and up to date.

For LC23, no operating rules specific to nuclear safety have been identified.

For LC24, I judge that Sellafield Limited has suitable operating instructions in place and that these are managed appropriately.

For LC27, no Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits (SMDC) specifically relating to nuclear fire safety have been identified by the licensee.

For LC28, I judge that examination, inspection, maintenance and testing are being undertaken in an appropriate and timely manner.

On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, I found that Sellafield Limited’s existing arrangements made under the inspected LCs (LC10, LC 24, and LC 28) are adequate from the perspective of controlling fire hazards relevant to the WAMAC and DWSP facility and on this basis I award a Green rating(i.e. no formal action).

I particularly note the Sellafield Limited’s pragmatic and proportionate approach to delivering a fit for purpose plan to address identified shortfalls especially within the health reports is adequate. I encouraged the licensee to take this through to completion.