Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
March 2026
Aim of inspection
The aim of the intervention is to seek assurance that NRS Trawsfynydd is applying the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) to the Safe Store Height Reduction project. This will be done by inspecting compliance with NRS Trawsfynydd's and Costain’s approved procedures in accordance with the requirements of the CDM 2015 Regulations. The dutyholder should be prepared to demonstrate systems by walking/talking through relevant examples, documents and software.
Subject(s) of inspection
- CDM 15 (Demolition) - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
ONR undertook a CDM 2015 compliance inspection at NRS Trawsfynydd for the Safe Store Height Reduction project, for which the contract has recently been awarded.
During the one day intervention, ONR inspectors held meetings with various NRS Trawsfynydd and Costain personnel on specific matters including design, optioneering and risk reduction, reviewed documents related to CDM2015 and the roles of Client, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor.
Based on the presentations, discussions held and reviewed evidence, ONR judged that an inspection rating of Green, no formal action, has been assigned to this intervention. On the basis of design, optioneering, risk reduction and CDM duty compliance observed within the aspects sampled.
Conclusion
Based on the presentations, discussions held and reviewed evidence, I judged that there were no major shortfalls against the requirements of CDM 2015. I also recognised that NRS Trawsfynydd has adequate arrangements in place with suitably qualified and experienced personnel to undertake a design process as Principal Designer in accordance with CDM 2015 where risks had been reduced SFAIRP. Further, I noted that following the contract award for Safe Store Height Reduction, NRS Trawsfynydd is engaged in the process of developing a strategy for the ongoing management and mitigation of residual risks. This strategy will be completed by September 2026.
I judged that systems in place within the Costain management structure to manage the CDM2015 and act as Principal Contractor are adequate. However, Costain did not present a BIM demonstration of the proposed demolition process and agreed that the design was in progress and not fully developed.
I requested that the final design should be presented to ONR for review in conjunction with the management of residual risk at a subsequent intervention, in August 2026.
I am satisfied that NRS Trawsfynydd and Costain have generally demonstrated good understanding of the CDM2015 requirements and that the inspection merits a GREEN rating.