Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- June 2026
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection is to gain assurance that Spent Fuel Services (SFS) is compliant with the Control of substances hazardous to health regulations (CoSHH) 2002, with regard to Legionella.
Subject(s) of inspection
- COSHH (Legionella) - 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, supported by a Nuclear Site Health and Safety Inspector, undertook an inspection of the cooling towers and associated systems at the Spent Fuel Services' facilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, with the focus on the control of Legionella. I found that Spent Fuel Services has risk assessments in place for each of its cooling tower systems and has implemented these via Legionella manuals.
A recent improvement, to trial a continual dosing system, at the larger of the cooling tower systems has resulted in a significant improvement (reduction) in the bacterial count. I am satisfied that Spent Fuels Services has appropriate cleaning and maintenance regimes in place and personnel are trained. Although risk assessments are in place, I have made an observation that the time to address comments between Spent Fuel Services and its contractor and to review the risk assessment following changes is protracted and I have provided advice on this matter (COSHH Regulation 6), although this has not stopped Spent Fuel Services implementing key control measures. Overall, I rate this inspection as Green.
Conclusion
Overall, I am satisfied that SFS is compliant with its legal obligations under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 in relation to Legionella. SFS demonstrated that it has risk assessments in place and has implemented these in its Legionella manuals for each of its cooling systems. Further, results from the new continual dosing system trial are showing significantly reduced total viable counts (TVCs) for the largest of these plants. The associated regulatory issue, RI-10981, will be reviewed once the continual dosing system exits the trial phase. It should be noted that a continuous dosing system is in the final stages of procurement and is expected to be operational in 2027. There were several minor shortfalls and observations raised, and these have been included in this report under the relevant section. I am satisfied that this inspection merits a Green rating.