Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- July 2026
Aim of inspection
Assess the C25, B8A1 Laboratory areas of the dutyholder's organisation for compliance to the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Subject(s) of inspection
- IRR17 - Rating: GREEN
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection found that COSHH arrangements within the laboratories are generally well established, with trained COSHH assessors, effective LEV management processes, and emergency response arrangements. Processes are in place to assess risks before introducing new chemicals or activities. LEV systems are supported through statutory examinations, routine inspections and daily user checks. Overall, the inspection identified a positive foundation for managing hazardous substances and controlling exposure risks.
However, several opportunities for improvement were identified to strengthen consistency, usability and assurance. COSHH assessments would benefit from clearer evidence of elimination and substitution considerations, clearer conclusions on the adequacy of controls, in some cases clearer definition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), more specific information, instruction and training requirements.
The inspection also highlighted the need to review the effectiveness of existing controls to address legacy chemical and housekeeping issues, improve chemical labelling, and strengthen the visibility of PPE and emergency information within documentation. AWE representatives have already identified an opportunity to simplify and better integrate COSHH, risk assessment and DSEAR arrangements.
ONR sampled AWE’s implementation of IRR17 requirements at the sites gamma cell. The sample considered the arrangements for radiation risk assessments, local rules, dose minimisation, training and contingency arrangements, together with their implementation. No findings of regulatory significance were identified. It was noted that AWE has limited SQEP resource for undertaking source changes of the active sources; the licensee had already begun addressing this matter. Good practice was noted in the clear referencing of relevant safety case bounding conditions and applicable IRR17 provisions.
Conclusion
Overall, the inspection found that the laboratories has an established framework in place for the management of substances hazardous to health. Arrangements exist for COSHH assessment, implementation of control measures, LEV management, training, occupational health considerations and emergency preparedness, supported by competent personnel and established governance processes. Personnel demonstrated a good understanding of hazardous substance risks and associated controls, and there was evidence that hazardous substances are subject to assessment before introduction into the workplace.
Notwithstanding these strengths, a number of improvements are observed to enhance the consistency, clarity and effectiveness of the arrangements. COSHH assessments should include stronger demonstration of how prevention / elimination of more hazardous substances has been considered within the hierarchy of control, with clearer justification of PPE requirements, more explicit conclusions regarding control adequacy, and improved identification of health surveillance requirements. The recent events highlight the need to review the effectiveness of existing preventative and protective controls. The laboratory housekeeping, chemical labelling and the visibility of key control information require further attention. Continued efforts to simplify and better integrate COSHH, risk assessment and DSEAR processes are identified by AWE and should help improve usability and compliance. On balance, the inspection found no significant weaknesses in the overall management arrangements; however, implementation of the identified regulatory advice would strengthen assurance that COSHH risks are being managed consistently and effectively across the laboratories sampled. Based upon these findings I have given the COSSH2002 element of the inspection a rating of GREEN “No formal regulatory action”.
ONR sampled AWE’s implementation of IRR17 requirements at the C25 gamma cell. The sample considered the arrangements for radiation risk assessments, local rules, dose minimisation, training and contingency arrangements, together with their implementation. No findings of regulatory significance were identified, although regulatory advice was noted regarding the limited SQEP resource for source changes; the licensee had already begun addressing this matter. Good practice was noted in the clear referencing of relevant safety case bounding conditions and applicable IRR17 provisions. Based upon these findings I have given the IRR17 element of the inspection a rating of GREEN “No formal regulatory action”.