Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- August 2026
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to gain assurance that Spent Fuel Services (SFS) is compliant with Sellafield Ltd’s arrangements for Licence Condition 11 (Emergency arrangements) and the requirements of the nuclear site licence for this licence condition.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC11 - Emergency arrangements - 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, undertook a Licence Condition 11 (Emergency arrangements) inspection at the Spent Fuel Services Operating Unit, focussing on LC11(1), adequate arrangements and LC11(5), rehearsals. The inspection also included the observation of a modular exercise at the Fuel Handling Plant. Notwithstanding some minor shortfalls, one in relation to the provision of radiation protection advisor support to the operating unit in the event of an emergency which requires clarifying within the minimum safe staffing levels documents, and one in relation to the quality of an inspection write-up for which I have provided regulatory advice, I am of the opinion the requirements of LC11(1) and LC11(5) are being met.
A comprehensive drills and exercise programme is in place, being delivered and subject to oversight by Spent Fuel Services’ management, emergency instructions are up to date and logically written, personnel were trained and there was an assurance programme being delivered. The exercise I observed was well planned and resourced and was suitably challenging for the emergency duty team. I rate LC11 as Green for the Spent Fuel Services Operating Unit.
Conclusion
Notwithstanding some minor shortfalls, I am of the opinion that SFS has implemented the site’s LC11 arrangements, including the delivery of a comprehensive drill and exercise programme. Emergency instructions were in date for review and were logically set out, team members were qualified and there is an assurance programme in place. I also observed a drill that was suitably challenging and adequately resourced. I am of the opinion that a Green inspection is merited.