Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- September 2026
Aim of inspection
The Utilities water supply system to the Sellafield Limited site is a key service underpinning operations. Regulatory Intelligence indicates that the water supply system is at the end of its design life.
The aim of my inspection is to seek assurance that the arrangements for compliance with LC 23 (Operating Rules), LC 28 (Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing) and Asset Management for the Utilities water systems is suitable and sufficient to ensure that the system will be able to support operations for the rest of the site mission time.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Health & Safety at Work Act - Rating: Green
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: Green
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Green
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The Utilities water supply systems are key services underpinning operations on the Sellafield Limited site. Regulatory Intelligence indicates that the water supply systems are at the end of their design life.
The aim of my inspection is to seek assurance that the arrangements for compliance with LC 23 (Operating Rules), LC 28 (Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing) and Asset Management for the Utilities water supply systems are suitable and sufficient to ensure that the systems will be able to support operations for the rest of the site mission time.
I sampled the implementation of Licence Conditions 23 and 28, including operating rules, operational documentation, maintenance arrangements, maintenance records and a targeted plant walkdown.
Sellafield Limited demonstrated a clear and traceable linkage between the water systems safety case, operating rules and operational documentation. The Duly Authorised Person (DAP) demonstrated a good understanding of the actions required to maintain compliance with safety case requirements.
Maintenance and configuration control arrangements sampled were adequate. A minor procedural shortfall was identified relating to the recording of valve test set points and the water systems maintenance backlog remains without a clearly defined reduction strategy.
I sampled asset management arrangements, including the use of SAMdb, asset prioritisation processes and current asset care activities. Sellafield Limited demonstrated a proactive and risk-informed approach to managing water system assets. Further regulatory engagement will be undertaken regarding the management of graphitic corrosion risks within the water system.
Sellafield Limited demonstrated adequate implementation of Licence Conditions 23 and 28 and adequate asset management arrangements for the sampled infrastructure water systems, warranting a rating of GREEN (No Formal Action).
I identified minor shortfalls relating to procedural compliance and maintenance backlog management. I will continue to monitor the management of graphitic corrosion risks and the reduction of the maintenance backlog through routine Level 4 regulatory engagement.
Conclusion
This inspection showed that Sellafield Limited water systems operating rules are appropriate, maintenance arrangements and implementation are adequate with minor shortfalls, and their asset management arrangements meet relevant good practice.
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, I rate this inspection GREEN (No formal action).