The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) can confirm that Sellafield Ltd has complied with an enforcement notice served on them after shortfalls were identified in the fire alarm and detection system at the legacy First-Generation Magnox Storage Pond facility (FGMSP).
The notice was issued on 15 November 2022 after ONR inspections identified the shortcomings, which led to Sellafield Ltd taking the decision to suspend operations at its FGMSP facility in Cumbria.
Since ONR issued the enforcement notice, Sellafield Ltd has installed a new fit for purpose wireless fire alarm and detection system in the FGMSP, replacing the previous ageing system.
This will provide the required standard of cover and operation while a project to design a new fully embedded hard-wired system is completed.
The use of the wireless system is both innovative and efficient, offering an enhanced degree of protection compared to the previous fire alarm and detection system.
Kulvinder McDonald, ONR superintending inspector, said: “I welcome the corrective measures that Sellafield has taken, and the progress they have made to address the shortfalls identified in the fire alarm and detection system in the FGMSP facility.
“ONR is satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has made sufficient improvements to warrant the closure of the enforcement notice.
“The improvements made by Sellafield Ltd will need to be sustained to ensure they remain in full compliance with the legislation. ONR inspectors will continue to monitor this as part of their regulatory activities on the site.”
The enforcement notice was served on Sellafield Ltd under Article 30 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
* The enforcement notice was due to be complied with by 28 February 2023.
Following a request by Sellafield Ltd, and recognising the good progress made to address the areas of non-compliance, ONR agreed to a short extension of the compliance deadline.
The enforcement notice was officially closed out on 9 March 2023.