The Officer for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has agreed to grant Sellafield Limited more time to comply with the requirements of an improvement notice, recognising the significant progress that has been made so far.
The improvement notice was issued in July 2024 after shortfalls were identified in how Sellafield Limited managed the exposure of workers to nickel nitrate, a substance hazardous to health, in one of the site's effluent treatment facilities.
These shortfalls did not compromise either nuclear or radiological safety.
Used in the treatment of effluent, nickel nitrate is not radioactive but could cause harm to a worker exposed to it.
After careful consideration of the progress made so far, and recognising the technical challenges that have come to light in completing the required improvements, ONR has agreed to extend the original notice until 30 September 2025.
To ensure the continued safety of workers, Sellafield Limited must maintain strict occupational hygiene controls in the facility, with oversight from an occupational hygienist, until full compliance with the improvement notice is achieved.