Skip to content

Fire Safety inspection

  • Site: Devonport
  • IR number: 19-033
  • Date: June 2019
  • LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was a planned inspection at Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited (DRDL), undertaken as part of the intervention strategy for Operating Facilities Division.

The purpose of the intervention was to ensure that the Licensee was demonstrating compliance with the fire/life safety requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Interventions carried out by ONR

  • The inspection assessed management arrangements to support fire safety, and sampled the implementation of practical measures to protect life safety within selected areas on the site.
  • I examined a series of documents prior to my arrival on site.
  • I conducted meetings to assess the approach taken to the management of fire safety and examined fire risk assessment documents.
  • During my inspection, I challenged managers and subject matter experts about procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision.
  • I undertook a walk-through of Buildings NO16, NO22 and the boat in dry dock 15.
  • I questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not judged to be Adequate

Not Applicable

Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

The site demonstrated a high standard in the day-to-day management of fire safety and gave me confidence in the capability to respond pro-actively to future developments. Those responsible for the management and practical application of fire safety had a good understanding of fire engineering principles to achieve adequate fire safety in the submarine.

During the walk-down and the meetings held during the day, I identified a number of examples of good practice.  People that I met during my inspection displayed a positive attitude to safety, demonstrating a confident approach to achieving compliance with fire safety legislation.

Immediately following my inspection, I de-briefed the Head of Safety of my findings and assessment of compliance, which included areas of good practice.

Conclusion of Intervention

I concluded that the areas inspected are compliant with the legislation, the site’s fire safety arrangements are effective and implemented to a satisfactory standard, and that there are a number of examples of best practice.

I have rated the outcome of this inspection as GREEN.