- Site:AWE Aldermaston, Burghfield
- IR number: 19-087
- Date: September 2019
- LC numbers: 10, 12
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This report covers two planned inspections at AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield Licensed sites and is undertaken in accordance with ONR’s Operating Facilities Division Weapons Sub-Division Strategy 2019 – 2020.
The inspections undertaken at the Aldermaston and Burghfield Licensed Site form part of a series of planned interventions in accordance with the ONR AWE Inspection Plan April 2019 - March 2020.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
ONR examined the adequacy and implementation of arrangements for Licence Condition (LC) 10, “Training” and LC 12, “Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons”.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
The intervention was held across a number of facilities and functions on AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield Nuclear Licensed Sites.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
From the evidence sampled during the inspections, I consider that AWE has significant shortfalls against relevant good practice for both licence conditions inspected. I have therefore rated the outcome of the inspections against both LC10 and LC12 as Amber.
For LC10 the key shortfalls identified are inadequate arrangements for the management and storage of training records, and inadequate implementation of arrangements. Gaps were identified in the arrangements for the management of local records, lack of arrangements for training needs analysis and an inadequate system for managing training records.
For LC12 the key shortfalls were identified in the arrangements for Duly Appointed Persons (DAPs). I judge that the licensee’s definition of DAPs, the arrangements for DAP resilience and the arrangements for revoking DAP appointments were not consistent with relevant good practice.
However, in contrast to the above, local areas of good practice were observed in coaching of potential DAPs and initial limited time appointments for new DAPs.
Progress against shortfalls identified during a 2018 AWE Internal Regulator audit of LC10 and LC12 was reviewed. The AWE Internal Regulator has verified closure of one of six actions, with another scheduled for verification and the remainder still being progressed. A resourced AWE action plan is in place to address the remaining shortfalls, scheduled for completion by September 2020.
Conclusion of Intervention
From the evidence sampled during the inspections, I judge that further work on establishing and implementing adequate arrangements is required for both Licence Conditions and I rate this inspection amber (Seek Improvement) for both LC10 and LC12.
ONR will continue to monitor licensee progress through planned interventions. As part of this process, ONR will review relevant extant Regulatory Issues to determine the appropriate level of governance going forward.