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Site inspection to ensure compliance with Fire (Scotland) Act 2005

  • Site: Rosyth
  • IR number: 19-082
  • Date: September 2019
  • LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was a planned inspection at Rosyth Royal Dockyard Limited (RRDL), undertaken as part of ONR’s intervention strategy for the propulsion sub-division.

The purpose of the intervention was to ensure that the Licensee was demonstrating compliance with the fire/life safety requirements of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

Interventions carried out by ONR

  • The inspection assessed management arrangements to support fire safety, and sampled the implementation of practical measures to protect people within the ‘AWAF’ facility and on-board the defueled submarine HMS Resolution.
  • I examined a series of Fire Risk Assessments and other documents prior to my arrival on site.
  • I conducted meetings to assess the approach taken to the management of fire safety.
  • 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 the AWAF Building and submarine HMS Resolution.
  • 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 licensee demonstrated a high standard in the day-to-day management of fire safety and gave me confidence in their 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, which presents challenges to the use of conventional approaches.

During the walk-down and through 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 and demonstrated a confident approach to achieving compliance with fire safety legislation.

Immediately following my inspection, I de-briefed senior managers of my assessment of legal compliance and gave my observations, which included recognising areas of good practice.

Conclusion of Intervention

I concluded that the areas inspected are compliant with legislation; the licensee’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.