- Site: Devonport
- IR number: 19-090
- Date: October 2019
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This intervention was conducted at HMRNB Devonport site and covered the arrangements for the recently authorised site of 3 Basin. It was undertaken as part of the 2019/20 intervention plan and propulsion sub-division strategy.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I conducted an Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) compliance inspection for the authorised site. This included a joint inspection, with DNSR, of two Laid up Submarines (LUSMs) the general area of 3 basin wharfs and caisson, and documentation held in HMS Defiance (shore facilities). DNSR wanted to gain assurance of the arrangements with respect to through life safety of the steam raising plant. During the inspection I targeted the arrangements for:
- Compliance with general regulations, including changes introduced by IRR17.
- Local rules.
- Dose assessment, recording and review.
- Management of radioactive substances including radioactive sources.
During the inspection I held discussions with personnel at strategic and operational levels. I sampled relevant documentation and inspected a number of areas on site to see how the arrangements were applied at the point of work. I assessed compliance against:
- IRR17 compliance - ONR’s Technical Inspection Guides (TIG) - principally NS-INSP-GD-054.
- ‘Work with Ionising Radiation’ - Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L121.
It should be noted that the arrangements applied to 3 Basin are those arrangements defined and operated to out of HMS Defiance, and the MOD/NAVY operate joint arrangements with DRDL across the majority of the Devonport facility. This inspection was to confirm application of the arrangements to 3 Basin.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
There were a number of areas of good practice observed at the site, including:
- Restriction of access to the Laid up Submarines and requirement to access the works control office through two layers of security gates, which are alarmed.
- The use of tiered briefs including basic access briefs to inform point of work controls and requirements.
- The clear and concise verbal instructions given during the inspection on HMS Turbulent was a very good example of how to manage and control personnel during a controlled visit.
No significant areas of concern were noted.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the sampling undertaken during the IRR17 compliance inspection, I am satisfied that in general the duty holder has adequate arrangements in place under IRR17. Although no significant areas of concern were noted ONR will continue to engage on a routine basis in relation to 3 basin controls and operations as normal business.