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Chapelcross - Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 inspection

  • Site: Chapelcross
  • IR number: 19-147
  • Date: December 2019
  • LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was one of a series of planned inspections during 2019/20 at the Magnox Ltd Chapelcross licensed nuclear site.

As part of sharing the Information Exchange Agreement between ONR and the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) some French inspectors observed this inspection.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

I undertook an Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) inspection on the Chapelcross site.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate

N/A

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

Through discussions with Magnox Ltd personnel and Accredited Health Physicist’s on the site, it was noted that there was an appropriate safety culture with individuals being suitability qualified for their respective roles.    

The majority of documentation examined was found to be in alignment with the IRR17. A couple of documents had not been updated which was raised with the duty-holder.

The site relies heavily on contract support workers to provide adequate radiological protection resource, although the duty-holder has taken steps to advertise for permanent posts, these are yet to be filled. Additional radiological protection resource is likely to be required for future decommissioning work.

Following inspection of several facilities on the site, further work needs to be undertaken to reduce legacy waste; this was raised with the duty-holder.

Following inspection of several changeroom facilities on the site we judged that they met minimum requirements. However further work needs to be undertaken if they are to meet relevant good practice standards.

Conclusion of Intervention

Compliance with the requirements of IRR17 was judged to be of an adequate standard with some minor areas identified for improvement which were discussed and agreed with Magnox Ltd.