- Site: Oldbury
- IR number: 19-150
- Date: December 2019
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This inspection was a planned compliance inspection in line with the Conventional Health and Safety (CHS) operational delivery plan for DFW Sub-division 2019/20. The purpose of this inspection was to evaluate the effectiveness of Magnox Ltd’s (ML) asbestos management arrangements on the site.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
Prior to the inspection, ML provided ONR with documents that set out their arrangements for complying with their duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR). The key regulatory activities undertaken during the inspection were: -
- Discussion of site management arrangements for managing asbestos containing materials;
- Plant walk-downs of a number of locations to evaluate the effectiveness of these arrangements;
- Site familiarisation for ONR Inspectors new to Oldbury.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
N/A
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Asbestos Management:
I found that ML at Oldbury has adequate procedures in place for the management of asbestos containing materials on site. It was evident that personnel involved in the management of asbestos are competent to carry out their responsibilities. The Lead Asbestos Competent Person is part time in that role and I questioned whether this was adequate for the extent of the asbestos inventory on site (over 8,000 items). I was informed that the site was hoping to appoint a full time LACP in the near future. In addition, the LACP is supported by a number of Asbestos Competent Persons (ACPs). Surveying work is underway on site, to inform accurate risk profiling, which is increasing the number of asbestos items on the register. Many of these items have been described as ‘presumed insulation debris’ and have been assigned a medium risk score, requiring remediation work. I questioned the method of risk profiling as applied to these items. ML stated that the survey methodology had been incorrectly applied and an incorrect risk score allocated to some of the items. ML agreed to re-assess these items and accurately identify and record the risk level.
Conclusion of Intervention
Feedback was provided to ML on the findings from the inspection, it was recognised that Oldbury has suitable arrangements in place for the management of asbestos containing materials (ACM) across the site and has competent staff in post to implement these arrangements. The observations made by ONR in regards to risk profiling of ACMs was accepted by ML and agreement was reached to re-consider the characterisation and risk profiling of presumed debris items.