- Site: Springfields
- IR number: 19-183
- Date: February 2020
- LC numbers: 8, 9, 10, 23, 24, 27, 28, 34
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This inspection on the Springfields Fuels Limited licensed nuclear site was undertaken as part of a programme of planned inspections for 2019/20.
The scope of the inspection was to confirm that the selected safety system fulfilled its safety function and adequately implemented the requirements of the safety case.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
During this inspection, I carried out a System Based Inspection (SBI) of the Criticality Incident Detection and Alarm System (CIDAS) within a tenant facility to confirm adequate implementation of arrangements made under the following licence conditions: -
- LC 8 Warning Notices;
- LC 9 Instructions to Persons on Site;
- LC10 Training;
- LC23 Operating rules;
- LC24 Operating instructions;
- LC27 Safety mechanism, devices and circuits;
- LC28 Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (EIM&T); and
- LC34 Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste.
The inspection comprised of plant inspection, office-based examination of procedures, documentation and records, and interviews with staff.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
During this inspection, I reviewed the relevant aspects of the licensee’s safety case and considered that it both represented the facility/systems accurately and identified the associated hazards and risks. In addition, I reviewed the leadership and safety culture, instructions to persons on site and warning notices, which I judged to be of a good standard.
I reviewed the training records for a sample of operational staff. I found that persons reviewed had current training records against all of the operating and maintenance instructions examined during this inspection. I reviewed the relevant operating and maintenance instructions and found them to be adequate and identified references to the safety related equipment.
I judged that the licensee is undertaking suitable examination, inspection, maintenance and testing activities. All the maintenance records examined were within date, legible and signed by suitably qualified and trained personnel. The licensee also demonstrated that the plant was operated with sufficient safety mechanisms, devices and circuits, which were in good working order.
I was provided with information relating to the works being undertaken with regard to obsolescence issues and I am satisfied that this is being managed adequately.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, I conclude that the requirements of the safety case for the CIDAS have been implemented adequately, and there were no matters identified that may adversely affect nuclear safety.