- Site: Winfrith
- IR number: 20-056
- Date: October 2020
- LC numbers: 10, 12, 21, 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This themed inspection on the Winfrith licensed nuclear site was undertaken as part of a programme of planned interventions as outlined in the Magnox Ltd southern sites’ inspection plan for 2020/21.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
This “Restart” themed inspection related to Magnox Ltd solid waste operations at the Winfrith site. Evidence was sought of adequate implementation of the following Licence Conditions (LC):
- LC10 Training
- LC12 Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons
- LC21 Commissioning
- LC28 Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing
The inspection comprised of plant inspection, examination of procedures and records and interviews with staff
Whilst on site the incoming ONR Nominated Site Safety Inspector visited the SGHWR decommissioning project.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not Applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I carried out a “Restart” LC 10, 12, 21 and 28 themed inspection at the solid waste compound complex adjacent to building A60 following a period of pause of operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this inspection, I reviewed the Licensee’s arrangements to “Restart” operations in compliance with COVID-19 government guidance and Magnox Ltd arrangements for compliance with these to ensure due regard was given to existing hazards and risks associated with operations on the Nuclear Licensed Site.
Magnox Ltd Winfrith and Harwell followed a standardised corporate approach to safely restart operations by means of a Quality Plan. Adequate arrangements were in place to safely shut down operations at Winfrith. During the period of “pause” arrangements were developed and shared with ONR to restart operations. In order to inspect this new process it was my opinion the arrangements most closely matched those for LC21.
I reviewed the existing arrangements for LC10 and LC12. Compliance with these requirements formed part of the “Restart” Quality Plan, which had been appropriately physically signed off by the Winfrith Waste Manager. I established the “golden thread” in the Management System for LC12 from the top-level compliance statement to the completion of the local form.
I inspected the consignment of the first exempt waste from Magnox Ltd Winfrith since the “pause”. I examined the LC10 training records and LC12 SQEP authorisation of the Winfrith Site Liaison Movement Officer and the Waste Deputy Project Manager and found both to be complete and in date.
I inspected the LC28 - Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing record for the forklift truck used to load the waste load onto the lorry and found it to be in date and appropriately signed. From the documentation sampled and the staff interviewed it is my opinion compliance with Licence Conditions 10, 12 and 28 is being maintained and was complied with for the restart of solid waste operations at Winfrith.
During my plant walk-down of the waste compound complex and buildings, adjacent to building A60, I inspected the changes made on site to ensure compliance with Magnox Ltd arrangements for COVID-19 secure operations, which in my opinion have been adequately implemented.
The inspection of the consignment of exempt waste from Magnox Ltd Winfrith was conducted in response to an ONR Issue titled; Completion of an integrated 'on-site waste management' / 'consignment of waste off-site' management system incorporating RGP at local working levels. Magnox Ltd wrote to ONR on the 13 October with an update on progress with this issue. I assessed the response and supporting information provided with the letter, which in my opinion, combined with an adequate demonstration of improved consignment processes for waste at Winfrith.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, I consider that the Licensee has made and implemented adequate arrangements for compliance with LC10, 12, 21 and 28 during the “Restart” of operations of Magnox Ltd Winfrith and given due consideration to compliance with Government guidance for COVID-19 secure working.