- Site: URENCO UK Ltd
- IR number: 21-003 (SAF)
- Date: May 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This Intervention Record (IR) details the planned Physical Inventory Take evaluation (PITe) inspection in the URENCO Nuclear Stewardship Ltd (UNS) Uranic Materials Management facilities (Material Balance Area (MBA) QBC1, QBC2, QBC3, QBC4, QBC5 referred to as QBCX as a whole). The purpose of this inspection was to inform ONR’s judgement regarding the adequacy of the implementation of URENCO’s process and arrangements for a PIT and URENCO’s compliance with The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in particular Regulations 6(3), 9(1), 10(1), 11(1), 11(2), 15(3) and Schedule 2 of NSR19.
This planned intervention was undertaken in accordance with the Safeguards operational schedule for 2021/2022 and the URENCO site safeguards implementation plan.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I conducted a PITe compliance inspection in UNS’s Uranic Materials Management facility (QBCX). This inspection focussed on URENCO’s PIT arrangements and their implementation to enable ONR to make a judgement on whether they are appropriate and proportionate for the MBAs in order to gain assurance of the accuracy of UNS’s physical inventory, and therefore assurance that the relevant regulatory Accountancy Reports are correct and complete.
This intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance (as described in the relevant technical inspection guides, which can be found at Safeguards Inspection Guidance).
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
No significant matters were identified requiring immediate regulatory attention during the conduct of this inspection.
Based on sampling of arrangements and discussion with staff, I am satisfied that URENCO are appropriately implementing arrangements for undertaking a PIT at UNS QBCX.
I am satisfied that the source documentation presented by URENCO provided a full and auditable trail from storage facility operations to Accountancy Records and subsequent Accountancy Reports.
Based on the sampling of the Operator’s arrangements for assessing SQEP roles at QBCX, as well as discussions with the staff key to maintaining NMAC who are involved in undertaking a Physical Inventory Take at QBCX, I am satisfied these personnel are competent to undertake their responsibilities during a PIT at QBCX and have undertaken suitable training and assessment.
During the inspection I identified three areas for improvement that I fed back to URENCO as advice and guidance and will be managed as part of routine activities.
During the inspection I identified one area for improvement which I judge to be a minor non-compliance with NSR19 Schedule 2 (14). I consider that it is proportionate to raise a Level 4 Regulatory Issue to cover the shortfall which will be managed as part of routine regulatory activities.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, on the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, I am satisfied that URENCO has demonstrated that it is appropriately implementing arrangements for undertaking a PIT at UNS QBCX in line with Regulations 6(3), 9(1), 10(1), 11(1), 11(2), 15(3) and Schedule 2 of NSR19. I identified four areas for improvement which were fed back to URENCO. I consider that it is proportionate to raise a Level 4 Regulatory issue to cover one of the identified improvements related to the appropriateness of the arrangements for the facilities. I consider it to be a minor non-compliance with NSR19 Schedule 2 (14). This will be managed as part of routine regulatory activities.
I therefore consider, noting ONR guidance on inspection ratings, that an inspection rating of green (no formal action) is merited here.