- Site: Dounreay
- IR number: 21-036
- Date: June 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of the this planned inspection was to ensure that the Licensee was demonstrating compliance with the life safety requirements of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The inspection assessed the design proposals for the Shaft and Silo Project to meet the structural requirements of the Fire Scotland Act, with respect to means of escape and fire protection for life safety. I also assessed the decommissioning proposals for the Materials Test Reactor (MTR) to ensure adequate fire protection arrangements are in place.
- I examined a series of documents prior to my arrival.
- I conducted meetings to assess the adequacy of fire strategy documents for new facilities and reviewed the fire risk assessment for the Materials Test Reactor.
- During my inspection, I challenged managers and subject matter experts about procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision.
- I undertook a walk-through of the Materials Test Reactor and reviewed the location for the buildings associated with the Shaft and Silo Project.
- I questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not Applicable
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The inspection provided evidence that the Fire Strategy document developed for the Shaft and Silo Project has fully considered life fire safety in the design of the buildings and that suitable mitigation arrangements are in place. Additionally, existing site procedures for management of modifications will ensure means of escape and other fire protection measures remain effective as this project evolves towards the construction phase.
Fire Safety Management arrangements within the Materials Test Reactor is compliant with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and decommissioning work has improved means of escape and reduced potential ignition sources. I discussed the sequencing of future decommissioning work and am satisfied that the proposals conform with expectations for relevant good practice for a nuclear facility.
I followed-up on the progress of issues discussed during the last intervention, which was conducted remotely, including development of the new role of Fire Safety Manager and the impact of virus precautions on fire safety. My overall impression was that site maintains a good standard of life fire safety and has the capability to respond to future developments. The Fire Safety Manager is fully informed and responsive to all aspects of work on site, enabling pre-planning for contingencies and effective pro-active fire safety management.
Following my inspection, I advised the Head of Emergency Arrangements of my findings and my assessment of compliance, which included highlighting areas of good practice.