- Site: Sellafield
- IR number: 21-090
- Date: September 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
An inspection of B229 at Sellafield Ltd was undertaken as part of the planned Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for the Sellafield, Decommissioning, Fuel and Waste Division (SDFW) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The purpose of this intervention was to inspect against compliance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).
This intervention formed part of a joint intervention with ONR Conventional Health and Safety specialists. They focussed on matters relating to COSHH and Chemicals Management. Their findings and observations are recorded on a separate Intervention Record.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The intervention focused on both the management of fire safety and the practical fire safety provision within the selected facility identified above.
- I examined a series of documents prior to my arrival on site.
- I used the relevant legislation relating to this inspection to focus on life fire safety, not nuclear fire safety issues.
- I undertook a walk-through a random selection of the areas of the buildings and paid particular attention to the practical application of the fire safety strategy. During this I pointed out examples of obstacles and fire safety issues that are likely to compromise the application of the fire safety strategy.
- During my inspection, I challenged those accompanying me, and others about procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision.
- I held discussions with relevant persons to assess the approach being taken to the management of fire safety and the testing and maintenance of the fire safety systems across this facility.
- 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
B229 is an ageing facility built in the 1950’s. The two storey (Ground and First Floor) building comprises mainly laboratories, chemicals storage and office environments. Due to the age of the building and the nature of the work activities and inventory it is not possible to upgrade the current building design which does not conform to modern building standards. A Replacement Analytical Services project is at the very early stages of design to replace B229 but this will not be complete for many years to come.
The primary focus of this inspection was to discuss and challenge those responsible for the management and application of the fire safety strategy and confirm their understanding of their responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Those that I met displayed a positive appreciation of the importance of the need for the effective application of the fire safety strategy and Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). The need to review the FRA on a regular basis was understood by those that I met. They demonstrated a confident approach to matters relating to fire safety and a suitable understanding of the challenges faced by the facility.
Conclusion of Intervention
I am satisfied that those that I met have a suitable understanding of their fire safety responsibilities and are cognisant of the challenges that they will face in maintaining a fire safe environment in a facility that does not conform to modern building design standards. I have rated this inspection as Green.