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Ionising Radiation Regulation 2017 intervention in the A2.1 Facility

  • Site: AWE Aldermaston
  • IR number: 21-094
  • Date: October 2021
  • LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of intervention

This was a planned inspection in line with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) plan for 2020/21, of the A2.1 Facility at the Aldermaston site.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

The intervention consisted of an on-site inspection.  The on-site inspection primarily focused on the implementation of the arrangements for compliance with the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17). We sampled relevant documentation and assessed compliance against:

  • Work with Ionising Radiation - Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L121 (Second edition) Published 2018.
  • The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 - NS-INSP-GD-054 Revision 7.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate

Not Applicable

Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

Overall, we consider that the licensee has adequately demonstrated their arrangements to safely undertake activities associated with IRR17 in the A2.1 facility.

 However, we identified two minor observations relating to the As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) status of the storage of radioactive sources.

Conclusion of Intervention

Based on the sampling undertaken during the IRR17 compliance inspection, we are satisfied that the duty holder has adequate arrangements for compliance with IRR17 in the A2.1 facility.

We concluded that there were no significant shortfalls identified against Relevant Good Practice (RGP), with respect to radiological protection requirements under IRR17. Therefore, we consider that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited.