- Site: Urenco UK Ltd
- IR number: 21-166
- Date: February 2022
- LC numbers: 10, 23, 24, 27, 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This inspection on the Capenhurst Works nuclear site was undertaken as part of a programme of planned inspections as outlined in the Urenco UK Limited site inspection plan for 2021/22.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
During this systems-based inspection I examined the arrangements related to the trace heating systems on the E23 plant, to ensure adequate implementation of the following licence conditions:
- LC10 Training
- LC23 Operating rules
- LC24 Operating Instructions
- LC27 Safety Mechanism, Devices and Circuits
- LC28 Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing
The inspection comprised of plant inspection, office-based examination of procedures and records and interviews with staff.
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 system-based inspection to assess the implementation of arrangements in relation to the trace heating systems on the E23 plant. During this inspection, I reviewed the Licensee's safety case and considered that it accurately represented the facility and identifies the associated hazards and risks. In my opinion the safety case also identified appropriate operating rules and safety mechanisms, devices and circuits.
I undertook a plant walk-down in the E23 plant, sampling the implementation of the trace heating systems on several different cascades. A periodic review has recently been undertaken and recommended a number of modifications to plant. The programme to implement these improvements is underway and I was able to physically inspect the trace heating systems on the cascades before and after modification. The safety mechanisms, devices and circuits sampled were present in good condition and properly connected. Whilst the improvement programme is in progress the trace heating system operating instructions have additional safety management arrangements for the plant which is awaiting modification, to ensure compliance with the operating rule.
I reviewed the training of a sample of operational and maintenance staff. I found that all such persons had current training records and demonstrated adequate experience when interviewed during this inspection. I reviewed several applicable operating and maintenance instructions and found that they identified references to the safety mechanisms, devices and circuits identified by the operating rule.
I found that the licensee is undertaking suitable maintenance and testing activities for the trace heating systems. All maintenance records sampled were within date and legible. The Licensee also demonstrated that the plant was not operated, unless the safety mechanisms, devices and circuits were functioning and in good working order.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, I consider that the licensee has made and implemented adequate arrangements to ensure the systems used to prevent the release of Uranium Hexafluoride using trace heating systems on the E23 plant fulfils the requirements specified in the safety case.