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Sellafield Ltd, LC11 Capability Map inspection

  • Site: Sellafield
  • IR number: 21-194
  • Date: March 2022
  • LC numbers: 11

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This inspection was undertaken as part of the 2021/22 intervention plan and Sellafield Ltd’s Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) to assess the adequacy of Sellafield Ltd’s arrangements for Licence Condition (LC) 11 (Emergency Arrangements). This inspection was undertaken by the Site Management Nuclear Safety Inspector for Sellafield and an Emergency Preparedness and  Response (EP&R) Nuclear Associate.

Purpose of Intervention

The aim of the inspection was to use a selected subset of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Capability Map (EPRCM) questions as a tool to assess the licensees’ compliance with LC11 regulatory requirements. The focus of the inspection was Sellafield Ltd’s arguments and evidence in response these questions.  

The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

We carried out an LC11 compliance inspection using the Emergency Preparedness and Response Capability Map (EPRCM) framework. This is a framework used to evaluate emergency planning and response in the context of seven subject areas.

We sampled a subset of the questions identified within the EPRCM to examine the resources and capability for EP&R at the site and the arrangements for planning, conducting and evaluating emergency exercises.

The intervention comprised a facility tour, interviews, meetings and review of documents provided as evidence in the EPRCM.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate

Not applicable – no system based inspections were performed during this intervention.

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

Based on our sample, we found that the Licensee was able to demonstrate adequate compliance with LC11 and we rated the inspection ‘Green – no formal action’.

Conclusion of Intervention

The inspection findings were presented to representatives of Sellafield Ltd at the close of the inspection.  The inspection team did not identify any gaps to legal compliance.

There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine EP&R.