- Site: Winfrith
- IR number: 22-012
- Date: April 2022
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This inspection of the Licence Condition (LC) 11 Emergency Arrangements at the Magnox Winfrith site was undertaken as part of a programme of planned inspections during 2021/22. The demonstration of the emergency exercise was intended to support the site’s transfer into contingency emergency procedures, commensurate with the reduction of risk at the site.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
ONR assessed a site Level 1 emergency exercise, codenamed "Bloodstone" at the DRAGON reactor facility. The inspection involved observing site personnel during a rehearsal of the site’s emergency arrangements in response to a simulated emergency.
ONR inspectors assessed the site’s response to the simulated emergency at the Site Security Control Room (SSCR), incident location and the Forward Control Point (FCP) in addition to observing key personnel such as the Duty Controller (DC) and Emergency Services Liaison Officer (ESLO).
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
In my opinion the planning for the exercise was thorough, and the incident scenario was appropriate for Winfrith to demonstrate its contingency arrangements. Against the predefined exercise objectives ONR considered that all of these had been met adequately.
A number of good practices, particularly with respect to selection and application of the contingency plans and casualty handling, and some areas of learning were identified by ONR. These were conveyed to the licensee in the post-exercise de-briefing meeting.
Conclusion of Intervention
ONR considers the exercise overall to be an adequate demonstration of the Winfrith nuclear site contingency emergency arrangements as required under LC 11.