Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- November 2022
Aim of inspection
The aim of this intervention was to inspect against compliance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). This intervention focussed on matters relating to life fire safety. The purpose of this intervention was to gain assurance that Sellafield Limited have met their responsibilities as the Responsible Person by the legislation referenced above. It was also to gain assurance that this specific facility's fire safety management and system arrangements are adequately implemented, effective and integrated to ensure the required application of the general fire precautions.Subject(s) of inspection
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - Rating - Amber
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
An inspection of B2534 (Data Centre) 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 focused on matters relating to life fire safety.
The intervention focused on both the management of fire safety and the practical fire safety provision within the 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 carried out a walk-down of all areas of the buildings and paid particular attention to the practical application of the fire safety strategy.
During my inspection, I challenged those accompanying me 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 paid a particular focus on the Fire Alarm and Detection Systems, Fire Suppression Systems and Fire Separation.
I questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements.
Conclusion
There is an absence of any obvious ownership of the facility or the fire safety systems within it. Those that I met were unable to confirm that any formal commissioning process had been completed and thus there was no documentation to confirm the health and status of these systems. In addition, the lack of an embedded testing and maintenance regime offers concerns as to the reliability of these systems. No induction process exists so as to ensure that persons working in this facility understand the evacuation strategy and in particular the risks posed by a CO2 suppression system.
I have rated the inspection outcome as AMBER (Significant Shortfalls). I have considered my findings against the ONR Enforcement Management Model and will raise a Level 3 Regulatory Issue to ensure improvements are adequately progressed.