Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
This is a routine compliance inspection of waste related Licence Conditions (LC), LC34 (leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste). The aim of the inspection is to sample the implementation of DSRLs arrangements in the D1208 and D1203 facilities to check compliance with the regulatory expectations detailed in the LC34 TIG.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste - Rating: Amber
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I undertook an inspection into DSRLs arrangements for preventing the leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste in the D1203 and D1208 facilities. I noted that DSRL has adequate arrangements in place in the D1208 facility and where minor shortfalls were noted I was content that these were well understood and had appropriate mitigation and control measures in place.
I noted minor shortfalls in the provision of secondary containment for the D1203 HEU slab tanks but was content that DSRL had adequate reasons for this and control measures in place. I advised DSRL to provide enhanced secondary containment on the tanks as part of future wash out and decommissioning activities.
I noted shortfalls in the provision of secondary containment of the D1203 Thorium Nitrate tanks and did not consider that there was adequate measures in place to control the risk of a loss of containment. I raised a Regulatory Issue (RI-11143) at level 3 requiring DSRL to confirm the condition of the Thorium Nitrate within the tanks, and to undertake an assessment of the consequences of a failure of the tanks resulting in loss of contents, with the expectation that following the review DSRL would implement any reasonably practicable improvements to mitigate the risks and address the shortfall.
Conclusion
I was satisfied that DSRL had adequate arrangements in D1208 that met regulatory expectations and aligned with standard industry good practice. However in D1203 I noted shortfalls against established industry good practice and TIG34 regarding the lack of secondary containment on the tanks. I considered that the lack of adequate secondary containment represented a significant shortfall against established industry good practice and the guidance detailed in TIG34 and given that lack of information around the condition of the thorium nitrate being stored I raised Regulatory Issue 11143 requiring DSRL to confirm the status of the tank contents and undertake an assessment of the consequences of a failure of the tank and implement any improvements.
On this basis I have awarded a rating of Amber (Seek Improvements) and raised a Level 3 regulatory Issue (RI-11143) to track the licensee's progress in addressing the shortfalls.