Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- December 2022
Aim of inspection
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC10 - Training - Rating - Green
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating - Green
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating - Green
- LC27 - Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits - Rating - Green
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating - Green
- LC34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste - Rating - Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
ONR carried out a planned two-day system based inspection on 7-8 December 2022 at the Sellafield Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage (HALES) facility. The inspection focussed on the implementation of the HALES safety case in relation to the main and backup supplies of steam, which are needed by the facility even in a shutdown state. The inspection team comprised the Site Inspector for HALES and High Level Waste Plants (HLWP), Chemical Engineering Specialist Inspector, Internal Hazards Specialist Inspector and Fault Studies Specialist Inspector. The inspection included discussions with Sellafield Ltd personnel, a review of records, documents and processes and a targeted walk down of the facility.
From the evidence sampled, I judged that Sellafield Ltd had adequately implemented the safety case for steam and the following Licence Conditions (LC) were rated as GREEN (no formal action): LCs 10 (Training), 23 (Operating rules), 24 (Operating instructions), 27 (Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits), 28 (Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing) and 34 (Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste).
Conclusion
On the basis of evidence sampled during the inspection, I judge that Sellafield Limited has adequately implemented the safety case with regard to the HALES steam system and is compliant with the requirements of LCs 10, 23, 24, 27, 28 and 34. I have assigned an inspection rating of GREEN with respect to these LCs.
I am raising a Level 4 issue (lowest level) in relation to Emergency Steam Generator inlet connections (pipework and valves connecting the boiler to the HALES steam ring-main). This will track a need for Sellafield Ltd to review the safety case claims, safety designation and resulting EIMT associated with the inlet connection valves on the HP supplies from the Emergency Steam Generators.