Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
This is a planned Life Fire Safety inspection under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation of the E22 building including the Carousel project area.
In addition the inspectors will also use the opportunity for TPR familiarisation as E22 building is one of Urenco's in- scope TPR facilities.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Fire (Life Safety) Compliance Inspection - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The purpose of this intervention was to ensure that Urenco United Kingdom (UUK) are complying with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at their Capenhurst Site. This inspection assessed UUKs arrangements to support Life Fire Safety (LFS) and sampled the implementation of those measures on site. Compliance was assessed using relevant ONR inspection guidance, specifically Technical Inspection Guide (TIG) 073 – The Regulation of Life Fire Safety Provision on GB Nuclear Sites. The inspection consisted of examination of the licensee’s arrangements regarding LFS for the E22 facility, meetings to assess the implementation and management of LFS at a site level and a walkdown of the E22 facility.
This intervention was undertaken by two inspectors from the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR) Nuclear Internal Hazards & Site Safety (NIHSS) specialism and the Capenhurst site’s Nominated Site Inspector.
It was noted that, in light of information provided by the E22 Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and in discussion with the site Fire Safety Coordinator (FSC) the combustible load from the E22 external cladding is not understood i.e. the fire performance is not known. This could have a significant impact on the risk of external and internal fire spread. A Level 4 Regulatory Issue (RI-11154) has therefore been raised to monitor the works planned by UUK to better understand the risk posed by the building cladding.
Conclusion
The following points which help form my overall judgment are based on facts established as part of the inspection, discussions with the nominated site inspector and my own judgement on the presentations and information provided by the licensee.
- The site is currently undertaking major projects related to LFS including Project Carousel and the replacement of multiple FADS.
- A FRA has been produced for the E22 facility which is within the required review date.
- UUK have undertaken significant remedial works within E22 with respect to the fire compartmentation lines. This was observed during the facility walkdown. The remedial works have largely been driven by a third-party compartmentation survey.
- The external cladding which forms part of the E22 building façade has an unknown fire performance which has the potential to significantly increase the building fire load.
- Maintenance plans for fire systems are developed well in advance and planning meetings are held at regular intervals.
- Training profiles are held by UUK for all staff and training required for generic roles is established.
- The nuclear fire safety case for the E22 facility is in the process of being re-written.
- Some minor shortfalls in housekeeping were observed during the facility walkdown however, the general standard of fire safety focus and housekeeping was good.
With regards to the above facts I consider that the site is in compliance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 and consider that an ONR Inspection Rating of Green is appropriate.