Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- March 2023
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection is to inspect against compliance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).
This inspection focuses on matters relating to life fire safety.
The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that Sellafield Limited has met its responsibilities as the Responsible Person by the legislation referenced above. It is 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: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
An inspection of B594, which is an administrative / management hub at Sellafield Limited 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 inspection was to inspect against compliance with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).
This inspection focussed on matters relating to life fire safety.
The inspection focussed 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 Sellafield Limited fire safety strategy for the facilities.
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 had a particular focus on the Fire Alarm and Detection Systems, Fire Suppression Systems, Emergency Lighting and Fire Dampers.
I questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements.
Conclusion
I identified a number of issues which require attention. Most notable the removal of the large waste bins in close proximity to the escape doors at ground floor level. Linked directly to this is the practice of smoking in areas other than smoking shelters which requires to be managed and should cease as described within Sellafield Limited's arrangements.
It is essential that all personnel working in this facility are made aware of the emergency arrangements and receive a building induction.
The matters relating to combustible waste and smoking have the potential to increase if not immediately addressed, especially as there is an anticipated increase in the population of the facility in the near future.
I have raised a Level 4 (lowest level) Regulatory Issue to manage and monitor progress against the matters identified in the evidence section of this report, namely waste management, building induction and smoking practices.
This inspection has been given a GREEN, no formal action, rating given that all matters relating to the general fire precautions within the facility were deemed to be adequate.