Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection was to measure DRDL progress with complying with improvement notice (IN) ONR-IN 21-003. This inspection allowed ONR to provide feedback to DRDL on whether the improvements to the control of work (electrical) implemented in the submarine business unit is providing suitable and sufficient evidence to judge IN compliance.
The outcome of this inspection was for the ONR electrical specialist inspector to provide feedback to DRDL on whether the improvements being implemented in electrical control of work were suitably sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the IN.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Health & Safety at Work Act - Rating: Green
- MHSWR - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The purpose of this inspection was to examine Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd (DRDL) progress with implementing revised control of work arrangements for electrical work as required by improvement notice ONR-IN-21-003. This improvement notice requires implementation of improvements to the control of work arrangements for electrical activities on submarines on the licensed site.
This inspection was carried out over three days from 25 to 27 April 2023 and consisted of meetings with specific site personnel responsible for or delivering improvements in the control of work arrangements.
A meeting with the electrical trades site safety representatives was also undertaken during the inspection to understand their opinion of the improvements being introduced as part of the improvement notice, and a safety, health and environment leadership seminar was also observed.
It was suggested during the inspection that DRDL considers:
- Sharing knowledge and experience from work already carried out in one area of the business in applying revised control of work arrangements in improvement notice focus areas
- Sharing with ONR any gaps to compliance as early as practicable to aid judgement of the gaps in compliance to the improvement notice
- Share more widely with the site safety representatives the improvements being implemented and brief them on how the changes will affect their day-to-day activities
From the discussions held and samples of documentation seen in relation to DRDL’s progress with implementation of new electrical control of work arrangements in the submarine business unit, it was evident that DRDL had made progress in demonstrating compliance with the improvement notice.
At the time of inspection, it was not clear if specific programme deliverables were suitably resourced or could be delivered in line with DRDL compliance timescales. Therefore, given these concerns it was judged that the inspection was rated as amber.
Subsequent assurances given by DRDL over these concerns has led to changing the inspection rating from amber to green.
A further compliance inspection will be carried out at a suitable point in the DRDL implementation programme to judge if they have demonstrated compliance with the improvement notice.
Conclusion
From the discussions held and samples of documentation seen in relation to DRDL’s progress with implementation of new electrical control of work arrangements in the SBU, it was evident that DRDL had made progress in demonstrating compliance with the IN.
At the time of inspection, it was not clear if specific programme deliverables were suitably resourced or could be delivered in line with DRDL timescales. Therefore, given these concerns I judged that the inspection was rated as amber.
Assurances subsequently provided by the SHE director over these concerns (2023/26578 refers) I judge the inspection rating changes from amber to green.
A further compliance inspection will be carried out at a suitable point in the DRDL implementation programme to judge if they have demonstrated compliance with the improvement notice.