Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
July 2023Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection was to sample evidence of implementation of Sellafield Limited arrangements for compliance with Licence Conditions (LCs) 12 and 26, specifically within the Remediation Waste Monitoring and Compaction (WAMAC) facility at the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, in order to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with its legal duties under the nuclear site licence.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 12 - Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons - Rating: GREEN
- LC 26 - Control and supervision of operations - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The purpose of this Inspection was to sample evidence of implementation of the Sellafield Limited arrangements for compliance with Licence Conditions (LCs) 12 and 26, specifically within the Remediation WAMAC facility at the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, in order to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with its legal duties under the nuclear site licence. This inspection targeted compliance by the subject facilities against the following parts of the Nuclear Site Licence Conditions:
LC 12 (1): The licensee shall make and implement adequate arrangements to ensure that only suitably qualified and experienced persons perform any duties which may affect the safety of operations on the site or any other duties assigned by or under these conditions or any arrangements required under these conditions.
LC 12 (2): The aforesaid arrangements shall also provide for the appointment, in appropriate cases, of duly authorised persons to control and supervise operations which may affect plant safety.
LC 26: The licensee shall ensure that no operations are carried out which may affect safety except under the control and supervision of suitably qualified and experienced persons appointed for that purpose by the licensee.
I sampled the implementation of the arrangements for compliance with LCs 12 and 26 in WAMAC. The inspection was conducted remotely over 4th and 5th July 2023. The inspection involved discussions with the WAMAC Operations Manager, Duly Authorised Person (DAP), operators, maintainers and contractors, a review of records, and sampling of information contained within electronic databases and other documentation.
From the discussions, it was evident that there was currently an issue with insufficient number of DAPs in WAMAC. However, I was reassured that Sellafield Limited had the issue of DAP resource in WAMAC in hand and was progressing it whilst also having a contingency process in place via the Operational Decision Making (ODM) process.
I noted the DAP had completed the due training programme as per the Sellafield LC12 arrangements and was suitably appointed. There was evidence of sufficient mentoring by other current and previous DAPs to the newly appointed DAP and also a significant amount of coaching provided on the job by the contractor (Atkins).
I was provided with evidence of good setting to work briefs and completed work packages for a selection of tasks including appropriate sign-offs by the supervisors/DAPs. I was content that Sellafield Limited had demonstrated that the level of supervision required across WAMAC was understood, clearly set and actioned through competent supervisors.
I consider that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated compliance with LC12 and LC26 in WAMAC. I therefore assign a green rating for both LC12 and LC26 with no further regulatory action required and no regulatory issues raised.
Conclusion
I judge that an inspection rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate for LC12: duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons. This is because I am content that the arrangements in place ensure only SQEPs and DAPs perform duties which may impact safety are sufficient and are adequately implemented.
I judge that an inspection rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate for LC26: Control and Supervision. I am content the arrangements for controlling the nuclear significant work are suitable and adequately implemented.