Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that the arrangements at Dounreay are compliant with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that the arrangements at Dounreay are compliant with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).
Subject(s) of inspection
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This report presents the findings of a planned intervention that was undertaken in order to assess compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) at the Dounreay licenced site.
The intervention consisted of an examination of the implementation of arrangements to secure compliance with the requirements of IRR17 by discussion with key facility personnel and inspections of facilities/ plants. This inspection particularly focused on the observations made at the previous IRR17 inspection (WIReD IIS-50053) in September 2022.
I was content that the facility management and the Assistant Head of Radiation Protection (Radiation Protection Adviser) had demonstrated compliance with IRR17. The Radiation Protection Advisers, including the facility ATO Holder (D1215) understood the current and future radiological challenges associated with current work, with adequate dose monitoring and controls demonstrated.
I considered the documents submitted to ONR were of a high standard. The risk assessment and supporting documentation provided and viewed, confirmed input from the RPA, and I note the targeted improvements to Dounreay’s radiological protection arrangements since the previous inspection.
The findings of this inspection have been shared with, acknowledged, and accepted by Dounreay’s Assurance Director, Head of Design Authority, Independent Challenge & Oversight Department Manager and Assistant Radiological Protection Manager, as part of normal inspection feedback.
Overall, I judged that, on the basis of evidence sampled at the time of this inspection, compliance with IRR17 was demonstrated and an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Conclusion
I was content that Dounreay’s management and the wider RPA team had demonstrated compliance with IRR17. The facility management, including the members of the wider RP understood the current (and future) radiological challenges associated with their areas with adequate dose monitoring and control demonstrated.
The risk assessment and supporting documentation provided and viewed, confirmed input from the RPA, and I note the targeted improvements to Dounreay’s radiological protection arrangements since the previous inspection.
The Dounreay staff who supported the walkdowns demonstrated a thorough understanding of their facilities and the associated operations undertaken. In addition, during the facility walkdown, I observed open and honest dialogue during the face-to-face meeting.
Throughout the inspection, where arrangements and procedures were discussed, I received copies (where applicable) to sample and support discussions.
I observed again that the change rooms and general housekeeping of all areas I have visited (including general outside areas, administrative buildings and facilities) was noted to be in good condition and well maintained.
There were two areas for improvement noted during the inspection: marking of raised dose rate areas and issues with facility lighting that had not been repaired for a prolonged period. These were fed back and accepted by Dounreay.
Overall, I judged that, on the basis of evidence sampled at the time of this inspection, compliance with IRR17 was demonstrated and an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.