Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- June 2023
Aim of inspection
ONR intends to conduct a one day thematic compliance inspection against Licence Conditions LC8 (warning notices), LC9 (instructions to persons on site) and LC11 (emergency arrangements), in XTC at the Aldermaston Site on the 14 June 2023. This inspection is aligned to ONR’s Weapons Sub-Division Strategy, focussing on the following Desired Regulatory Outcomes (DROs) for AWE:
- Demonstrate compliance against the requirements of the RSPs of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the ASPs of the Energy Act 2013.
- Demonstration of the competency [training and SQEP] of personnel engaged in the conduct and supervision of hazardous activities.
- Collaboration with HSE/HID to deliver effective joint regulation of the explosives’ portfolio.
- Fit for purpose site services (utilities) and site infrastructure to support current operations and emergency
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 08 – Warning notices – Rating: GREEN
- LC 09 – Instructions to persons on the site – Rating: GREEN
- LC 11 – Emergency arrangements – Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector’s opinions and reasons for judgement made
In my opinion, the Licensee’s arrangements for compliance with LC 8, 9 and 11 were adequate from the documents examined and the evidence provided during the inspection. It is my opinion, that an IIS rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate for each LC and I concluded that there are no matters that may adversely impact nuclear safety.
Conclusion
Site Licence Condition 8 – Warning Notices – ONR Inspection Rating – Green (adequate – no formal action required).
On the basis of the evidence provided at the time of this inspection I consider that the licensee has implemented adequately its arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition 8. It is my opinion, that an IIS rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Site Licence Condition 9 – Instructions to Persons On Site – ONR Inspection Rating – Green (adequate – no formal action required).
On the basis of the evidence provided at the time of this inspection I consider that the licensee has implemented adequately its arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition 9. It is my opinion, that an IIS rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Site Licence Condition 11 –Emergency Arrangements – ONR Inspection Rating – Green (adequate – no formal action required).
Overall, I was fully able to gain evidence and regulatory confidence to achieve the aim and scope of the intervention, noting particularly that there was a cause agnostic emergency plan that was rehearsed, and learning was both gained and implemented. On this basis and from the documents examined and the evidence provided during the inspection, it is my opinion that the Licensee’s arrangements for compliance with LC 11 were adequate. Therefore, I conclude that there are no matters that may adversely impact nuclear safety and allocate an IIS rating of Green (no formal action).