Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- November 2022
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection is to seek evidence in support of Sellafield’s compliance with The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19). ONR will form regulatory judgements and provide a rating in line with ONR’s inspection rating guidance of Sellafield’s compliance with NSR19.
Subject(s) of inspection
- FSE 3 Competence Management – Rating: Green
- FSE 7 Nuclear Material Tracking – Rating: Green
- FSE 8 Data Processing and Control – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg06 – Accountancy and control of qualifying nuclear material – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg09 – Operation of an accountancy and control plan – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg10 – Operating records – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg11 – Accounting records – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg12 – Accounting reports – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg14 – Inventory change report – Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg20 – Weight units and categories of qualifying nuclear materials – Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector’s opinions and reasons for judgement made
The intervention comprised of reviewing a sample of facility operating instructions, arrangements for the production of nuclear material accounting reports and the underpinning accounting and operating records, along with a plant walk-down and discussion with staff with operational implementation responsibilities. Based on the sample inspected, I judge that Sellafield Ltd, Windscale Active Handling Facility (QUK1) has appropriate arrangements for nuclear material accountancy and control, is generating accounting and operating records that are complete and correct, and that those arrangements are being adequately implemented in accordance with ONR regulatory expectations.
I provided one piece of regulatory advice recommending a review of the facility ACP to ensure that all key documents related to nuclear material accountancy and control are appropriately captured.
No matters requiring immediate regulatory attention or any regulatory shortfalls were identified during this inspection.
Conclusion
Overall, based on my sample, I am satisfied that Sellafield Ltd. Windscale Active Handling Facility (QUK1) meets the requirements of NSR19 regulations 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 20 as well as FSEs 3, 7 and 8 of ONMACS.
I therefore consider, noting the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited