Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- November 2023
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection was to gain assurance that High Level Waste Plants (HLWP) are compliant with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and associated Sellafield procedures and standards for work associated with operations within HLWP.
Subject(s) of inspection
- IRR17 – Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector’s opinions and reasons for judgement made
I targeted this ONR Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) inspection on the adequacy of the implementation of the arrangements for compliance with the following IRR17 Regulations:
- Regulation 8 – Radiation risk assessments
- Regulation 9 – Restriction of exposure
- Regulation 18 – Local rules and radiation protection supervisors
- Regulation 29 – Accounting for radioactive substances
- During the IRR17 Inspection, I sampled evidence associated with the licensee’s compliance with IRR17 Regulations 8, 9, 11, 18 and 29 and undertook a plant visit to observe the arrangement in place.
I sampled a number of risk assessments and undertook plant observations in respect of Regulation 8 and 9. Overall, I was satisfied that the HLWP are carrying out adequate risk assessments for the purpose of identifying control measures and the facility is taking appropriate steps to restrict their workers exposure to radiation.
During the plant visit I undertook an number of observations of the Local Rules that were posted at the change barriers and undertook a discussion with one of the Radiological Protection Supervisors (RPS) on the plant. Overall, I was satisfied that the arrangements for compliance against Regulation 18 were adequate.
During the plant visit, I undertook a review of Source Store 165 and had a discussion with the RPS for that source store. Overall, based on the plant visit and the evidence sampled, I was content that the source store was in an adequate condition with the appropriate source records being kept up to date.
From the areas sampled, I provided some regulatory advice and observations but did not identify any shortfalls in the implementation of the licensee’s arrangements which would necessitate a further inspection of IRR17 earlier than currently planned.
Conclusion
Overall, based on the evidence sampled during the inspection, I judge that an inspection rating of Green (no formal regulatory action) is appropriate against the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017.