Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- December 2023
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that B203 is compliant with Sellafield’s arrangements for LC27, 28 and 34 with a focus on Asset Care/Management.
In addition to TIGs shown below ONR will also use the ageing management TAG (NS-TAST-109)
- NS-INSP-GD-027, LC 27 Safety Mechanisms, Devices, and Circuits
- NS-INSP-GD-028, LC 28 Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing (EIMT)
- NS-INSP-GD-034, LC 34 Leakage and Escape of Radioactive Materials and Radioactive Waste
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC27 – Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits – Rating: Green
- LC28 – Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing – Rating: Green
- LC34 – Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste – Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector’s opinions and reasons for judgement made
I carried out a planned two day themed inspection examining asset care arrangements for the Plutonium Recovery Plant, which is being decommissioned. This facility was targeted due to its advancing age and the potential hazard posed by the building. The inspection included discussions with Sellafield Limited personnel, review of records, documents and process and a targeted walk down of the facility. I assessed their arrangements using NS-TAST-GD-109 Ageing Management and relevant Technical Inspection Guides.
Asset Care – From the sample taken I was content that the licensee adequately understood the main degradation mechanisms of their assets and was taking appropriate action in managing that degradation so far as is reasonably practicable.
LC27 – Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits; From the sample of the licensee’s arrangements and substantiating documentation, the Licence Condition was rated green as it was judged that that suitable and sufficient safety mechanisms, devices and circuits are properly connected and in good working order.
LC28 – Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing; Adequate examination, maintenance, inspection, and testing had been carried out based on the documentation examined and assurance was gained on the asset care arrangements resulting in a green inspection rating for this licence condition.
LC34 – Leakage and Escape of Radioactive Materials and Radioactive Waste; Confidence was gained in the abatement system and management of the ageing civil containment structure resulting in a green rating for this licence condition.
From the evidence sampled, I judged that B203 adequately meets regulatory expectations with regards to asset care and compliance with LC27, 28 and 34
Conclusion
Overall I was satisfied that the dutyholder was compliant with corporate asset care arrangements and met regulatory expectations for asset care and ageing management. Further I was content that the dutyholder was compliant with corporate arrangements for LC27, 28 and 34 and met regulatory expectations.
Consequently I consider a rating of Green to be proportionate and appropriate.