Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: February 2024
Aim of inspection
The inspection assessed if arrangements in place are in line with the practices contained in relevant regulatory guidance regarding the requirements of the relevant statutory provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (principally Electricity at Work Regulations 1989).
In addition to assessing BAESML compliance, the regulatory intelligence gathered informs an industry-wide electrical safety theme as set-out in ONR’s Chief Nuclear Inspector’s annual report.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Health & Safety at Work Act - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
BAE Systems Marine Limited work to a code of practice, supported by a topic manual that covers many aspects of electrical work, including appointment of authorised persons (including high voltage switching), permits to work, live working, isolations and other general expectations for electrical work. Generic and specific risk assessments are used in a graded approach to risk.
From the presentations, discussions, demonstrations and the site walkdown sample, the management of electrical safety at the BAE Systems Marine Limited Devonshire Dock Complex appeared aligned to relevant good practice.
During the site walkdown, there were some minor observations made in terms of electrical installation standards but from the responses given by BAE Systems Marine Limited, I judged there was no further regulatory action required against these observations. Therefore I judge the inspection was rated as Green.
In responding to ONR’s enforcement letter (BAE70121R), BAESML provided information on the role of its configuration management team, the Site Design Change Committee in change management governance and changes made in permits to dig to prevent future cable strikes during excavation activities. BAESML also provided information on contractor selection and competence assessment and BAESML’s own auditing function as further elements of the enforcement response.
From the presentations and discussions covering changes introduced by BAE Systems Marine Limited following the cable strike incident at the Devonshire Dock Quay, I judge that BAE Systems Marine Limited has met the expectations of the actions placed on them by ONR.
Conclusion
From the presentations, discussions, demonstrations and the site walkdown sample, the management of electrical safety within the BAESML DDC appeared aligned to RGP. There were some minor observations made in terms of redundant cabling, securing of cables to tray work and the maintenance of lighting installed in an explosive atmosphere zoned area, but from the responses given by BAESML, I judged there was no further regulatory action required against these observations. Therefore I judge the inspection was rated as Green.
From the presentations and discussions concerning BAESML changes introduced following the cable strike incident at the DDQ, I judge that BAESML has met the expectations of the actions placed on them by ONR. Therefore I recommend that the regulatory issue associated with this is closed.