Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: February 2024
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection is to sample evidence of implementation of the Sellafield Limited arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition (LC) 36, specifically within the Liquid Active Effluent Management Group (LAEMG) at the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, in order to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with its legal duties under the nuclear site licence.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC36 - Organisational capability - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This Licence Condition (LC) 36 (organisational capability) inspection was undertaken at the Low Activity Effluent Management Group (LAEMG) facility on the Sellafield site. The inspection focused on seeking assurance that Sellafield Limited is compliant with its arrangements for LC36 at LAEMG.
LAEMG demonstrated that it has an adequate understanding of its nuclear baseline for the Operations and Engineering and Maintenance (E&M) functions. Although vacancies exist, I was satisfied that plans are in place to mitigate the shortfall, either by recruitment, apprenticeships or redeployment.
I identified one shortfall requiring regulatory attention, relating to the administrative arrangements for production of the latest version of the Minimum Safety Manning Levels (MSML) paper. A Level 4 Regulatory Issue will be raised to track progress with the next review of the MSML paper.
I made two observations relating to the use of precise language when reporting breaches as opposed to challenges to MSML, and vulnerabilities relating to cover for singletons in key conventional health and safety roles.
I was satisfied that the Management of Change arrangements were being followed for the Change Record sampled during this inspection.On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that Sellafield Limited has adequately implemented its arrangements for compliance with LC36 at LAEMG. Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, I judge that a rating of green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, I judge that LAEMG has adequately implemented Sellafield Ltd’s arrangements for LC 36, with minor areas for improvement identified. Noting the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, it is my opinion that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited here.
One Level 4 (i.e. lowest level) Regulatory Issue will be raised to track Sellafield Ltd’s progress with the review of the MSML paper. Follow-up will be managed as part of future routine regulatory business.