Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: April 2024
Aim of inspection
To seek assurance that Sellafield Ltd.’s arrangements for compliance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and Licence Condition 28 (Examination, inspection, maintenance, and testing) are adequately implemented in MSSS. The ONR MSSS project inspector’s MSSS lifting operations engagement was also incorporated into this inspection. The project inspector’s aim wasto gain confidence that Sellafield Ltd.’s management of MSSS lifting operations takes account of safe operational lives. This includes appropriate consideration of cliff-edges and operational lives extending out longer than expected.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Green
- Lifting / LOLER - Rating: Green
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
MSSS arrangements and compliance against LOLER, PUWER and LC28 were inspected as part of a planned two-day inspection on the 9 and 10 April 2024. The inspection team comprised the Site Inspector for MSSS and Mechanical Engineering, Internal Hazards and Conventional Health and Safety Specialist Inspectors. The inspection included discussions with Sellafield Ltd. personnel, review of records, documents and processes and a targeted walk down of the facility.
The findings were as follows:
LC 28 – Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing;
Adequate examination, maintenance, inspection, and testing had been carried out based on the documentation examined, discussions and the plant walkdown undertaken resulting in a green inspection rating for this licence condition.
PUWER – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and LOLER – Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations;
We consider that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated suitable arrangements to manage health and safety relating to maintenance of work equipment as required by PUWER and requirements for thorough examination within LOLER resulting in green ratings.
In addition to this, we considered that the Licensee had adequately considered the nuclear safety risks associated with internal hazards specifically crane operations and associated dropped loads and impacts within MSSS. The evidence presented, demonstrated that safety related equipment was identified and a hazard management strategy was in place for lifting operations within MSSS.
Overall, we gained assurance that Sellafield Ltd.'s arrangements for compliance are adequately implemented in MSSS and that the management of MSSS lifting operations takes account of safe operational lives.
Conclusion
Overall, LOLER, PUWER and LC 28 were found to be adequately implemented in MSSS and were rated green - No formal action.