Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: June 2024
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection was to sample evidence of the implementation of the Sellafield Limited (SL) arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition (LC) 22, specifically within the High Level Waste Plants (HLWP), 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
- LC22 - Modification or experiment on existing plant - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I targeted this ONR LC22 inspection on the adequacy of the implementation of the arrangements for control of modification to existing plant and considered, on the basis of my sample, whether the licensee is maintaining sufficient control of the engineered systems within their facilities, and is considering all modifications to those facilities in a manner proportionate to the risks posed by such changes.
I reviewed the systems in place to monitor the Plant Modification Proposals (PMP) and was satisfied that the facility is maintaining an overview and managing the open PMPs. Additionally, I reviewed a selection of PMPs and was satisfied that the facility had followed the Sellafield Ltd procedures for categorisation, approval and completion of the PMP process.
I sampled the training records for several PMP Managers and was satisfied that these were complete and in date.
I examined evidence of the control of Temporary Plant Interventions (TPI) on the facility and found the completion and approval of the TPIs to be in line with the Sellafield Ltd procedures. A minor shortfall was identified in relation to the governance of the open TPIs and the number of TPIs that had exceeded the 1 year close out date. This will be followed up through a Level 4 regulatory issue as part of routine regulatory business.
Notwithstanding the minor shortfall above; on the basis of my sample I consider that the licensee has adequately implemented their arrangements in place for LC 22. Therefore, I judge that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited.
From the areas sampled, I provided some regulatory advice but did not identify any shortfalls in the implementation of the licensee’s arrangements which would necessitate a further inspection of LC22 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 Licence Condition 22.