Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: August 2023
Aim of inspection
This inspection aimed to evaluate (on a sample basis) that relevant systems, structures and components (SSC’s) of the QUK1 system of Nuclear Material Accountancy and Control (NMAC) are fit for purpose and are implemented in a proportionate and appropriate manner, as required by NSR19 Regulation 6. In particular, the inspection aimed to obtain assurance that:
- The systems in place for NMACS are proportionate to and appropriate for the Basic Technical Characteristics (BTC) of the qualifying nuclear facility.
- The sampled systems, structures, and components (SSC’s) in the Sellafield Ltd Active Handling facility are fit for purpose and meet their functional requirements.
- The sampled SSC is implemented, and delivers its NMACS function, in-line with the claims made within the Operator’s Accountancy and Control Plan (ACP) and the Operator’s arrangements.
- The sampled SSC fulfils (where relevant) ONR’s regulatory expectations regarding the regulations and expectations listed in the scope below and described further in the ONR Nuclear Material Accountancy, Control, and Safeguards Assessment Principles (ONMACS)
Subject(s) of inspection
- FSE 3 Competence Management - Rating: GREEN
- FSE 5 Reliability, Resilience and Sustainability - Rating: AMBER
- FSE 7 Nuclear Material Tracking - Rating: GREEN
- FSE 8 Data Processing and Control - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection comprised of discussions with Sellafield and National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) personnel, sampling of documentation, review of implementation of arrangements and a plant walkdown.
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that NNL and Sellafield are implementing adequate arrangements to manage the competence of staff using the SSCs inspected in line with FSE 3, for nuclear material tracking for the system inspected in line with FSE 7, and for data processing and control for the system inspected in line with FSE 8. I consider there is a minor shortfall in the QUK1 Accountancy and Control Plan (ACP) where the ACP does not identify key NNL arrangements in particular for FSE 3. This shortfall will be captures as a Level 4 regulatory issue to track the return to compliance.
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that there is a significant shortfall in the adequacy of implementation of arrangements, for the reliability, resilience and sustainability for the Accountancy and Tracking of Materials (ATOM) system inspected in line with FSE 5. This shortfall will be captured in a Level 3 Regulatory Issue to track completion of the corrective actions.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, I am satisfied that Sellafield Ltd and NNL have demonstrated appropriate evidence for adequate arrangements which are being implemented in a proportionate and appropriate manner for FSE3, FSE7 and FSE8. In line with the ONR inspection Rating Guide I consider a rating of GREEN (no formal enforcement). I identified one minor shortfall that I will raise as a Level 4 regulatory issue. The regulatory issue will be managed as part of routine activities to track return to compliance.
On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of the inspection, I consider that there is a significant shortfall in the adequate implementation of arrangements for FSE5. In line with the ONR inspection Rating Guide I consider a rating of AMBER with a Level 3 regulatory issue raised to track return to compliance. The regulatory issue will be managed as part of routine activities to track return to compliance.