Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: July 2024
Aim of inspection
This planned compliance inspection was conducted in July 2024 on the Sellafield site, in line with Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Safeguards annual implementation plan. The purpose of the inspection was to seek evidence in support of Sellafield Ltd’s compliance with The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19).
I selected the material balance area (MBA) QS14 (wastes and discards) associated with the qualifying nuclear facilities (QNF) of Magnox Swarf and Storage Silo (MSSS) and the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo (PFCS). I sought to determine if the material flows are still relevant and qualifying nuclear material (QNM) is being accounted for in an appropriate manner in these facilities. I note that no ONR Safeguards inspections were previously conducted in these facilities.
The inspection involved the planning phase and a site visit including discussions with relevant Sellafield Ltd personnel, review of records, and sampling of relevant arrangements and documentation. The inspection was performed in line with relevant ONR guidance, which can be found on ONR’s website (onr.org.uk).
Subject(s) of inspection
- FSE 10 Quality Assurance and Control for NMACS - Rating: GREEN
- FSE 6 Measurement Programme and Control - Rating: GREEN
- FSE 7 Nuclear Material Tracking - Rating: GREEN
- FSE 8 Data Processing and Control - Rating: GREEN
- FSE 9 Material Balance - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg03 - Declaration of basic technical characteristics - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg06 - Accountancy and control of qualifying nuclear material - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg09 - Operation of an accountancy and control plan - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg10 - Operating records - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg11 - Accounting records - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg12 - Accounting reports - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg29 - Stock list and accounting records for conditioned and retained waste - Rating: GREEN
- Overall Inspection Rating - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I judge that for the sampled facilities within QS14, NMACS are being implemented by Sellafield Ltd in a proportionate and appropriate manner, and in line with their own arrangements. I did not identify any significant shortfalls against NSR19 or fundamental safeguards expectations 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 during the inspection.
Overall, based on my inspection sample, I judge that Sellafield Ltd has provided adequate level of assurance and evidence to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of NSR19 and fundamental safeguards expectations.
Conclusion
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, I judge that a rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate.
I provided feedback to Sellafield Ltd on the inspection findings at the close-out meeting onsite.
I provided feedback to Sellafield Ltd on the inspection findings at the close-out meeting onsite.