Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
June 2025
Aim of inspection
This intervention was undertaken across the AWE Explosives Technology Centre (XTC) and was carried over from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) 2023/24 integrated intervention strategy as a result of changes to AWE's operational programmes.
The below (2023/24) key sub-division objective (KSO) and desired regulatory outcomes (DRO) were considered most relevant:
- KRO.5 - Provide assurance to our stakeholders that activities on site are planned and conducted safely in accordance with the appropriate legislative requirements and that all risks have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.
- DRO.5 - Provide assurance to our stakeholders that hazardous activities on site are planned and conducted safely in accordance with the appropriate legislative requirements and that all risks, so far as reasonably practicable, have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.
- DRO. 5.4 - Continued collaboration with HSE/HID to deliver the effective joint regulation of the explosives’ portfolio
- DRO. 5.5 - Demonstrate improved compliance against the requirements of the RSPs of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the APs of the Energy Act 2013 (Priority 1)
- DRO. 5.7 - Demonstration of the competency [training and SQEP] of personnel engaged in the conduct and supervision of hazardous activities, with a specific focus on 3rd party supervisors
The aim of this intervention was to:
- Gain assurance in the arrangements supporting Production Readiness and that these are being appropriately implemented in the interest of safety.
- Obtain evidence supporting Production Readiness across aspects of people, plant and process.
- Observe the exercising of arrangements and processes on inert material.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Explosive Regulations 2014 - Rating: Not Rated
- Health & Safety at Work Act - Rating: Not Rated
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The ONR review team attended the XTC, which is located on the AWE Aldermaston nuclear licensed site on the 16th and 17th of June 2025 to undertake this review and gain assurance in the dutyholders updated readiness processes. The ONR team comprised human factors and explosives specialist inspectors and the site inspector.
A number of documents were requested in advance of the review and these were received in a timely manner and sampled as part of preparation activities. The review followed a high-level scope that had been proposed by ONR and shared with XTC in advance.
Readiness was reviewed across aspects of people, plant and process and the exercising of arrangements were observed.
Areas of good practice were identified and recorded throughout the course of the inspection. These included noticeable improvements to readiness processes, good process adherence, completeness of safe systems of work documentation, and shift handovers.
Whilst relevant good practice was generally met, a number of minor shortfalls were recorded as Observations. These related to the following main areas:
- Consideration of the readiness of teams for shift working, and the suitability of arrangements and controls to limit the potential for fatigue
- General housekeeping did not reflect the high standards expected for explosive buildings
- Consistency of setting to work briefs and operators understanding of action to take in response to alarms
Advice and guidance associated with the Observations was shared with the dutyholder for its consideration prior to live operations.
Conclusion
No formal rating was awarded, on the basis that this intervention was not conducted as a compliance inspection. Instead, this review was undertaken to gain assurance and as part of an enabling approach, to provide timely advice and guidance.
Overall, based on the areas sampled, it was possible gain adequate assurance in the dutyholders updated readiness processes, and that these were being appropriately implemented in the interest of safety.
No shortfalls of significant safety concern were identified as part of the review and relevant good practice was generally met. Where some minor shortfalls were identified when judged against relevant benchmarks, these were recorded as Observations and associated advice and guidance provided.