- Site: Dounreay
- IR number: 22-003
- Date: April/May 2022
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This inspection at Dounreay was one of a series of inspections planned for 2022/23 to confirm that Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) is controlling its hazards and complying with its statutory obligations.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The focus for this intervention was to conduct a compliance inspection against the requirements of LC28, examination, inspection, maintenance, and testing. Specifically, to assess the corporate arrangements for LC28 and their implementation in support of:
- Security and Safeguards systems.
- D2001 [Fuels Programme].
- DCP [Waste Operations].
The intervention also provided the opportunity to undertake the quarterly schedule of additional site inspection activities required by the Dounreay IIS. Specifically:
- Review of progress against ‘Regulatory Issues’ and ‘Agreed Regulatory Actions’.
- Review of DSRL’s internal regulation capability.
- Meeting with the Site Safety Representatives.
This intervention also provided an opportunity to conduct follow up activities in support of two recent incidents subject to formal notification to ONR via the INF1 process. The intent of these activities was to inform considerations regarding any future action to be undertaken by ONR.
The Nominated Site Inspector also attended a meeting of the Site Resilience Sub-Group of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector’s Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The compliance inspection of LC28 identified that DSRL continues to implement adequate arrangements for the examination, inspection, maintenance, and testing for systems that have an identified nuclear or radiological safety significance. Although there is clear evidence to support the adequacy of the arrangements in place for systems supporting the site security and Safeguards requirements, these systems would benefit from the same governance and oversight accorded to safety systems. DSRL have agreed to implement this approach.
Overall, ONR is satisfied that DSRL’s arrangements and its implementation in support of ‘maintenance’ activities meets the requirement of LC28 and the relevant good practice provided within ONR’s guidance.
DSRL continues to demonstrate satisfactory progress addressing regulatory issues raised during previous interventions and there are clear strategies in place to support the longer term strategic improvement activities.
DSRL’s internal regulation capability continues to provide an effective tier 3 assurance capability and remains actively engaged in the oversight and governance of key risk reduction activities across site.
With regards to our follow up activities into the recent incidents on site, ONR is satisfied with the response undertaken by DSRL to both incidents and will await the conclusion of the site investigations before considering any further regulatory action.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, we consider that DSRL has, and has implemented, adequate arrangements to meet the requirements of the legislation covered by this inspection. In addition, we consider that DSRL continues to make satisfactory progress to address issues raised during previous inspections. We did not identify any matter impacting on safety that required any further immediate regulatory action.