- Site: Dounreay
- IR number: 22-013
- Date: April/May 2022
- LC numbers: 10, 11, 12, 13
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 compliance inspections against the requirements of the following Nuclear Site Licence Conditions (LC):
- LC10 – Training.
- LC11 – Emergency arrangements.
- LC12 – Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons.
- LC13 – Nuclear safety committee.
These inspections included an assessment of the adequacy of the site’s arrangements and the implementation of LC10 and LC12 within the following operational areas:
- D2001 – Fuels Programme.
- D1204 – Fuel Cycle Area Decommissioning.
- PFR – Reactors Decommissioning.
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 inspections against LC10 and LC12 identified that DSRL continues to implement adequate arrangements for the training and provision of suitably qualified and experienced persons (SQEP) in support of key safety roles across site. These arrangements cover all personnel involved in the control, supervision and conduct of activities with an identified nuclear, radiological, and conventional/industrial hazard. Overall, ONR is satisfied that DSRL’s arrangements and their implementation in support of training and the provision of SQEP meet the requirements of LC10 and LC12 and the relevant good practice provided within ONR’s guidance.
The compliance inspection against LC11 was part of a series of inspection activities to assess the adequacy of the site’s emergency arrangements. The focus for this inspection was the conduct of command and control at site level and the management and recovery of casualties within a tactically challenging environment. Overall, acknowledging the complexity presented by the tactical scenario, ONR is satisfied that DSRL’s arrangements and their implementation in support of these aspects of their emergency arrangements meet the requirements of LC11 and the relevant good practice and regulatory expectations provided within ONR’s guidance.
The compliance inspection against LC13 conducted during this intervention focused on the conduct of the site’s Nuclear Safety Committee and the supporting Site Safety Working Party. ONR is satisfied that both committees provided a robust challenge to the requests submitted for advice and endorsement respectively. ONR’s observations from these meetings will feed into more detailed inspection activities supporting ONR’s assessment against LC13 to be concluded week commencing 6 Jun 22.
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 the areas inspected. We did not identify any matter impacting on nuclear safety.