The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has played a pivotal role in the development of the first national standards for the use of gloveboxes in the UK nuclear sector.
Gloveboxes are windowed and sealed containers that allow hazardous materials to be handled safely using built-in gloves. They are increasingly needed in the nuclear sector as demand grows for facilities to handle special nuclear material (SNM), such as plutonium and enriched uranium, which emit alpha particles.
The Alpha Resilience and Capability group (ARC) is a proactive, long-term collaboration between the UK government, nuclear industry and wider nuclear sector, and was set up to enhance the capability of UK licensees and the supply chain to design, manufacture, operate and decommission SNM containment facilities, systems and components.
ONR is a member of ARC alongside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, the National Nuclear Laboratory and the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group.
While standards and guidance for the use of gloveboxes are being followed, a more consistent approach was required across the industry.
Building on the work of the National Nuclear Glovebox Forum, ARC published its first set of national glovebox standards this summer, covering critical areas such as glovebox design, manufacture, and leak testing. Further standards are in development.
These ARC glovebox standards and their associated guidance provide a consistent framework for dutyholders and the supply chain, enhancing safety and reliability across the UK’s nuclear industry.
All of ARC’s licensee members have committed to implement them within their working arrangements.
Matthew Dingsdale, a mechanical engineering specialist inspector and ONR’s lead for ARC, said: “Collaborating with key organisations within ARC has been instrumental in developing national standards that support regulatory expectations.
"This work is crucial for ensuring the safe handling of special nuclear materials as the industry meets increasing demands, and we value the opportunity to contribute to this significant advancement.”
Kierra Desay, ARC Programme Manager, said: “ONR is a critical partner of the ARC programme, and their support as we launch national standards is key in demonstrating to the wider community that we are delivering tangible benefits to the UK nuclear sector.
“The regulator’s support across the ARC programme is highly valued and their visible engagement with these standards will help ensure our future success.”
