Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: January 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection was to sample evidence of implementation of the Sellafield Limited (SL) arrangements for compliance with Licence Conditions (LC) 24, specifically within the Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage (HALES) facility, in order to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with its legal duties under the nuclear site licence.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I targeted this ONR LC24 inspection on the adequacy of the implementation of the arrangements for production, control and assurance of Operating Instructions (OIs).
I reviewed the HALES processes for production of new documents, periodic review and amendment for operational and maintenance instructions. Overall, I was satisfied that the HALES plant has processes in place for tracking the status of their OIs and keeping them up to date.
I sampled a number of OIs and work packs that were in use on the plant. From the sample, I was satisfied that HALES are producing OIs in line with the Sellafield Ltd style guide and that they are being completed to a good standard.
I sampled the training records for the HALES OI authors and was satisfied that these were complete and in date.
I reviewed the assurance process in place for LC24 at the HALES plant and I was content that HALES have suitable and sufficient governance processes in place for their LC24 arrangements.
Overall, based on the evidence provided during the inspection, I was content that the HALES plant has adequate LC24 arrangements in place for preparing, reviewing, amending and using their OIs on the plant.
From the areas sampled, I did not identify any shortfalls in the implementation of the licensee’s arrangements which would necessitate a further inspection of LC24 earlier than currently planned.
Conclusion
Overall, based on the evidence sampled during the inspection, I judge that an inspection rating of Green (no formal regulatory action) is appropriate against Licence Condition 24.