Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
October 2023
Aim of inspection
The aim of this intervention is to undertake a system based inspection (SBI) to ensure compliance with a cross section of Licence Conditions.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC10 - Training - Rating: GREEN
- LC12 - Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons - Rating: GREEN
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: GREEN
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: GREEN
- LC27 - Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits - Rating: GREEN
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: GREEN
- LC34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) undertakes regulatory interaction with the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) site licensee, against a strategy defined by the ONR Operating Facilities Weapons sub-division. In accordance with that strategy, a System Based Inspection (SBI) was carried out on the Depleted Uranium (DU) Production Facility which is part of AWE's Uranium Technology Centre (UTC).
The aim of the system based inspection (SBI) was to ensure AWE has adequate arrangements in place and that the conduct of operations and maintenance in the main DU production facility was compliant with these AWE arrangements across seven Licence Conditions (LC).
On the basis of the evidence sampled at the time of inspection, the DU production facility was judged to have adequately implemented the requirements of the relevant Safety Basis, in respect of Licence Conditions 10, 12, 23, 24, 27, 28 and 34. In line with the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, an inspection rating of Green (no formal action required) was applied here.
We awarded an overall inspection rating of Green (no formal action) for the System Based Inspection (SBI).
Conclusion
We considered the initial training scheme for new recruits adequately covered general risks associated with the DU operating facility.
We judged the Objective Based Training (OBT) used to train facility personnel to conduct specific work activities within the facility and to reach SQEP recognition to be adequate and in accordance with the requirements of LC10.
We considered that the mid and end of year reviews were an adequate monitor for the ongoing performance of individuals.
We judged that the staff training matrix and the training and performance management matrix spreadsheet was of an adequate quality with the training status of individuals in the facility clearly displayed.
Overall we awarded an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) for LC10.
Although there was no requirement for the appointment of DAPs within the scope of the Safety Basis we considered the arrangements for the appointment of supervisors to be adequate.
Overall we awarded an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) for LC12.
We considered that the plant OI for the facility were proportionate and adequately addressed the general requirements of LC23 and LC24.
Overall we awarded an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 23 and LC24.
We judged that the facility demonstrated adequate compliance with these arrangements from the records sampled.
Overall ONR awarded an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 27 and LC28.
We judged the systems in place to prevent the leak and escape of radioactive material and waste were adequate.
Overall we awarded an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) for LC34.