Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
November 2025
Aim of inspection
In support of UUK request to restart of Lifting of UF6 Cylinders with the A3 Crane (Active Commissioning) and subsequent re-start of Operations. This requires ONR to release a regulatory hold point and close out a Level 2 regulatory issue.
It was previously agreed that the release of the regulatory hold point would require an ONR Readiness inspection to confirm that all required activities had been implemented, people trained and processes were updated.
This inspection will support the PR-02148.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC22 - Modification or experiment on existing plant - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This inspection focussed on the readiness of Urenco UK (UUK) to return the A3 facility back into service following an outage, and implementation of its updated Continued Operation Safety and Environmental Report (COSER). The Inspection supports PR-02148 for the permission for the facility to return to service.
The inspection was carried out in line with ONR inspection guidance ONR-INSP-GD-064, Appendix 2E. Focussing mainly on People, Plant and Process, but also taking the opportunity to follow up on outstanding issues from the Nuclear Fire Assessment AR-01825.
During the inspection UUK adequately demonstrated the status of implementation of the COSER as described in the ALARP Demonstration Report, the COSER adoption Hold Point Control Plan (HPCP) and the associated Hold Point Control Plan Form.
ONR inspected the evidence for adoption of the COSER and reviewed the associated controls for implementation. This included the operator and Duly Appointed Persons (DAP) training, relevant work instructions and plant maintenance.
Overall the licensee adequately demonstrated the status of implementation of the COSER to Restart Lifting of UF6 Cylinders (Active Commissioning) and subsequent re-start of Operations as per request to release the hold point (ONR/2025/16R).
Conclusion
Overall the licensee adequately demonstrated the status of implementation of the COSER to Restart Lifting of UF6 Cylinders (Active Commissioning) and subsequent re-start of Operations as per request to release the hold point (ONR/2025/16R).
The project and operations team visibly worked well together and seemed joined up in the approach, with no evident issues highlighted.
Although not all of the HPCP forms had been fully signed on the date of the inspection, I was satisfied that the licensee has a robust approach to ensure these are signed off before the first cylinder lift, and gain additional confidence that IO will independently verify this through its readiness / concurrence activities.
I have rated this inspection Green - No formal action required.