This report covers an inspection of Magnox Ltd’s Dungeness A licensed site, undertaken as part of a programme of planned interventions.
During this intervention, I carried out compliance inspections against the following licence conditions (LC):
I carried out an inspection to assess the actions taken by the licensee to reduce the radioactive waste holdings on site.
The intervention also included meetings to review a number of ongoing matters.
I observed the licensee’s event review meeting and found that events were discussed and actions to be taken were identified to try to ensure that events are not repeated. I witnessed good interaction between the meeting members. I noted that event and improvement experiences from other sites were being taken into account. I consider that the licensee has adequate means to review on-site events.
I inspected instructions about the risks and hazards on site provided to contractors by the licensee. I found that the information supplied to contractors included details of the hazards on site, site alarms and associated expected responses. I encouraged the licensee to regularly check contractor understanding of these instructions and expected behaviours. I was satisfied that the instructions given to contactors currently working on site are sufficient.
During a familiarisation tour of the site with the licensee, a contractor management weakness was identified. The licensee took immediate corrective action and I was satisfied that the situation was brought under control.
I inspected the sites arrangements to ensure that operations that may affect safety are only carried out by suitably qualified and experienced persons. I also inspected how the licensee controls and supervises operations. I established that the licensee has identified key roles that may affect safety on site and that processes are in place to ensure that staff in all safety related roles are trained and competent. Although I identified some minor improvements that could be made to the written arrangements, I concluded that the licensee’s processes for supervision of operations were suitable.
I inspected the licensee’s arrangements for the management of maintenance. I reviewed the maintenance staff structure, schedule and processes to identify and maintain assets. I found that processes were in place to ensure that routine maintenance was carried out on plant to plan and that hazards associated with maintenance operations were being assessed. I recommended improvements to the process of returning maintained plant back into operation. Overall, I concluded that the licensee had suitable systems in place to maintain the facilities on site.
During a previous inspection, I identified a number of shortcomings with radioactive waste accumulation and storage on site and required the licensee to make improvements. I repeated the inspection of the waste management facility and noted that the licensee had improved waste storage and reduced waste holdings.
From the evidence gathered during this intervention, there are no matters that may significantly impact on nuclear safety. The planned interventions for Dungeness A in the Integrated Intervention Strategy will continue.
No significant issues needed to be raised as a result of this intervention.