Naval Reactor Test Establishment (NRTE) Vulcan, at Dounreay

Site Stakeholder Group Report

Quarterly Report for 1 April to 30 June 2007

Introduction
Routine Matters
Non Routine Matters
Regulatory Activity

Foreword

This report is issued as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s commitment to make information about inspection and regulatory activities relating to the above site available to the public. It is for distribution to members of the Dounreay Stake-holders Group and covers activities associated with the regulation of nuclear safety at NRTE VULCAN. These reports are distributed quarterly. Site Inspectors of HM Nuclear Installations Inspectorate normally attend these meetings and will be happy to respond to questions raised there or subsequently by members at the time. Any other person wishing to inquire about matters covered by this report should contact the HSE, Nuclear Directorate on 0151-951-3484/3290

This report will be put onto the HSE Website under ‘Local Liaison Committee Reports’ at hse.gov.uk/nuclear/llc/index.htm

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Introduction

Visits are made to the NRTE VULCAN, at Dounreay for the purpose of undertaking routine plant and project inspections or meeting site management or safety representatives. The Site Inspector visited the site on 20 to 22 June 2007 and NII’s Chief Inspector visited the site on 22 June 2007.

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Routine matters

NII’s normal method of business is to inspect NRTE VULCAN in accordance with a planned inspection programme and to discuss any matters arising with site staff. Inspections are undertaken for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the relevant provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974) including the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRRs), and the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) at the site.

Meetings are also held routinely to discuss matters that affect the continued safe operation of the establishment. Discussions are also held with the Ministry of Defence Regulator, on matters of mutual interest.

With limited resources, HSE-NII necessarily employs a sampling regime in its regulation of sites that is proportionate to the risks, and which is targeted primarily on those activities with the highest risks or where the hazards are least well controlled. In order to maximise the effectiveness of regulatory resource, inspections from HSE-NII and MoD Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR) work jointly, a position defined within an HSE/MoD Letter of Understanding.

During his visit the Site Inspector undertook Inspections against Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, Regulations 19 to 21 and 24. No significant findings emerged.

The Site Inspector discussed arrangements for the Lonestar Grade B demonstration emergency exercise and concluded progress was satisfactory.

A routine site safety inspection was also completed and a number of learning points identified. None of the issues were significant but were nevertheless important towards maintaining high standards.

The Chief Inspector met with the Naval Superintendent and discussed matters of substance related to the site and HSE-NII. He visited the Shore Test Facility and met with the Site Safety Representatives.

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