Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- March 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection was to seek assurance that High Level Waste Plants (HLWP) is compliant with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
Subject(s) of inspection
- Lifting/LOLER - Rating: Amber
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I targeted this compliance inspection on LOLER Regulation 8 and Regulation 9 requirements across the HLWP area of operations. To seek assurance that:
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Lifting operations are properly planned by competent persons, are appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner (Reg 8).
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An appropriate thorough examination scheme is in place for lifting equipment and has been implemented (Reg 9).
I reviewed the HLWPs processes for production of Lift Plans. Overall, I was satisfied that the HLWP plant has process in place for tracking the status of their Operating Instructions that contained Lift Plans and keeping them up to date with sufficient information to control the lifts.
I sampled the training records of all the LOAPs and Lifting Supervisors at the HLWP against the requirements of the appropriate SQEP role specifications. For the sample of records inspected I found the training of the personnel to be complete and in-date.
I reviewed the processes for examination/inspection of lifting equipment and accessories outside of the HLWP Cells and, based on the evidence seen, was content that the HLWP have suitable processes in place and are applying them.
I undertook a sample of examination schemes and inspection reports for the In Cell Cranes and was satisfied that there was a suitable examination scheme in place for the in cell lifting equipment. However, during the inspection, significant shortfalls were found around examination/inspection of the in-cell lifting accessories. The HLWP have a number of lifting accessories in the Cells (Lines 1,2&3) that are not subject to inspections (other than visual checks on use) and there is currently no inventory for the lifting accessories that are in the Cells. It is noted that the Sellafield Ltd site wide position is that LOLER Regulation 9 does apply to in-cell equipment and accessories.
A Level 3 Regulatory Issue will be placed on the HLWP to address the significant shortfall found around examination/inspection of the in-cell lifting accessories.
Conclusion
Overall, based on the significant shortfalls found around the examination/inspection of the in-cell lifting accessories, I judge that an inspection rating of Amber (seek improvement) is appropriate against LOLER and a Level 3 Regulatory Issue will be raised to address these shortfalls.
I have taken these shortfalls through ONR's Enforcement Management Model to decide if any further follow up action is required beyond the Level 3 Regulatory Issue and concluded that the proportionate enforcement action was to Issue a Regulatory Enforcement Letter.