Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
March 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of this themed inspection is to evaluate the adequacy of the supply chain and quality management arrangements for the manufacture and supply of 3m3 box procurement through to the delivery of nuclear safety related products and services.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Health & Safety at Work Act, Section 6 (General duties of manufacturers) - Rating: AMBER
- LC 06 - Documents, records, authorities and certificates - Rating: AMBER
- LC 17 - Management systems - Rating: AMBER
- LC 19 - Construction or installation of new plant - Rating: AMBER
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The focus of this inspection was to seek assurance that Sellafield Ltd. and its supplier, Stainless Metalcraft, (SMC) has implemented adequate supply chain and quality management arrangements associated with the manufacture and supply of Tranche A 3m3 boxes, and to inform a regulatory judgement regarding the licensee’s compliance with relevant statutory provisions and good practice.
This included sampling the Sellafield Ltd. and SMC supply chain and quality management arrangements to ensure the safety case and contract quality requirements are adequately cascaded and implemented within the supply chain. Based on the discussions held and evidence sampled during the inspection, examples of good practice were identified which included the management and control of materials, manufacture, deviations and records.
I identified numerous shortfalls in the adequate deployment of some management system and welding quality management arrangements which lead to the assigned RAG rating.
Based on the finding of this inspection and evidence sampled, I consider there are required improvements to demonstrate the adequate deployment of the Intelligent Customer assurance arrangements.
Conclusion
Overall, I have concluded there are numerous shortfalls in the management system, welding quality management and intelligent customer arrangements which require improvement.
I have concluded that an inspection rating of AMBER, seek improvement, is appropriate. Areas of good practice were highlighted, and regulatory advice was provided in several areas which will be followed up via routine engagements.
I outlined ONR's intent to raise appropriate regulatory issues (RI) to capture the identified areas for improvement and to monitor the delivery of the remedial actions.
The licensee agreed with my findings and the overall RAG rating of this inspection, and considered the feedback provided was balanced.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence sampled, I conclude that a rating of AMBER, seek improvement, is appropriate to this inspection. Areas of good practice were highlighted, but it is acknowledged that improvements are required to address the identified shortfalls associated with management system, welding quality management and intelligent customer arrangements. ONR regulatory issues will be raised to capture the identified areas for improvement and track remedial actions.