Dounreay hit with notice from regulator after worker injured at nuclear site
Dounreay has been issued with an improvement notice after a worker was injured in an incident that could have had “serious consequences”.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) issued the notice to Nuclear Restoration Services following an incident at the site in February.
It occurred during an operation to move a radiological contamination monitor, weighing approximately two tonnes, which toppled over, causing a minor injury to a worker.
While nobody sustained any serious injuries, ONR said it considered the incident carried significant potential risk to worker safety.
Tom Eagleton, ONR Superintending Inspector, said: “This was a preventable incident that could have had serious consequences for those nearby.
“The improvement notice requires the Dounreay site to implement measures that will reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
“Specifically, they must identify all operations involving the movement of heavy equipment and ensure comprehensive risk assessments and appropriate control measures are implemented before the work starts.”
Nuclear Restoration Services has until July 25 to comply with the notice.
ONR has served this improvement notice under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 3(1) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 4 (3).
The regulator’s role involves securing safe nuclear operations and it must take enforcement action when licensees are found to be failing to meet the safety and security standards required by law.
A spokesperson for NRS Dounreay said: “We take the protection of people and the environment from harm very seriously.
“We are taking action to strengthen our practices and management in this area, and will comply with the requirements of the notice received in April, having reported the incident to ONR and carried out an investigation.”
