Office for Nuclear Regulation

We have launched a Call for Evidence to review the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR). This aims to simplify regulatory processes whilst maintaining workplace safety standards. We are looking for Industry stakeholders, professional bodies, and relevant organisations to take part in the Call for Evidence. Call for Evidence runs until 11 November. Find out more and take part: https://lnkd.in/etrpKPPH

“During a rugby match you have to be able to pick yourself up all the time, do a lot of strategic thinking on the spot, and get along with lots of different people in high-pressure situations. This helps me manage moments of crisis or deadlines at work, particularly when working within a team."   In the latest edition of Our People, our regular series highlighting our staff and the work we do every day to help keep the nuclear industry safe and secure, we meet Grace Deane, Team Leader for Directorate Delivery Support in our Cheltenham office.   Alongside her role providing expert administrative, operational and logistical support to ensure our regulatory functions can run efficiently and effectively, Grace is a Premiership Rugby Union player for the Leicester Tigers.   Learn more about Grace's role, the skills rugby has taught her and how flexibility and an understanding manager support her ambitions in and out of work: https://lnkd.in/eascbFDm

We have notified Balfour Beatty Group Limited that it will be prosecuted for a health and safety offence following our investigation into a worker fatality at a nuclear licensed site: https://lnkd.in/entKSiJ5 The charge relates to an incident which occurred at AWE plc’s Aldermaston site in West Berkshire on 6 July 2023.

BAE Systems Marine Ltd has complied with an enforcement notice we served on them following a fire at the Barrow-in-Furness site in Cumbria: https://lnkd.in/ewWzN8HV   The enforcement action was taken after our enquiries found that five employees entered an area in the Devonshire Dock Hall facility when the fire was still in progress on 30 October 2024.  

Along with the Environment Agency, we’ve published our latest annual report detailing regulatory oversight of plans to develop a geological disposal facility (GDF) for the UK's higher activity radioactive waste: https://lnkd.in/eSm8E7YV   This year's report highlights the regulatory advice provided to Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and updates on community engagement activities. Currently, community partnerships in Mid Copeland and South Copeland are exploring how a GDF could potentially work in their areas.   While construction of a GDF is still many years away, we’re actively working with NWS, the organisation tasked with delivering a GDF, to ensure future applications meet the highest safety, security and environmental standards.   What is geological disposal? It involves safely burying radioactive materials 200-1,000 metres underground in purpose-built facilities. This involves placing waste deep within suitable rock formations, creating lasting protection through physical barriers.   Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ebBfnR5i

Our inspectors recently participated in an international symposium focusing on global efforts to ensure radiological protection systems are fit for purpose. Chris Mogg, Nuclear Safety Inspector, and Gareth Thomas, Head of Profession for Radiation Protection and Criticality, attended the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 8th International Symposium hosted by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in Abu Dhabi (https://www.icrp.org/).   The event brought together more than 700 leading experts from 55 countries to discuss the ongoing review of the ICRP fundamental recommendations for the system of radiological protection (https://lnkd.in/exTeGM8G). These recommendations provide the key foundations for international safety standards, on which the UK’s regulations are based.   By participating in the symposium, Gareth and Chris had the opportunity to gather the latest information, influence current developments, participate in discussions and panel sessions, advocate for clear and proportionate revised recommendations, and exchange learning with international stakeholders including Werner Rühm, ICRP chair (pictured with Gareth and Chris).   Chris also attended an ICRP Committee 4 (Task Group 127) meeting on exposure situations and categories of exposure, while Gareth attended the main Committee 4 meeting as a representative of the Heads of the European Radiological protection Competent Authorities.   Read the ICRP’s memorandum explaining the system of radiological protection, aimed at helping experts, policy makers and the public understand and use the ideas with confidence: https://lnkd.in/gN7n73ip   Learn more about our Radiation Protection and Criticality specialism and its role in regulating the safety of the nuclear industry: https://lnkd.in/ezHbVAuq

Our Annual Conference is now underway, with more than 140 attendees from across the UK nuclear industry and beyond.   The day began with an address by Michael Finnerty, our Chief Executive/Chief Nuclear Inspector, followed by flash presentations showcasing the safe delivery of nuclear site projects enabled by our regulation.   Following a panel discussion on how regulators can enable and support growth while protecting workers and the public, the afternoon will focus on strengthening collaboration across the industry and with ONR.   We're looking forward to interacting with colleagues, sharing ideas and learning from one another throughout the day 💡

We welcome the completion of the first stage of retrievals of Intermediate Level Waste from the shielded storage bays at the Berkeley nuclear licensed site.   This is a complex project involving the radioactive waste in small aluminium containers being removed and placed into a new purpose-built interim on-site storage at this decommissioning site in Gloucestershire.   Our inspectors ensured compliance with site licence conditions and that the operation was correctly controlled and supervised with adequately trained Nuclear Restoration Services workers following valid and pre-prepared safety procedures. The retrievals adopted innovative mechanical engineering solutions to save time and money which was overseen and permissioned by the regulator.   Paul Jenneson, our Berkeley Site Inspector, said: "We continue to work with Nuclear Restoration Services, adopting an enabling stance so Berkeley can be decommissioned in a timely manner.   "ONR is committed to regulating the ongoing clean-up of all nuclear decommissioning sites - safely and securely." #enablingregulation #progressivedecommissioning #safety #security

Nuclear Restoration Services has complied with all requirements set out in the fire enforcement notice we served on them in July 2025: https://lnkd.in/eA8Sq4xH The enforcement action was initiated following the identification of fire safety deficiencies within the Fill House facility, a waste retrieval plant located at the Dungeness A site.

We're currently recruiting for five inspector roles across our specialisms, as well as two roles in our corporate directorates:   - Interim Director of Finance - Secondment up to 12 months (closes 21/10) - Band 3 Nuclear Safety Inspector - Chemistry (closes 28/10) - Band 3 Nuclear Safety Inspector - Quality Management (closes 28/10) - Band 3 Nuclear Safety Inspector - Radiation Protection (closes 28/10) - Band 3 Cyber Security and Operational Resilience Inspector (closes 28/10) - Band 3 Nuclear Safety Inspector - Supply Chain Management (closes 28/10) - Band 3 Policy Advisor – fixed-term appointment up to 12 months (closes 29/10)   Find all the details here: http://jobs.onr.org.uk   You can also learn more about what it's like to work at ONR in 'Our People', a regular feature showcasing our staff and the work we do every day to help keep the nuclear industry safe and secure: https://lnkd.in/enMBRVzT