In response to Government coronavirus advice, ONR staff continue to work at home while ensuring effective regulatory oversight is maintained.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) say that a number of inspectors will continue to travel to sites where required, but as much of its business will be undertaken as possible via phone, email and Skype. These measures will not have a severe impact on the effectiveness of the ONR’s regulation of the nuclear industry.
ONR say it is actively engaged with all its nuclear sites and other dutyholders to ensure that, given the national and international situation, appropriate contingency plans are in place.
The UK’s nuclear industry is mature and responsible, with an excellent nuclear safety record, it says, and the ONR expect it to continue to make responsible and risk-based decisions as it responds to the challenges of the pandemic.
All sites have minimum staffing levels, and contingency plans should they fall below these levels, to enable them to remain in control of activities that could impact on nuclear safety under all foreseeable circumstances, including pandemic disease.
ONR comment that it remains actively engaged with site licensees to ensure the continued protection of the public while at the same time taking decisions aimed both at protecting the health and wellbeing of staff and supporting national measures to help contain the spread of the virus.
