Nuclear regulatory body calls on UK submarine manufacturer to comply with fire safety standards

The UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has served an enforcement notice on local shipbuilder BAE Systems Marine (BAESML) following a fire at the latter's Barrow-in-Furness site in Cumbria.

ONR’s enquiries found that five employees entered an area in the Devonshire Dock Hall facility when the fire was still in progress on October 30, 2024. As a result, two employees were taken to hospital for treatment, though both individuals were discharged and returned to work on the same day.

Enquiries concluded that the licensee’s arrangements for ensuring workers did not enter places of danger without the appropriate safety instructions were inadequate. There was also a lack of guidance to inform staff of their required actions in the event of a fire.

ONR served the enforcement notice under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, specifically Article 15(1)(c) and Article 8(1)(a).

ONR said that, to comply with the notice, BAESML must demonstrate it has suitable emergency arrangements in place to ensure the protection of workers in the event of a fire.

“We will continue to engage with BAE Systems Marine during the period of the enforcement notice to ensure positive progress is made to address this shortfall,” said Bruce Archer, ONR’s Head of Propulsion Sites Regulation, Operating Facilities Directorate.

BAESML provides and operates facilities to design, manufacture, construct, test, and commission nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy.

ONR said the company has until September 12, 2025, to comply with the notice.