Operators of Clatchard Craig Quarry in Fife banned from carrying radioactive materials until rules met

Operators of a Fife quarry have been banned from carrying radioactive materials until they comply fully with regulations.

The operators of Clatchard Craig Quarry failed to put in place a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for transporting radioactive material, the UK’s nuclear regulator has found.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) served a prohibition notice to Breedon Trading Ltd preventing it from consigning or carrying radioactive materials until they follow the watchdog’s rules.

ONR issued the prohibition notice following a routine transport compliance inspection of the Clatchard facility in Newburgh, Fife, on January 19, 2023.

Breedon operates a nuclear density gauge, an instrument that uses a small amount of radioactive material to measure soil density, which can be transported for offsite use.

Companies that transport radioactive material must have procedures in place to ensure it is handled appropriately and in accordance with regulations.

The watchdog’s inspection highlighted that Breedon had not carried out a suitable and sufficient radiation risk assessment, and so had not identified safe processes for the transport of their nuclear density gauge.

However, there was no harm posed to employees, the public or the environment as a result of the identified shortfalls.

Christopher Jones, ONR principal inspector, said: “Our inspection found there were unmanaged risks to the public and employees if the company continued to transport radioactive material, and consequently we have issued the prohibition notice to cease transport until such time as these risks are identified and mitigated”.

A Breedon spokesperson said: “Breedon acknowledges the ONR audit and is implementing its recommendations with immediate effect.

“Safety remains our priority and as stated by the ONR, there was no harm posed to colleagues, the public or the environment as a result of the identified shortfalls.

“This prohibition in no way relates to any of Breedon’s quarrying activities, or construction materials produced and transported from the site.”