The Misuse of Spreadsheets in the Nuclear Fuel Industry: The Falsification of Safety Critical Data Using Spreadsheets at British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL)

1. Introduction

This paper examines the BNFL data falsification incident in detail and provides some analysis on the context of the failure at the MOX Demonstration Facility (MDF). The paper starts by explaining the nuclear fuel industry and the technical processes of manufacturing nuclear fuel. We then examine BNFL as a company and the production of Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel pellets at MDF. The data falsification incident is then examined using the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) report and other sources. The final part of the paper analyses this report and discusses the failings of BNFL management in terms of: human factors and ergonomics, management practices and technology provision for the MDF facility. The final paper considers what measures could have safeguarded against such a fraud and how these might be practically implemented.