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Planned compliance inspection - CDM arrangements and Management of asbestos

  • Site: Hinkley Point A
  • IR number: 19-078
  • Date: August 2019
  • LC numbers: N/A

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This inspection was one of a series of planned inspections in line with the Conventional Health and Safety (CHS) operational delivery plan for DFW Sub-Division in 2019/20.  The purpose of this inspection was:

  • To discuss site arrangements for compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM);
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Magnox Ltd’s (ML) asbestos management arrangements at Hinkley Point A (HPA).

 Interventions Carried Out by ONR

The key regulatory activities undertaken during the two day inspection at HPA were based around:

  • Discussions of arrangements for CDM compliance and competence of CDM duty holders;
  • Discussions of arrangements for managing asbestos containing materials;
  • Plant walk-downs to evaluate the effectiveness these arrangements;
  • Inspection of licensed asbestos removal work in Reactor 1.

Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015:

ONR examined the site’s arrangements for compliance with CDM.  ML demonstrated adequate challenge function of designers during the pre-construction phase related to a number of projects.  The construction of the Interim Storage Facility (ISF) is being managed by Interserve Construction and some good examples of risk control were observed particularly for working at height and the control of silica risk during minor concrete finishing.  Effective coordination and communication between CDM duty-holders was evident. The arrangements for compliance with CDM for the ISF facility were adequate.

Asbestos Management:

The arrangements for asbestos management at Hinkley Point A are generally compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations, but appear less established than on other ML sites. The asbestos management plan is less developed than plans on comparable ML sites and the LACP role has been under-resourced for a number of months.  ML has attempted to address this through the provision of additional resource on site.  ML is reviewing the asbestos management structure on site with a view to bringing it in line with other sites. ONR advised that it will continue to track progress with the review of the asbestos management structure on site and LACP resource.  This was accepted by ML.

Conclusion of Intervention

The overall impression left by the inspection was positive.   The construction projects on site were examined and, in relation to the ISF project, the CDM arrangements were deemed to be adequate.   The arrangements for asbestos management are generally compliant, but appear less well established than on other sites.  ML agreed to address this.