- Site: Hartlepool
- IR number: 19-084
- Date: September 2019
- LC numbers: 8, 32
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this planned intervention was to undertake compliance inspection at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s (NGL) Hartlepool power station. The intervention was undertaken in line with ONR’s inspection programme contained in the Hartlepool Integrated Intervention Strategy for 2019/20.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
In my capacity of nominated site inspector for Hartlepool Power Station I performed inspections against Licence Condition (LC) 8 – ‘Warning Notices’, and LC 32 – ‘Accumulation of Radioactive Waste’. The LC 8 inspection was performed as an unannounced inspection. The LC32 inspection was undertaken jointly with the Environment Agency.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable; no system based inspections were undertaken during this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
- LC 8 – GREEN – no formal action
Implementation of the LC8 arrangements at Hartlepool is good, however, minor non-compliances were identified (principally the lack of an LC8 signage register). The station has committed to reinstate this and a level 4 regulatory issue has been raised to track progress on that and the other minor non-compliances. Generally, sufficient signage is provided and it is clear and legible, with escape routes adequately signed to allow prompt escape. Signage at muster points is clear and consistent. Further improvements will be considered as part of the ongoing emergency arrangements improvement plan, which has already delivered significant improvements in LC11 compliance.
During the inspection a flammable paint store was seen with non-intrinsically safe electrical appliances and distribution in use. Immediate actions to reduce the risk posed were taken by the licensee following ONR prompts, but the matter will be followed up separately.
- LC 32 – GREEN – no formal action
Good progress with waste management since the last LC32 inspection in September 2018 is evident in both the inventory data and observations made on the plant walkdown. The Environmental Safety team responsible for solid waste is back to baseline resource levels with additional staff due to arrive soon. Radwaste peer groups appear to be healthy and allow exchange of good practice. Improvements opportunities observed on the plant walkdown were generally minor in nature, with the exception of lighting issues, which should be able to be solved quickly, and thus do not warrant regulatory attention at this stage. Further opportunities to involve the Environmental Safety team in projects producing waste will bring benefits e.g. reducing the storage time and accumulated quantities of wastes.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, I judge the standard of compliance across the licence conditions inspected met regulatory expectations and the licensee is complying with its legal duties. Items for improvement were fed back to the station, with one item (the reinstatement of an LC8 signage register) being significant enough for a level 4 issue to be raised.
Regulatory action concerning the shortfalls with the flammable paint store will be followed up separately, but this matter does not affect nuclear safety. The planned interventions at Hartlepool Power Station will continue.