- Site: Heysham 1
- IR number: 19-086
- Date: September 2019
- LC numbers: 10, 11, 12
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Heysham 1 Power Station, undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The work was carried out in accord with the planned inspection programme contained in the Heysham 1 Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2019/20.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
As part of this intervention I, the nominated site inspector carried out inspections against:
- Licence condition (LC) 10 – Training; and
- Licence condition (LC) 12 – Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons
The purpose of LC10 is to ensure that the licensee make and implement adequate arrangements for suitable training for all those on site who have responsibility for any operations which may affect safety.
The purpose of LC12 is to ensure that the licensee make and implement adequate arrangements to ensure that only suitably qualified and experienced persons perform any duties which may affect the safety of operations on the site.
In addition, I met with the Heysham 1 Emergency Preparedness Engineer to ensure the scenario for ‘Exercise Cassiopeia’, planned for January 2020, provided suitable and sufficient on-site challenge to test the adequacy of the site’s emergency arrangements.
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
No system based inspection was undertaken hence, this is not applicable for this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The inspection sampled the adequacy of EDF arrangements and their implementation in the areas training and duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons.
I was encouraged with the improvements made by the training department in the last twelve months to proactively manage refresher training, ensuring it is booked and planned for well in advance of any training requirement expiry. This has resulted in a significant reduction in overdue training.
I noted that the training committees (Training Advisory Committee and Curriculum Review Committee) meet regularly and positive engagement of training improvements and training challenges are openly discussed and documented. I was particularly encouraged that training improvements as a result of operational experience is actively assessed.
I was also encouraged with the duly authorised persons (DAPs) appointment process and the rigour applied to the training and appointment process for control room staff.
I found that the arrangements and their implementation adequately satisfied the requirements necessary to demonstrate compliance with LC10 and LC12. I therefore rated this inspection as Green, no formal action, for both licence conditions.
Conclusion of Intervention
There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. At present, no additional regulatory action is needed over and above the planned interventions at Heysham 1 Power Station as set out in the Integrated Intervention Strategy, which will continue as planned.