- Site: Dungeness B
- IR number: 19-160
- Date: January 2020
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd’s (NGL’s) Dungeness B power station. It was undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The main focus of the intervention was to conduct a planned compliance inspection on LC11 – Emergency Arrangements. The inspection was conducted by the nominated site inspector and the Operating Reactors lead for LC11.
The site inspector supported by a Project Inspector carried out an LC11 inspection utilising the Emergency Preparedness and Response Capability Map (EPRCM). This is a framework used to evaluate emergency planning and response in the context of seven subject areas. ONR aims to evaluate all areas of the EPRCM on each operating reactor site during a five year cycle. During this inspection we sampled evidence from several sections of the Capability Map.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I, the nominated site inspector undertook a planned compliance inspection against LC11 during which I:
- Sampled evidence from several sections of the Capability Map which had been updated by site prior to the inspection. I am of the opinion that since the previous update a number of areas have improved with no significant shortfalls identified.
- Conducted a walk-down of several areas relating to emergency response on site. During this walk-down I visited several tie-in points that had been installed as part of the Japanese Earthquake Response (JER) work. I also sampled the maintenance record for these.
- Sampled the emergency scheme roles and discussed the station oversight and succession management for these roles.
During the inspection I found evidence of compliance with both station and company processes.
I also undertook routine engagements with the station’s own internal regulator, safety representatives and the follow up a recent event which involved the loss of station main cooling water pumps due to a leak on associated pipework for the system. Sufficient defence in depth was still available to provide the shutdown reactors the required cooling whilst the station affected the required repair work activities.
I also held discussions with station representatives regarding a regulatory issue. The station’s response in conjunction with senior design engineer for the fuel route enabled this issue to be closed.
Conclusion of Intervention
In relation to LC11, I judged that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is warranted.
There are no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety.