- Site: Heysham 2
- IR number: 19-178
- Date: February 2020
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to undertake an electrical engineering Licence Condition (LC) 28 compliance inspection at EdF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL) Heysham 2 Power Station, in line with the inspection programme contained in the Heysham 2 Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2019/20.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
We undertook a planned inspection and assessment of implementation of the arrangements for LC 28 Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing (EIMT) at Heysham 2 Power Station.
The inspection sample targeted the planned electrical work being undertaken as part of the Unit 8 2020 statutory outage including the planned electrical EIMT activities from the station’s Outage Intentions Document, implementation of the detailed modifications and any reactive electrical work emergent from the shutdown.
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.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Based on the discussions, explanations and the samples inspected, on this occasion, we were satisfied that there were no significant shortfalls identified with the implementation of the established arrangements for LC 28 EIMT in relation to the planned electrical work undertaken thus far as part of the Unit 8 2020 statutory outage. The targeted inspection undertaken confirmed that the planned EIMT and modification activities during this shutdown were appropriate and that electrical plant and equipment that was being maintained was in accordance with the established arrangements.
During the inspection we sampled a number of shutdown related electrical activities. We were advised of the progress made against electrical activities during the shutdown was as planned and anticipated. The Station expected to complete all scheduled electrical work activities before return to service with no plans to defer any activities. Through explanations, discussions and a live demonstration using the station’s asset management system we were satisfied that there were clear, auditable links between the shutdown related electrical activities and the station’s maintenance schedule and instructions. It was also evident that the electrical activities were undertaken at the appropriate periodicity.
We conducted a plant walk-down and for the areas sampled observed acceptable standards of general housekeeping. The electrical plant and equipment inspected was in an acceptable condition and there were no visible signs of external corrosion or flaking paintwork. The station staff spoken to and those accompanying us on the walk-down, all presented a knowledgeable and professional approach, and provided open and honest responses to our questions.
The following observation was raised with station during the inspection:
- Two plant item maintenance instructions contained discrepancies on the engineering check sheets to be used to capture test results. The station raised Condition Report 01175894 to investigate the cause of these discrepancies
Overall, we considered that the implementation of the LC 28 arrangements for the 2020 shutdown related electrical activities on Unit 8 was judged to be adequate. Therefore, a green inspection rating, no formal action, was awarded.
Conclusion of Intervention
From the sample inspected, it is judged that for the electrical work activities undertaken at Heysham 2 during the Unit 8 2020 statutory outage, compliance against LC28 met the required standard, therefore a ‘Green’ rating, no formal action, was given.
Based on this targeted intervention there were no issues identified from the electrical work activities which would prevent ONR granting Consent for Unit 8 to return to service at this point. This is subject to the completion of the planned EIMT activities, the implementation of the detailed modifications, the completion of emergent electrical work and the assessment of any EIMT activity deferrals.
From the evidence gathered during this intervention, there were no matters identified that have the potential to impact significantly on nuclear safety.