- Site: Hinkley Point B
- IR number: 20-033
- Date: July/August 2020
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to undertake licence condition (LC) compliance of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Hinkley Point B Power Station. This was undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The intervention was carried out by the nominated site inspector for licence compliance with specialist Inspectors and the Environment Agency.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I, the nominated site inspector, along with a number of specialist inspectors, performed an inspection to evaluate NGL’s compliance with the following nuclear site licence condition (LCs) and legislation which are applicable provisions of the Energy Act 2013:
- LC28 – Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing
Whilst on site, I also undertook the following engagement activities with the licensee;
- Visits to Gas Fuel Oil Tanks, Stores and New Fuel Cell
- Meeting with the Licensee’s internal regulator - INA.
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 completed during this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
For LC28 we sampled a number of systems which have a significant impact on nuclear safety. We found that the maintenance required had been carried out and there had been some improvements in records since previous inspections. However, we found a number of examples where procedures needed updating or the records were not adequate. This is subject to an existing regulatory issue, which the dutyholder is in the process of addressing. We also noted that whilst the dutyholder was able to demonstrate that the maintenance carried out met the requirements of the safety case, the link between the safety case and the maintenance carried out was not always clear. A regulatory issue has been raised for the dutyholder to address this. I am satisfied that an IIS rating of green against LC28 is merited.
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 of Hinkley Point B power station as set out in the IIS, which will continue as planned.