- Site: Sizewell B
- IR number: 20-057
- Date: October 2020
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to carry out a planned inspection of compliance with site licence condition (LC) 11 (emergency arrangements) in accordance with ONR’s integrated intervention strategy for the site.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I observed one of the licensee’s training exercises from both the off-site emergency response centre (ERC) and on-site access control point (ACP), and discussed feedback and learning from the exercise with site staff and the licensee’s independent nuclear assurance team.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable (this was not a system-based inspection).
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I visited site to observe one of the licensee’s shift training exercise. My purpose in doing so was twofold:
- To gain assurance that the licensee was able to continue exercising its arrangements despite the restrictions introduced as a result of covid-19;
- To determine whether progress had been made on the regulatory issue raised following the 2019 level 1 exercise.
Overall, I considered that:
- The exercise was effective, and made good use of both the facilities and people available. The exercise was not unduly affected by covid-19 considerations, although it was recognised that exercises with larger teams would be difficult to conduct and observe.
- The performance of the access control point demonstrated that lessons regarding accountancy of people by the ACP had been learned from the previous level 1 exercise.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the evidence gathered during this intervention, I consider that there were no matters significantly affecting nuclear safety or otherwise requiring immediate regulatory attention, or that required amendments to the integrated intervention strategy for the site.