- Site: Hartlepool
- IR number: 20-084
- Date: November 2020
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to undertake a compliance inspection at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s (NGL) Hartlepool power station, in line with the ONR’s inspection programme contained in the Hartlepool Integrated Intervention Strategy for 2020/21. This inspection covered a Level 1 exercise (CHARLIE) re-demonstration that had been set as an ONR regulatory issue (7744) due to the Central Control Room (CCR) team’s unsatisfactory performance during the 2019 Level 1 Exercise (VOLTA).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
In my capacity as nominated site inspector for Hartlepool Power Station I performed an inspection to examine the licensee’s implementation of its compliance arrangements with regard to Licence Condition (LC) 11 – 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
I consider that all the elements of the Level 1 demonstration met regulatory expectations and there were no new regulatory issues raised during this inspection.
On the basis of the demonstration I am satisfied that ONR regulatory issue 7744 can be closed.
I am content with the procedures and oversight site have given to implementing the necessary controls regarding Covid-19 but staff must adhere to social distancing requirements more rigorously when moving around the station.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the sample inspected and the evidence obtained, I rate the inspection as ‘GREEN – no formal action’ for LC11 ‘Emergency Arrangements, in line with established ONR guidance:
- “Relevant good practice generally met, or minor shortfalls identified, when compared with appropriate benchmarks”,
- “No significant shortfalls identified in the delivery of safety or security functions.”
- “Relatively minor, if any, deficiencies in compliance arrangements.”
Items for potential improvement were fed back to the station. No regulatory issues were raised.
There are no findings from this intervention that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. At present, no additional regulatory action is required over and above the planned interventions at Hartlepool Power Station.