- Site: Hartlepool
- IR number: 20-135
- Date: March/April 2021
- LC numbers: 22
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to undertake compliance inspection activities at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s (NGL) Hartlepool (HRA) power station, in line with the ONR’s inspection programme contained in the HRA Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2020/21
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
In my capacity as the nominated site safety inspector for HRA Power station I performed an inspection against Licence Condition (LC) 22 – Modifications or experiment on existing plant.
The inspection included sessions with the Engineering Manager and Design Engineering Group Head as well as a number of personnel involved in the oversight of engineering changes on site to gather evidence on the effectiveness of the site processes.
I also undertook a number of engagements with the licensee representatives which covered the following topics:
- Meeting with the licensee’s internal regulator, Independent Nuclear Assurance,
- Meeting with the engineering manager,
- Meeting with the defueling preparations manager,
- Follow-up of site events,
- Monitoring the onsite Covid-19 response.
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
The fleet arrangements for compliance with LC22 are considered adequate and engagements with HRA staff demonstrate that they have a sound understanding of them. I consider that HRA complies with the requirements of the arrangements. One ONR regulatory issue was raised regarding the management of temporary modifications.
Overall, I am of the opinion that HRA Power Station is meeting the regulatory requirements of LC22.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the sample inspected, I rate the inspection as GREEN – no formal action. This is in line with the 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.”
I believe that no additional regulatory interventions are needed over and above those already planned at HRA Power Station.