- Site: Hinkley Point C
- IR number: 21-003
- Date: April 2021
- LC numbers: 7
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The objective of this intervention was to assess whether NNB GenCo (HPC) has sufficient knowledge, processes, tools, resources and learning attitude to timely identify and deal with nuclear safety related learning for this stage of the construction phase. It was undertaken as part of the ONR intervention plan, HPC Project Intervention Plan beyond J0.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
Licence condition 07 requires that “The licensee shall make and implement adequate arrangements for the notification, recording, investigation and reporting of such events occurring on the site”.
The ONR Safety Assessment Principle (MS.4) on Learning states that, ‘Lessons should be learned from internal and external sources to continually improve leadership, organisational capability, safety decision making and safety performance.’
I conducted this follow-up intervention to assess the effectiveness of NNB GenCo (HPC)'s long term Licence Condition 07 improvement plan implementation. Implementation of this improvement plan is required by ONR Level 3 Regulatory Issue 7545, which was raised following the intervention in September 2019. I reviewed the following key elements of the improvement plan:
- Quality of Inputs and Outputs
- Integration and Engagement
- Governance
This intervention was conducted remotely by interaction with NNB GenCo (HPC)’s staff, documentation review and observation of key meetings.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
N/A as this was not a safety systems inspection.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I found that NNB GenCo (HPC) has made substantial progress in implementation of their improvement plan. The investigation process has been optimised and embedded. Routine trending analysis was developed and learning champions are now in place. There is an apparent drive to build a strong learning culture. Screening meeting is now more effective with a very positive team spirit. NNB GenCo (HPC) reviewed and improved the Corrective Action Review Group. A common set of Key Performance Indicators is now in place and is regularly monitored. The new learning tool ‘Insight’ will be more accessible and more user-friendly than its predecessor and should further promote reporting culture. However, there has been recognised delays in its full deployment and the benefits from its implementation, such as increased reporting, are yet to be realised.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, based upon the judgements described above, I have concluded that an inspection rating of GREEN is appropriate for Licence Condition 07 – Incidents on the site.