- Site: Hinkley Point C
- IR number: 21-004
- Date: April 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This intervention is part of an on-going series of engagements with the Hinkley Point C construction site (HPC).
The primary purpose of the engagement was to assess compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) and to review progress against previous inspection findings in relation to the management and application of fire safety. This information is used to assess the need for future interventions based on the continued build progress across the site.
Aspects relating to emergency arrangements as would be expected to satisfy Licence Condition 11 are also considered and addressed as part of these interventions. This primarily relates to the arrangements of both NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited (NNB GenCo) and Tier 1 contractors to undertake rescue and emergency response on the construction site during the life span of the project. My intervention does not consider emergencies of a radiological nature.
Interventions carried out by ONR
This intervention was a remote compliance inspection undertaken against the life fire safety requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The intervention was completed remotely due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not judged to be Adequate
Not Applicable
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I am satisfied that the outcome of the discussions from this remote intervention suggest that those that I engaged with (both NNB GenCo and Tier 1 contractors) have an appreciation of the fire safety risks across the site and continue to apply adequate control measures to reduce the risk to life from fire.
Tier 1 contractors continue to develop their fire safety arrangements as the project develops and expands. Not all Tier 1 contractors have fully developed arrangements primarily due to the reduced involvement that they have had with the project. NNB GenCo are supporting and working with all contractors to assist in the development of arrangements, part of which involves the sharing of learning by others.
Overall, I judged that the standard of compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is adequate. I believe that those that I engaged with have identified the risk from fire at Hinkley Point C at an appropriate level.
As a result of this intervention I did not identify any significant departures from compliance that will require a follow up as part of regulatory interactions. No matters were identified as requiring immediate regulatory attention during the engagement.
Conclusion of Intervention
I concluded that the sampled areas of fire safety arrangements, within the limitations of remote inspection, are compliant with the legislation.
I have rated the outcome of this inspection as GREEN.