- Site: Dungeness B
- IR number: 21-006
- Date: April 2021
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned compliance inspection of licence condition 11 (Emergency arrangements) at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s (NGL’s) Dungeness B power station. It was undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The work was carried out in-line with the planned inspection programme contained in the Dungeness B Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) 2021-2022.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
During this intervention, the following activities were undertaken:
- Observed the Station’s Level 1 Emergency exercise demonstration.
- Undertook a meeting with the station’s Safety Representatives
- Observed a site excellence tour
- Plant visit (intelligence gathering)
During this inspection undertook intelligence gathering in the form of a routine plant visit to the contract partners stores, I also held a monthly meeting with the station’s safety representatives and observed a site excellence tour of the B1 Hanger store & surrounding areas.
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 during this visit.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
An ONR team observed the emergency exercise demonstration “JENNER”. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic arrangements, this exercise was largely a desk top exercise but covered all the essential command areas e.g. Simulator, Access Control Point (ACP) and the Emergency Control Centre (ECC). The scenario involved the following, a nuclear off site emergency which was initiated by the loss of reactor coolant in the reactor basement area, a fire in the Essential diesel generators with severe weather causing marine debris to block the drum screens; casualty recovery and repairs were simulated.
The scenario was challenging, a range of decision-making processes were required to deal with the emerging situation. The station provided a good demonstration of its emergency arrangements making full use of its dual simulator capability, the confidence in using new unit desk engineers for the demonstration and the adaptation of facilities in order to demonstrate the station’s arrangements. The station also made arrangements for the observers to either visit each of the command areas directly or to be observe remotely.
Full feedback will be provided to the licensee by letter, progress in addressing ONR’s observations will be captured via the emergency arrangements review meetings (EARM).
From ONR’s observations we have rated the LC11 level 1 emergency exercise demonstration as Green.
During my station visit, I inspected the contract partners stores where I identified several areas which required urgent attention. The station responded to the issues I raised immediately , the station has now embargod the building with controlled access, the store is to be demolish within the next few months and relocate to another area of the station. I also held discussions with the station’s Safety Representatives, attended a site excellence tour and held an update meeting with the station director.
Conclusion of Intervention
In relation to LC11 level 1 emergency exercise demonstration, ONR has judged that an inspection rating of Green is warranted based on ONR’s observations made at the ACP, ECC and station simulator.