- Site: Heysham 2
- IR number: 21-034
- Date: June 2021
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This is a record of an intervention by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) at Heysham 2 Power Station during the 2021 Reactor 7 periodic shutdown. The purpose was to inspect work by the licensee, EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL), to comply with Licence Condition 28 (LC28), examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (EIMT). This activity took place during the periodic shutdown of Reactor 7, which is a requirement of LC30(1).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I met with licensee staff and their contractors to examine compliance with Licence Condition 28. I concentrated on aspects of structural integrity that I judged important to nuclear safety.
I sampled aspects of the inspection programme undertaken during the periodic shutdown on the steam and feed systems and other safety related systems external to the reactor pressure vessel.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
My intervention took place during the Covid19 pandemic. As structural integrity represents a key aspect of the return to service decision and the plant items require visual inspections to check for any signs of degradation.
During my intervention, I sampled the structural integrity aspects of the following systems and inspections:
- Reactor Sea Water systems
- Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR)
- In-service inspection
- Corrosion management, including flow assisted corrosion (FAC)
- Pipe hangers and supports
- Reactor internal inspections, including boiler components
I found satisfactory progress of planned EIMT at the time of my visit, which was approximately half-way through the periodic shutdown programme. Of 289 components in the In-Service Inspection (ISI) programme, 49 were not started, 112 components were being prepared for inspection (in grinding), 11 in progress, 2 in referral, 0 repaired and 115 complete. The scope of these inspections has not been reduced due to Covid19 restrictions.
At Heysham 2, the recommendations from the initial corrosion management review have now all been addressed. NGL has therefore implemented the corrosion programme as part of their ‘normal business’. I sampled some of the inspections which have been undertaken and completed as part of the reactor external inspection programme. I was content that the work was progressing effectively, with inspection results sentenced appropriately. Weld and FAC inspections were progressing to programme with no significant issues identified.
I discussed progress on examinations and inspections undertaken during the periodic shutdown, as required by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR). The PSSR Competent Person (CP) and the PSSR Advisor confirmed that the examinations were proceeding as planned and that station personnel had been providing effective support to their activities. I noted the positive contribution of Heysham 2’s PSSR coordinator who ensures that the PSSR inspection requirements are up-to-date on the plant. I am therefore content that the PSSR’s arrangements in place at Heysham 2 are appropriate.
During my site intervention, I obtained an update on NGL’s progress with proposed improvements and the inspection strategy for the Active Effluent Treatment Plant (AETP) discharge pipework. Whilst I observed a number of improvements had recently been made, in my opinion, NGL could consider further As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) improvements, in particular regarding active chamber No. 5. I however did not find any significant shortfalls which could prevent further operation.
I undertook a plant walk down, accompanied by NGL’s Engineering Programmes & Design Group Head. I observed an overall good standard of housekeeping. I observed an apparent slippage in some aspects of the personal safety standards. I advised NGL to reinforce the company’s expectations with regards to personal safety. I consider however that the licensee’s inspection arrangements appeared to have been correctly implemented at the time of my visit.
Conclusion
Based on evidence sampled, I conclude the licensee is conducting adequate EIMT, in line with ONR’s expectations in LC28. I consider that an inspection rating of green is appropriate, based on ONR guidance.
EIMT work planned by the licensee during the periodic shutdown was not complete by the end of my inspection. I will monitor further progress and provide my judgement regarding return to service in my assessment report.