- Site: Hinkley Point C
- IR number: 21-021
- Date: July 2021
- LC numbers: 17, 36
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to gain confidence in the implementation and validation of the competency arrangements within the Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC Alliance (MEHA). The focus being on the front-line skilled and semi-skilled capability specifically; Mechanical, Electrical, Welding and Hinkley Support Operatives.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The intervention related to Licence Condition 10 and 12 compliance inspection which requires a Licensee to make and implement suitable arrangements for training and that only suitable qualified and experienced persons perform duties which may affect safety. ONR expects that the arrangements are also in place for the MEHA and its front-line capability.
The intervention involved sampling the MEHA arrangements, interviews with front-line operatives and staff and a review of selected documentation including individuals training records.
ONR assessed the MEHA’s arrangements against relevant good practice, which included IAEA and ONR guidance, specifically relevant Technical Inspection Guides:
- Nuclear Safety Technical Inspection Guide LC 10 Training - NS-INSP-GD-010 Revision 3
- Nuclear Safety Technical Inspection Guide LC12 Duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced person- NS-INSP-GD-012 Revision 3
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
ONR judged, based on the discussions and evidence provided during the intervention, that the competency arrangements were adequate for the MEH permission. The MEHA have scoped and planned the resource and skills requirements for the MEH phase.
The MEHA provided evidence of arrangements in place to ensure that the delivery partners supply competent resource to the project and that the MEHA carry out an adequate level of assurance.
ONR noted the plans for further development and implementation of the arrangements and, with the planned increase in resources post the MEH permissioning, this will form part of ONR’s regulatory oversight over the next 6 -12 months.