- Site: Hartlepool
- IR number: 21-067
- Date: August 2021
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to observe a Level 1 emergency exercise in order for EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd (NGL) to demonstrate that arrangements for emergency response, required by Licence Condition (LC) 11 are adequately implemented at Hartlepool power station. The intervention was in line with the ONR’s inspection programme contained in the Hartlepool Integrated Intervention Strategy for 2021/22.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
In my capacity as the nominated site inspector for Hartlepool Power Station and supported by a team of ONR inspectors, I performed an inspection to examine the licensee’s implementation of its compliance arrangements with regard to Licence Condition (LC) 11 – Emergency Arrangements.
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 hence, this is not applicable for this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The exercise scenario and objectives were agreed with ONR prior to the exercise and were designed to test the response to a site incident relating to a release of reactor gas leading to an Off-site Nuclear Emergency (OSNE). Those involved in the exercise were not made aware of the scenario details prior to the exercise.
I consider that the scenario was suitably challenging and that the performance by the station demonstrated an adequate response and met regulatory expectations against LC11 and the objectives of the exercise scenario.
Due to the issues experienced within the local area regarding Covid-19 it had been agreed with the station that a full site muster would not take place during this Level 1 exercise and would instead be demonstrated to the ONR site inspector on 29th September 2021. On completion of the Level 1 exercise a genuine site incident was declared which required the site to conduct a full site muster. This muster was successfully completed within 20 minutes and was witnessed by three ONR inspectors on site. As such I have considered that the requirements of the full site muster have been met from ONR’s perspective.