- Site: Hinkley Point C
- IR number: 21-023
- Date: August 2021
- LC numbers: 6, 10, 17, 19
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR’s) Hinkley Point C (HPC) construction inspection plan, ONR performs a series of planned compliance inspections of identified licence conditions, to ensure that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd (NNB GenCo) is proportionately and adequately developing and implementing its licence compliance arrangements commensurate to the current stage of the project.
The purpose of this intervention was to examine the adequacy of the NNB GenCo arrangements and their implementation for installing early non-nuclear safety related mechanical, electrical, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (MEH) equipment in the electrical building (HF) in order to gain confidence in NNB GenCo’s ability to deliver subsequent nuclear safety related works.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
ONR conducted a Licence Condition (LC) compliance inspection targeted on NNB GenCo and its contractor’s management arrangements for installing MEH equipment in HF.
ONR assessed NNB GenCo’s LC arrangements against relevant good practice, which included ONR regulatory guidance, specifically relevant Technical Inspection Guides and Technical Assessment Guides.
In addition to the specific Intervention activities, information sharing visits were held whilst on site.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Based on the discussions and evidence provided during the intervention, ONR observed positive developments within the Quality Department, which take account of wider project learning.
There was evidence of clearly defined role profiles, with corresponding competence records and training requirements for the staff sampled undertaking the works.
NNB GenCo has identified, and is in the process of addressing, issues associated with the management of Post-Handover Open Points, however ONR noted some inconsistency in their current management.
ONR noted that the processes for the management of construction readiness, that is Design Work Package (DWP), Erection Work Package (EWP) and Construction Work Package (CWP) activities were still maturing with NNB GenCo intending to combine construction readiness and DWP processes.
ONR observed that for key construction readiness documentation, essential steps/requirements had not been satisfied and the process had not ensured that open points had been appropriately dealt with in all instances.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, ONR concluded that an inspection rating of AMBER, seek improvement, is appropriate. A number of areas of good practice were highlighted, but improvement is required against specific areas.
The key area of improvement relates to the holistic process for managing construction readiness via the DWP, EWP and CWP processes. Hence, a new Regulatory Issue relating to the management of construction readiness for installation of bulk MEH will be raised.