- Site: Hunterston B
- IR number: 21-090
- Date: September 2021
- LC numbers: 10
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection of EDF Energy (EDFE) Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s Hunterston B Power Station, 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 accordance with the planned inspection programme contained in the Hunterston B Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2021/22.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
As part of this intervention the nominated site inspector for Hunterston B carried out a compliance inspection against:
- Licence condition (LC) 10 – Training (Defuelling Readiness).
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
The site inspector also held routine interactions to monitor the progress of fuel route improvement activities. The EoG project inspector also held meetings to discuss the developing post defuelling safety case strategy and on the arrangements for management of radioactive leaks.
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 inspection examined the plans for training of staff in support of basic defuelling readiness at Hunterston B. The inspection found that the station has minimised the training requirements, by targeting training at existing suitably qualified and experienced fuel route staff, to ensure a basic defuelling readiness is likely to be achieved over the coming months. A further and more developed training programme, post start of defuelling, will be required to increase the size of the Operations (Fuel Route) team to perform defuelling at an enhanced rate. The basic defuelling readiness programme is ongoing and the site inspector will confirm, through routine interactions, that adequate training for the Fuel Free Verification (FFV) function, Control Room Duly Appointed Persons and Operations (Fuel Route) is delivered. The site inspector was however satisfied that adequate progress against the defuelling training programme was being made.
Conclusion of Intervention
From this inspection of LC10 that examined training of fuel route operatives in support of defuelling readiness at Hunterston B, there were no findings that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. Therefore, a rating of Green, no formal action, was assigned to the inspection.