- Site: Hinkley Point B
- IR number: 21-078
- Date: September 2021
- LC numbers: 11
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to observe and evaluate a Level 1 emergency demonstration exercise at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s (NGL) Hinkley Point B power station, in line with the ONR’s inspection programme contained in the Hinkley Point B Integrated Intervention Strategy for 2020/21.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The nominated site inspector for Hinkley Point B Power Station, supported by a team of ONR specialist inspectors, observed a Level 1 emergency demonstration exercise rated against Licence Condition (LC) 11 – Emergency Arrangements. The scenario was agreed in advance by ONR. The demonstration was carried out under COVID-19 restrictions so there were limits in force for the number of personnel in any location.
This 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
NA - No system-based inspection was undertaken.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
There was a strong nuclear safety focus and the exercise provided an adequate demonstration of Hinkley Point B Power Station’s emergency arrangements and I awarded a rating of Green against LC11. However, there were a few points of learning that were discussed during the feedback that the station should consider. These were:
- The scenario must be appropriate to enable the exercise objectives to be achieved;
- The station muster was slow and should be re-demonstrated through a Shift Exercise;
- Information flow between casualty recovery teams and the first aid facility staff needs improvement.
Additionally, there were 2 fleet-level learning points:
- It would be very beneficial if the Pond Water Package Cooler (PWPC) training course included the opportunity for Standby Emergency Response Team (SERT) members to gain first-hand experience of operating the equipment;
- It was agreed that ONR would send an inspector to witness the testing of the PWPC equipment and demonstration of its capability.
Conclusion of Intervention
I considered the demonstration to have provided an adequate demonstration of Hinkley Point B’s emergency arrangements and awarded a rating of Green against LC11.
There were a few significant observations during the exercise that will be taken forward by the station as learning points to enhance and improve the implementation of their emergency arrangements. One Fleet-level issue is being raised to capture the agreement that ONR would send an inspector to witness the testing of the Pond Water Package Cooling equipment and demonstration of its capability.