- Site: Hunterston B
- IR number: 21-068
- Date: September 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection at Hunterston B Nuclear Power Station, undertaken as part of the intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division.
The purpose of the inspection was to ensure that the Licensee was demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the Fire Scotland Act 2005 to ensure the safety of people from the danger of fire. The intervention also aimed to recognise areas of best practice, to encourage a pro-active style of safety management, promote continual improvements in fire safety, and to check on the progress of the site wide fire alarm refurbishment.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
This intervention was a planned compliance inspection undertaken against the life safety requirements of the Fire Scotland Act 2005.
This was the first physical life fire safety site inspection undertaken at site since before the introduction of national COVID-19 restrictions, during which, fire safety interactions with site were completed remotely, but were not classified as compliance inspections. It was therefore important to visit site to visually assess the effectiveness of compliance activities specific to fire life safety arrangements.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The work and arrangements introduced on site in April 2020 to maintain fire safety management standards during the Covid-19 pandemic precautions remain in place, with site demonstrating a clear understanding the ongoing requirements for ensuring life fire safety across the site
During this intervention I did not identify any significant departures from compliance that will require a follow up as part of regulatory interactions, and no matters were identified as requiring immediate regulatory attention during the engagement. I did however identify an issue relating to the continued absence of an assistant to the site fire safety co-ordinator, which was discussed with the site director at the conclusion of the inspection.
I therefore judged that the standard of general compliance with the Fire Scotland Act 2005 is adequate, and I believe that those responsible have identified the risk from fire at Hunterston B at an appropriate level.
Conclusion of Intervention
I concluded that the fire safety arrangements and management procedures sampled during the intervention are compliant with the legislation, and therefore I have rated my assessment of this inspection GREEN, and this was communicated to the site Site Director at the conclusion of the inspection.