- Site: Hinkley Point B
- IR number: 21-125
- Date: November 2021
- LC numbers: 10, 23, 24, 27, 28, 34
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned Systems Based Inspection (SBI) at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd Hinkley Point B power station, undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for 2021/22. This SBI was on the shutdown systems (SBI 28) and was conducted on the 18 November 2021. The purpose of this inspection was for ONR to determine the adequacy of implementation of the safety case claims in respect of shutdown provision.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
In order to determine the adequacy of implementation of the licensees safety case claims in respect of the Primary Shutdown (PSD) ONR examined evidence to determine compliance against key Licence Conditions (LCs), which are applicable provisions of the Energy Act 2013.
This inspection was conducted by means of a desktop review of documentation and a MS Teams engagement.
Hinkley Point B (HPB) power station is approaching End of Generation (EoG), with a currently proposed shutdown date of July 2022. As such a prescribed SBI was not considered proportionate. Since generation was continuing however until EoG, it was appropriate to ensure a continued emergency shutdown provision was available.
The SBI therefore focused on the current and continued availability of the shutdown provision, this was assessed by compliance against the following LCs using applicable ONR inspection guidance:
- LC10 Training – requires the dutyholder to make and implement adequate arrangements for suitable training of those who have responsibility for any operations that may affect safety
- LC27 Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits – requires the dutyholder to ensure that, before a system is operated, inspected, maintained or tested, all safety mechanisms, devices and circuits are properly connected and in good working order
- LC28 Examination, Inspo0ection, Maintenance and Testing (EIMT) – requires the dutyholder make and implement adequate arrangements for the regular and systematic EIMT of all plant which may affect safety
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
The inspection sampled and examined the applicable safety case claims, through a combination of document reviews, discussions with the dutyholder and computer interrogation through MS Teams.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Licence Condition 10 (Training) - the training records for personnel fulfilling roles associated with shutdown systems were sampled. The dutyholder informed ONR that there is no specific training programme relating to shutdown systems and that training consists of engineering training and on the job training, ensuring that individuals have the required skills for shutdown systems. All of the individuals sampled had completed the required essential training for the tasks sampled. I therefore assigned a rating of Green (no formal action) for LC10.
Licence Condition 27 (Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits, SMDCs) – ONR examined compliance records ensuring that SMDSs are appropriately in place and delivering their safety functions. I therefore assigned a rating of Green (no formal action) for LC27.
Licence Condition 28 (Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing) – based on the sampled documentation, including Work Order Cards, system review records and surveillance records, I judged that dutyholder has adequate arrangements in place for compliance with LC28. I therefore assigned a rating of Green (no formal action) for LC28.
Conclusion of Intervention
From the evidence sampled during this SBI, it was judged that there were no matters that have the potential to impact significantly on nuclear safety. Consequently, an overall rating of Green was awarded for the primary shutdown system. The inspection findings were shared and accepted by NGL as part of normal inspection feedback. ONR considers the dutyholder adequately demonstrated ownership and implementation of the primary shutdown system safety case to ensure and maintain nuclear safety.