- Site: Heysham 1
- IR number: 21-119
- Date: November 2021
- LC numbers: 22
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Heysham 1 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 accord with the planned inspection programme contained in the Heysham 1 Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2021/22.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
As part of this intervention I, the nominated site inspector, carried out a planned inspection against:
- Licence condition (LC) 22 – Modifications or experiment on existing plant
LC22 requires the licensee to make and implement adequate arrangements to control any modification or experiment carried out on any part of the existing plant or processes which may affect safety. The arrangements shall also provide for the classification of modifications or experiments according to their safety significance.
The inspection focussed on modifications associated with defuelling preparations that are proposed to be funded from the Nuclear Liabilities Fund.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
Whilst at site, routine intelligence gathering interventions were also conducted to determine progress with a number of extant regulatory issues; emergency exercise planning and operational experience learning.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
No system-based inspection was undertaken therefore this is not applicable for this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
A schedule of nuclear liability funded engineering change proposals was inspected and I sampled the following proposals (modifications) with respect to due process adherence:
- Defuelling Fuel Handling Essential Safety Case;
- Control Rod Isolation;
- Reactor Physics and Defuelling Order; and
- Flask Wash Upgrade.
I noted that the engineering change proposals were in differing states of maturity with respect to application of the licensee’s due process. All appeared slightly behind schedule, however I consider this position does not challenge nuclear safety and the intelligence obtained will inform our intervention planning for Heysham 1 in 2022/23.
From the evidence sampled, I was content that due process was being followed and arrangements had been adequately implemented. I judged that the licensee adequately demonstrated compliance with the requirements of LC22 and therefore rated this inspection as Green, no formal action.
Other routine intelligence gathering interventions did not reveal any regulatory issues.
Conclusion of Intervention
There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. At present, no additional regulatory action is needed over and above the planned interventions at Heysham 1 Power Station as set out in the Integrated Intervention Strategy, which will continue as planned.