- Site: Heysham 2
- IR number: 21-127
- Date: December 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This report presents the findings of an inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s radiological protection arrangements at Heysham 2 Nuclear Power Station. The purpose of the inspection was to provide regulatory confidence in relation to the licensee’s arrangements for compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and aspects of the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations 2019 (REPPIR19) which the Heysham 2 Radiation Protection (RP) organisation is required to implement.
This was a planned inspection, in line with the Operating Reactors plan for 2021/22.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The intervention focussed on the following during the discussion and plant inspection:
- Emergency response plan arrangements and role requirements for RP staff;
- RP emergency response rota details and sustainability;
- RP resource including succession planning;
- RP input into work planning including risk assessment and derivation of Respiratory Protective Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment requirements;
- Radiological event investigation and follow-up including response to leakages and spillages;
- Survey programme derivation and performance against schedule;
- Changes to clearance arrangements for removal of items from designated areas;
- Radioactive source management; and
- Restriction of occupational exposure in fuel route operations.
I assessed compliance with the requirements of IRR17 and REPPIR19 relevant to the above areas. The inspection was undertaken in accordance with ONR's IRR17 Technical Inspection Guide, NS-INSP-GD-054.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable – this was not a system-based inspection.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The inspection did not reveal any significant nuclear safety concerns that require action by the licensee or further follow-up by ONR.
The inspection and discussions with the Head of RP for Heysham 2 and other representatives of the licensee provided adequate assurance that there is effective RP practice in place and an adequate level of compliance with the requirements of IRR17 and the aspects of REPPIR19 discharged by the Emergency Health Physicists.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on my sampling of the licensee’s arrangements for compliance with IRR17 and aspects of REPPIR19 which are the responsibility of the RP organisation at Heysham 2, I am satisfied that the arrangements the licensee has in place are adequate. A rating of Green was therefore assigned for this inspection.