Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- March 2023
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection was to seek assurance that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd (NNB GenCo) has adequate arrangements for configuration management to ensure that the design requirements, configuration information and physical configuration stay connected via the application of configuration management processes.Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 06 - Documents, records, authorities and certificates - rating: Green
- LC 14 - Safety documentation - rating: Green
- LC 17 - Management systems - rating: Green
- LC 20 - Modification to design of plant under construction - rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection team's preliminary findings were shared with, acknowledged, and accepted by NNB GenCo management as part of normal inspection feedback. These findings can be summarised as follows:
- The Configuration Management Strategy and supporting arrangements were aligned to relevant good practice.
- There were adequate arrangements to ensure the design requirements, configuration information and physical configuration stay connected via application of configuration management processes.
- There was evidence of learning from other projects being used to inform the approach to configuration management.
- From the information sampled, there were issues identified with the completeness and traceability of supporting documentation. Therefore, NNB GenCo would benefit from reinforcing its document discipline and management expectations.
- The implementation of SWITCH, which is intended to digitise and integrate key engineering, procurement, mechanical, electrical, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (MEH) plant construction and commissioning processes across the entire plant lifecycle, appears to be a positive development. However, it is important the system delivers the required configuration management functionality during the initial roll-out and subsequent development phases.
- It was evident consideration is being given to the configuration management arrangements for commissioning, but these arrangements need to mature in-line with the project schedule.
Actions are in-progress to address the areas for improvement and, therefore, these matters will be progressed during future interactions with NNB GenCo and do not warrant a regulatory issue.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that the configuration management arrangements are in line with relevent good practice, with only minor areas for improvement identified. Hence, a GREEN rating was assigned to the inspection.