Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: February 2024
Aim of inspection
Observation of the annual level 1 demonstration exercise to confirm that Torness's emergency arrangements remain effective.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC11 - Emergency arrangements - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
ONR observed and assessed the level 1 emergency exercise at Galloway at the EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd. Torness power station.
The scenario involved a catastrophic multiple boiler tube failure, resulting in fuel failure and subsequent off-site radiological release, coincident with the release of reactor gas from a pipework failure in the circulator auxiliaries cooling system pipework. The licensee's response:
- Made appropriate declarations, escalating to an Off-Site Nuclear Emergency;
- Established three on-site command centres (Central Control Room (simulator), Emergency Control Centre and Access Control Point), and the corporate Central Emergency Support Centre;
- Completed a full site muster, accounting for all persons within an acceptable time-frame;
- Assessed the plant conditions and terminated the release in a timely manner; and
- Located, assessed, rescued and treated the three casualties.
ONR were satisfied that the exercise objectives and performance indications in the licensee's scenario were largely met.
Conclusion
ONR were satisfied that exercise at Galloway was sufficiently challenging with suitable objectives, and that it was appropriately planned and executed. ONR judged that the licensee's performance was adequate and we have awarded a green (no formal action) inspection rating against licence condition 11 (emergency arrangements).