Hinkley Point C - Inspection ID: 51908

The aim of this inspection was to sample NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd's (NNB GenCo) arrangements, and the implementation of its arrangements, for the operation of the first chemical laboratory (temporary laboratory) at the Hinkley Point C (HPC) site. The laboratory is intended to deliver the sampling and analysis required to support the provision of demineralised water of an appropriate specification for the flushing of components following their installation, and to support commissioning of the first systems.

 

It is important that adequate arrangements are in place so that the laboratory can deliver sampling and analysis of an appropriate quality to support the commissioning process, as well as other nuclear safety related site activities. The inspection sampled the relevant arrangements (including for quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC), operating (analysis) instructions and supporting documentation) to judge the adequate operation of this key facility. 

 

A previous inspection looked at the preparations for the use of the first chemical laboratory on site. This inspection focused on the implementation of those arrangements, now that the laboratory has been set up and the first samples are being analysed.

 

I judged the adequacy of NNB GenCo's arrangements and their implementation against the expectations associated with Licence Condition (LC) 12 (duly authorised and other suitably qualified and experienced persons), LC14 (safety documentation), and LC21 (commissioning). Given the nature and significance of the activities being undertaken at this stage, the degree with which NNB GenCo adhered to the licence conditions reflects this fact, and this was used to inform the inspection judgement.

I sampled a number of documents that the licensee has produced in relation to the control of work in the temporary laboratory, including risk assessments and document production processes, and I was content that these were adequate. I also sampled how NNB GenCo had complied with relevant safety legislation (such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)) and how the laboratory had been arranged and set up. I was content that COSHH had been adequately implemented in the laboratory, and with the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). I was also content with the arrangements that NNB GenCo had in place to ensure that only suitably qualified and experienced personnel (SQEP) performed sampling and analysis activities in the temporary laboratory.

I consider that NNB GenCo has adequate arrangements to support the use of the temporary laboratory to provide sampling and analysis capabilities. I considered that a rating for LCs 12, 14 and 21 as green (no formal action) to be warranted for this inspection.