Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: September 2024
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to gain assurance of the approach taken by Hinkley Point B to declare reactor 4 fuel free and to form a judgement on the regulatory compliance of the nuclear material accountancy and control arrangements at the station.
Subject(s) of inspection
- FSE 7 Nuclear Material Tracking - Rating: GREEN
- LC 25 - Operational records - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg06 - Accountancy and control of qualifying nuclear material - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg09 - Operation of an accountancy and control plan - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg10 - Operating records - Rating: GREEN
- NSR19 Reg11 - Accounting records - Rating: GREEN
- Overall Inspection Rating - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Records relating to fuel free verification of Hinkley Point B reactor 4 and appropriateness of nuclear material accountancy were sampled and found to have been correctly completed. This was backed up by physical inspection of supporting plant areas where practical.
Conclusion
I was satisfied from the areas sampled that the approach taken by Hinkley Point B to declare reactor 4 fuel free meets the requirement for compliance with LC25 - operational records; and Hinkley Point B demonstrated compliance with the relevant sections of NSR19 and is meeting safeguards expectations as defined by the ONMACS. I judge that an overall inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited.