Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- September 2024
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection was to check NNB GenCo’s arrangements for the control of manufactured equipment delivered from suppliers off-site.
This system of control is based on staging points at which certain prerequisites have to be in place to allow progress to the next stage. One of the stages is the “ship to site” stage.
At this stage, a supplier should have manufactured the equipment and have available documentation to demonstrate that it meets all the prerequisites that apply to it, such as qualification that it will perform as intended in accident conditions.
Most equipment will meet its prerequisites and receive a “type 1” Quality Release Certificate (QRC) enabling it to be delivered to NNB GenCo straight-forwardly under a “shipping authorisation”.
However, some equipment may lack final copies of documents that prove certain prerequisites at the point when NNB GenCo needs them to be shipped. These receive a “type 2” QRC. For other equipment, certain tests may not have been performed, or non-conformances closed, by the time NNB GenCo judges that shipping is needed. These receive a “type 3” QRC.
NNB GenCo have developed management arrangements to control equipment subject to types 1, 2 and 3 QRCs. The arrangements are in place to assure NNB GenCo that only properly designed and manufactured components are shipped to site and subsequently installed.
The inspection tested these arrangements by following three case studies, each an example of equipment subject to each type of QRC and checking:
- Communication between parties involved in the arrangements
- The presence of, the maintenance of, and adherence to the written arrangements
- The training of staff involved in the arrangements and
- The overall management of Quality Release Certificates and Shipping Authorisation Requests.
- The adequacy of records raised during the various stages of the process.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC17 - Management systems - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The Inspection Team found evidence of good communication, regularly and systematically, between parties involved in the arrangements.
The Inspection Team found that written processes were in place and were being followed with proper records created. However, these records revealed certain weaknesses in the detail, such as missing signatures, that merit attention to avoid in future.
Training was available to staff involved, although NNB GenCo should consider making it mandatory for certain roles.
The Inspection Team noted the complexity of some of the arrangements and encouraged NNB GenCo to continue with their intent to simplify where possible.
Overall, the management arrangements were being followed for each of the items of equipment selected; and the arrangements pertinent to each type of case study were being applied.
Conclusion
The Inspectors’ judgment, based on the findings, is that NNB GenCo has arrangements in place and working to assure itself that only properly designed and manufactured components are shipped to site and subsequently installed. A green rating.