Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- February 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection is to establish if NRS arrangements are adequately implemented to detect the onset of equipment degradation, ensuring the organisational capability to adequately manage ageing management, the identification and management of obsolescence and the ongoing investment in asset management. The inspection will be targeted at the reactor civil structure, the pond structure and the ventilation stacks.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: Green
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I led a planned joint ONR/SEPA themed compliance inspection on aging management comprising the LC23 (Operating Rules) and LC28 (Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing). I targeted Reactor 1 (R1), the Ponds and the R1 ventilation. The inspection team comprised the nominated site inspector, a civil engineering inspector, an inspector in training and a SEPA inspector.
For LC23, the licensee stated that there are no operating rules identified in the nuclear safety case. Consequently, I targeted operator instructions that either protected people during extreme weather events or provided assurance to aging management. I determined that the operator performs regular monitoring activities on the pond liquor to protect the pond and personnel. I also determined that the site has set limits and conditions for extreme weather events. It is the nominated site inspector's judgment that NRS are adequately implementing the LC23 arrangements for operating rules and I award a rating of Green.
For LC28, the licensee provided suitable evidence and combined with the site inspection of the plant, I am satisfied with the licensee’s arrangements for compliance with LC28. Furthermore, the Civil Engineering inspector is content that the licensee is implementing its own arrangements in a timely manner and proactively addressing emergent risks associated with ageing and degradation of the civil engineering structures of the plant. The Civil Engineering Inspector is of the opinion that the sampled structures are being managed to a standard of asset care that is commensurate with the prevailing radiological risks. It is the nominated site inspector's judgment that NRS are adequately implementing the LC28 arrangements for Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing and I award a rating of Green.
Conclusion
Overall, on the basis of sampled documentary evidence and my site inspection of the plant, I am satisfied with the licensee’s arrangements for compliance with LC23 and LC28. Furthermore, I am content that the licensee is implementing its own arrangements in a timely manner and proactively addressing emergent risks associated with ageing and degradation of the civil engineering structures of the plant. Based on my site inspection, I am of the opinion that the sampled structures are being managed to a standard of asset care that is commensurate with the prevailing radiological risks. I therefore judge that, an ONR inspection rating of adequate (GREEN) is appropriate.