Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- June 2024
Aim of inspection
This inspection was a targeted unannounced out of hours inspection at Hinkley Point C (HPC) to gain assurance of the adequacy of arrangements for control of conventional safety hazards.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Control of Work (PTW) - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Inspections were undertaken in the LB5 fabrication bunker followed by a general site walkthrough of the wider construction areas between LB5 and the west amenity buildings, including the K10 platform. Limited activities were being undertaken in the fabrication bunker at the time of the inspection so the focus was on adequacy of engineering controls and occupational health records. From the areas that were inspected during this inspection we are satisfied that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd (NNB GenCo) and contractors in those work areas are managing health and safety risks in line with relevant legislation, and good practices were observed.
Conclusion
Overall, based on the observational evidence during the inspection and despite no works being undertaken at the time of our inspection, housekeeping standards were high both within the LB5 bunker and across the wider construction site. Personnel interviewed (managers / supervisors) were knowledgeable specifically around the controls for welding fume and Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), with three effective forms of control evident including mobile LEV units (Kemper fume extraction units), mechanical ventilation (promoting five air changes per hour) and use of powered respirators (personal respiratory protective equipment (RPE)). In addition, fire watchers and supervisors are in place to ensure effective use of mobile local exhaust ventilation (LEV) by welders to ensure maximum fume capture. Sampling of a selection of HAVS packs identified that welder / fabricators records were comprehensive and in date, along with equipment checks, which were also all in date. In addition to recording trigger times, supervisors ensure rotation of tasks to control vibration exposure. All plant, vehicle and people interface (PVPI) controls were observed to be in compliance with relevant site standards and the limited number of lifting operations observed were well controlled. The inspection has therefore been rated GREEN, which reflects the effective controls identified.