Torness - LC22 themed inspection

• Site: Torness
• IR number: 19-015
• Date: May 2019
• LC numbers: 22

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This intervention had the following main purposes:

• To carry out a compliance inspection of the processes used at Torness Power Station to deal with safety case anomalies and availability assessments (Licence Condition 22);
• To make further enquiries into a reported event at the Station involving movement of new fuel assemblies, and to assess the quality of investigation (Licence Condition 7).

The intervention was planned in accordance with ONR’s Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for Torness of 2019/20.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

As nominated Site Inspector I supported a themed inspection by an ONR Nuclear Associate to examine the Station’s implementation of the processes for safety case anomalies and availability assessments. This included sampling safety case anomalies at Station within the last two years and discussions with relevant people on Station.

I made follow-up enquiries into a reported event where new nuclear fuel assemblies in a box with a lid closed by bolts that were not fully tightened had been moved a short distance within the reactor building. This included discussion with people involved with the circumstances of the reported incident and its investigation.

I carried out a number of routine engagements with the Station to gather intelligence, share views and discuss progress with existing regulatory issues. This included a review of capital investment plans.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate

No system based inspections were performed during this intervention hence this is not applicable.

Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

For the themed inspection on safety case anomalies and availability assessments (LC22), I found compliant practice at the Station, and I was satisfied that the Station have adequately implemented their arrangements for safety case anomalies and availability assessments. On the basis of the sample I found that the Licensee was able to demonstrate compliance with LC22, I have therefore rated the inspection ‘Green – no formal action’.

From my enquiries into the reported event I was satisfied that the Station’s investigation had been adequate and that the risks the event presented were not significant.  I rated the investigation ‘Green – no formal action’.

Conclusion of Intervention

The findings of the safety case anomalies process (SCAP) inspection (LC22) and enquiries into the new fuel handling incident (LC7) were communicated to Station Management on site during the intervention. The findings concerning SCAP will contribute to an overall fleet-wide appraisal of the process.

There were no findings from this inspection that significantly undermine nuclear safety or which would result in changes to the planned interventions and inspections of Torness Power Station.