The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has served an improvement notice after a worker sustained hearing damage following a steam valve release at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station.
ONR issued the enforcement action after an EDF employee was injured on 14 May, when they were able to open the incorrect valve releasing high-pressure and high-temperature steam during maintenance activities.
There was no risk to nuclear safety, the public or the environment as a result of the incident.
The improvement notice was issued under The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Section 2(1) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 12(1).
To comply with the notice, EDF must implement safety measures to reduce the risk to workers from potential health and safety risks associated with the boilers and pipework.
Specifically, these measures must prevent any unintended steam discharge from the equipment's boilers, ensuring worker safety at all times.
Mike Webb, ONR's Superintending Inspector for Operating Reactors, said: “Our enquiries into the incident showed that EDF had failed to take appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of employees working on boilers.
“We will continue to engage with EDF during the period of the improvement notice to ensure positive progress is made to address this shortfall."
EDF has until 30 August to comply with the notice.