- Site: Torness
- IR number: 20-112
- Date: March 2021
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to undertake an electrical engineering Licence Condition (LC) 28 compliance inspection at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL) Torness Power Station, in line with the inspection programme contained in the Torness Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2020/21. The intervention sampled the electrical engineering aspects of Reactor 1 2021 statutory outage activities and will inform ONR’s decision on whether to grant Consent under LC 30 for Reactor 1 to return to service.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
We undertook a planned inspection and assessment of implementation of the arrangements for LC 28 Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing (EIMT) at Torness Power Station.
The inspection targeted the planned electrical work being undertaken as part of the Reactor 1 2021 statutory outage including the planned electrical EIMT activities from the station’s Outage Intentions Document and any reactive electrical work emergent from the shutdown.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
We conducted the inspection remotely, on the basis of the regulatory intelligence obtained across the course of engagement and to account for COVID-19 working arrangements. EDF NGL’s Independent Nuclear Assurance Site Evaluator conducted a plant walk-down and observed maintenance activities.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The inspection sampled a number of shutdown related electrical activities. We were advised that progress made against electrical activities during the shutdown was as planned and anticipated. The Station expected to complete all scheduled electrical work activities before return to service and provided reasoning for the activities that had been deferred. Through explanations, discussions and a live demonstration of the station’s asset management system we were satisfied that there were clear, auditable links between the shutdown related electrical activities and the station’s maintenance schedule and instructions. It was also evident that the electrical activities were undertaken at the appropriate periodicity.
EDF NGL’s Independent Nuclear Assurance reported that, overall, it found the activities sampled to be acceptable, with the electrical plant and equipment inspected in an acceptable condition. The station staff spoken to as part of our inspection, all presented a knowledgeable and professional approach, and provided open and honest responses to our questions.
Overall, I (as the inspection lead) considered that the implementation of the LC 28 arrangements for the 2021 shutdown related electrical activities on Reactor 1 was judged to be adequate. Therefore, a ‘Green’ inspection rating, no formal action, was awarded.
Conclusion of Intervention
From the sample inspected, I (as the inspection lead) judged that for the electrical work activities undertaken at Torness during the Reactor 1 2021 statutory outage, compliance against LC28 met the required standard, therefore a ‘Green’ rating, no formal action, was given.
Based on this targeted intervention there were no issues identified from the electrical work activities which would prevent ONR granting Consent under LC30 for Reactor 1 to return to service at this point. This is subject to the completion of the planned EIMT activities, the completion of emergent electrical work and the assessment of any EIMT activity deferrals.
From the evidence gathered during this intervention, there were no matters identified that have the potential to impact significantly on nuclear safety.