- Site: Heysham 1
- IR number: 21-010
- Date: May 2021
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This intervention was carried out to assess EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL) Heysham 1 Power Station’s compliance with requirements of Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009) and the legislation these regulations introduce into Great Britain’s (GB) legal system. The intervention addressed the requirements for civil transport of class 7 dangerous goods (radioactive materials).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this intervention was conducted remotely. This involved requesting information on training and consigning class 7 materials from Heysham 1 Power Station together with structured discussions by video-conference with Station staff involved in consigning class 7 materials, responding to a class 7 transport emergency event and transport security.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
This was not a Safety System based intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
From the review of requested documents and findings from structured discussions the Inspector came to the following views:
- Heysham 1 staff involved in consigning class 7 materials understood relevant transport legislation; had received suitable training for the consigning of class 7 materials; and consigning documentation was considered compliant with regulatory requirements and NGL consigning arrangements. From inspection of modal transport forms two instances were identified where weights and volumes had not been recorded. This finding was brought to the attention of the Heysham 1 Safety and Environmental Group Head with advice provided by the Inspector.
- Heysham 1 staff involved in the training and responding to a transport radiation emergency event, demonstrated an understanding of the requirements of NGL’s transport emergency plan and Station’s vires through its RadSafe capability to support Local Authority emergency services responding to this type of event. The RadSafe response team, led by an NGL Accredited Health Physicist (AcHP), were considered competent based on all Heysham 1 AcHPs receiving RadSafe training for dealing with a class 7 transport emergency event.
- The Heysham Site’s Security Officer confirmed transport security requirements had been met for class 7 materials, given Site’s transport security plan was approved by ONR Security as compliant with requirements of Nuclear Industries Security Regulations (NISR) 2003. NISR standards place higher requirements on duty-holders than those set out in European transport legislation introduced into GB legal system through CDG 2009.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on evidence gathered from this intervention the ONR Inspector judged Heysham 1 Power Station as compliant with transport legislation for the carriage of class 7 dangerous goods.