- Site: Heysham 2
- IR number: 21-054
- Date: July 2021
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
Site Licence Condition 30 requires EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd (NGL) to periodically shutdown each reactor at its nuclear power stations for the purpose of examination, inspection, maintenance and testing of items important to safety in accordance with the requirements of the plant maintenance schedule (Site Licence Condition 28).
The purpose of this inspection was to gain regulatory confidence in the implementation of the mechanical engineering aspects of the overhaul and exchange of gas circulators, CO2 pressure relief valves and control rod function and inform the ONR decision relating to the issue of a Licence Instrument for Consent to start-up, post outage activities at Heysham 2.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
As part of this outage, I selected as my sample for inspection the following activities:
- 7AX1 & 7DX2 Gas Circulators - Exchange
- 7BX2 & 7CX1 Gas Circulators - Inspection
- Overhaul and testing of the vessel CO2 safety relief valves
- Control Rods insertion characteristics
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
I observed two gas circulators in the process of being exchanged.
I noted that penetrations on the gas circulators and other plant equipment undergoing maintenance and in a state of partial assembly were fitted with appropriate foreign material exclusion covers.
As part of the walkdown I witnessed good technician interaction with challenging attitudes. Work areas were managed in a disciplined manner with good housekeeping witnessed.
I sampled and examined several gas circulator, CO2 RPV and control rod task sheets and activity control document arrangements and judged they met my expectations and were of good quality.
I consider that throughout my attendance at Heysham 2 a high level of Covid-19 discipline was being observed.
Conclusion of Intervention
After considering all the evidence presented by the licensee, I am satisfied that the LC28 arrangements in place for EIMT are adequate and overall, I am satisfied that they are adequately implemented.
From the sample inspected, it is judged that for the mechanical engineering work activities undertaken at Heysham 2, 2021 outage, compliance against LC28 met the required standard.
At the time of writing this record, there are no significant recommendations that I consider would prevent ONR granting consent, under licence condition 30 of the licensees nuclear site licence allowing the licensee to return Heysham 2 to power following its 2021 statutory outage.
It is my judgement therefore that a rating of Green was appropriate for this inspection.