- Site: Hartlepool
- IR number: 21-098
- Date: October 2021
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this inspection was to undertake an electrical engineering licence condition (LC) 28 compliance inspection at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL) Hartlepool power station, in line with the inspection programme contained in the Hartlepool integrated intervention strategy (IIS) for 2021/22.
The inspection was carried out by an electrical specialist inspector with support from a nuclear associate. For the purposes of this report, the term “we” refers to the judgements and opinions formed by the electrical specialist inspector and nuclear associate during this intervention.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
We undertook a planned inspection of the implementation of the arrangements for LC 28 examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (EIMT) at Hartlepool power station.
The inspection sample targeted the planned electrical work being undertaken as part of the reactor 1 2021 statutory outage 13 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.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Based on the discussions, explanations and the sample inspected, on this occasion, we were satisfied that there were no significant shortfalls identified with the implementation of the established arrangements for LC 28 EIMT in relation to the planned electrical work undertaken as part of the reactor 1 2021 statutory outage 13. The targeted inspection undertaken confirmed that the planned EIMT and modification activities during this shutdown were appropriate and that electrical plant and equipment was being maintained in accordance with the established arrangements.
During the inspection we sampled the following statutory outage related electrical activities:
- Routine switchboard maintenance;
- Transformer maintenance routines;
- Generator protection relay testing;
- Switchboard timer relays.
We were advised that progress made against the electrical activities during the statutory outage was as planned and anticipated. The station had completed all scheduled electrical work activities to date and anticipate completing them all before the planned return to service. Through explanations, discussions and demonstrations, we did not identify any significant shortfalls in compliance with the established arrangements and we were satisfied that the protection and electrical group representatives had acted in a timely manner to address any areas of specific interest.
All the Hartlepool staff spoken to throughout the course of this intervention presented a knowledgeable and professional approach and provided open and honest responses to our questions.
Overall, we considered that the implementation of the LC 28 arrangements for the reactor 1 2021 statutory outage 13 related electrical activities was judged to be adequate. Therefore, a ‘Green’ inspection rating, no formal action, was awarded.
Conclusion of Intervention
From the sample inspected, it is judged that for the electrical work activities undertaken at Hartlepool during statutory outage 13, 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 for Hartlepool reactor 1 to return to service.
From the evidence gathered during this intervention, there were no matters identified that have the potential to impact significantly on nuclear safety.