- Site: Hinkley Point C
- IR number: 21-041
- Date: February 2022
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This intervention is part of an on-going series of engagements with the Hinkley Point C construction site (HPC) and forms part of ONR’s 2020/21 Integrated Intervention Strategy for New Reactors.
The primary purpose of the engagement was to assess compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). Focus was given to progress against previous inspection findings in relation to the management and application of fire safety, especially fire risk assessments.
This information is used to assess the need for future interventions based on the continued build progress across the site.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
This intervention was carried out by one ONR inspector with specialist knowledge relating to fire safety (life).
The intervention focused on the management of fire safety and the practical fire safety provision. The focus of the intervention was aimed at the Nuclear Island for unit 1 and the Conventional Island.
- ONR was provided with a series of documents prior to arrival on site. These were reviewed in advance of the intervention.
- Relevant legislation (RRO) was used to focus on life fire safety, not nuclear fire safety issues.
- ONR inspector undertook a walk-through of some of the areas of the Nuclear Island and paid particular attention to the physical conditions and compared this with the content and findings of the fire risk assessments.
- During the inspection, ONR challenged site personnel about procedures and approaches to the practical application of maintaining adequate fire safety provision and in particular the control of combustible materials and the provision of laydown areas.
- ONR discussed the existing, and future arrangements, in relation to the resources available to NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited (NNB GenCo) to satisfy the requirements placed upon them by the RRO, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and Licence Conditions.
- ONR conducted meetings to assess the progress that has been made against two existing Regulatory Issues.
- ONR questioned personnel to test effectiveness and knowledge of arrangements and their implementation.
- The intervention was rated in line with the ONR General Inspection Guidance (ONR-INSP-GD-064).
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
During the walk down of the Nuclear Island and Conventional Island, and a series of meetings with those responsible for the construction activities, I identified an improvement and greater maturity in the arrangements compared to the previous intervention. Discussions and enquiries into the resourcing of the NNB GenCo fire safety team and Bylor’s fire safety resources have yet to be concluded but progress is being made.
Conclusion of Intervention
Overall, I concluded that an inspection rating of GREEN was appropriate. I was satisfied that those areas of the site that I visited demonstrated suitable arrangements and control in relation to fire safety.