Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
April 2023
Aim of inspection
This is a planned inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Heysham 1 Power Station, undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The work will be carried out in accord with the planned inspection programme contained in the Heysham 1 Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2023/24.
The aim of the themed inspection is to review the updates made to the station operating procedures due to the Extended Loss Of Grid (ELOG) safety case and the implementation of these changes against Licence Condition (LC) 22. NGLs overall response to ELOG is being tracked under Level 2 Issue 5547.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC22 - Modification or experiment on existing plant - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
NGLs overall response to ELOG is being tracked under level 2 issue 5547. A safety case has been issued for Heysham 1 for ELOG by NGL under version 7 of EC 363255.
The inspection focussed on the following key aspects of the ELOG safety case:
- Evidence of completed maintenance schedule routines related to fuel oil and water stocks, and appropriate sign-off of these
- Implementation of training and briefings provided to staff related to ELOG changes
- Implementation of updates to loss of grid station operating instructions (SOIs) and plant item operating instructions (PIOIs) and the operator's familiarity with these
- Implementation of updates to technical specifications and related surveillances
The inspection was performed in line with ONR’s Technical Inspection Guide for LC22: Modification or Experiment on Existing Plant (as set out in
ONR’s technical inspection guides).
From the evidence sampled, I was content that due process was being followed and arrangements had been adequately implemented. I judged that the licensee adequately demonstrated compliance with the requirements of LC22 and therefore rated this inspection as Green, no formal action.
There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety. At present, no additional regulatory action is needed over and above the planned interventions at Heysham 1 Power Station as set out in the Integrated Intervention Strategy, which will continue as planned.
Conclusion
Overall, based on the sample, we judge that the standard of compliance against the ELOG safety case requirements was consistent with relevant good practice and we are satisfied that the licensee is complying with its legal duties.
There are no findings from this inspection that could undermine nuclear safety at this time. At present, no additional regulatory action is needed over and above the planned interventions at Heysham 1 Power Station. It is our opinion that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is therefore appropriate for LC22.