Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: October 2024
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to conduct a readiness inspection, prior to the use of explosive techniques in the Sizewell A turbine hall demolition project. A regulatory holdpoint pertains to this activity, which was released following this inspection.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC14 - Safety documentation - Rating: Green
- LC26 - Control and supervision of operations - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I conducted a readiness inspection associated with the regulatory hold-point on the use of explosives for the turbine hall demolition project. The inspection targeted the licensee's arrangements for the proposed activity, which required the explosive demolition of the reinforced concrete turbine bases, to enable hydraulic machines with breaking tools to accelerate the breaking up of the bases. The inspection was devised to sample the licensee's arrangements via:
- a walkdown of the turbine hall and of the turbine plinths, where the explosives will be deployed and of the exclusion zone to be employed
- a sample of the documents that describe the procedures and method to be used, and the justification that risks have been reduced ALARP
Sizewell A has met my expectations associated with Licence Conditions 14 and 26 for the turbine hall demolition project. I therefore judge that it is appropriate to release the regulatory holdpoint associated with this activity.
Conclusion
From the evidence that I sampled during the course of this inspection, I consider that the licensee has adequate arrangements for the use of explosives in the turbine hall demolition project. I consider that a rating for LCs 14 and 26 of green (no formal action) is warranted for this inspection, and that it is appropriate to release the regulatory holdpoint that was associated with this activity.