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Hartlepool - Inspection ID: 53433

Executive summary

Date(s) of inspection: 

January 2025

Aim of inspection

The purpose of this planned inspection was to inspect the arrangements for the provision and use of work equipment (PUWER) at Hartlepool Power Station (HRA). This inspection was targeted to provide confidence in the wider management and compliance against PUWER at Hartlepool power station. This was based on intelligence from a previous inspection, where ONR identified that some contractor risk assessments did not recognise the risk from excessive vibration. ONR followed up this concern at the time and were satisfied that the appropriate risk assessment had subsequently been conducted post the inspection. 

Subject(s) of inspection

  • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) - Rating: GREEN

Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made

The inspection focused on compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) at Hartlepool Power Station (HRA). This was demonstrated through discussions with station staff, reviewing station processes, as well as observing physical control and management of work equipment at site. Given the broad definition of work equipment within the regulations the inspection primarily focussed on portable work equipment and how the risks associated with this were managed.

Whilst on site we sampled the arrangements for the provision and use of work equipment, and we discussed the arrangements with station representatives and individuals who had ‘checked out’ work equipment. We sampled the stores for the equipment to understand how the deployment of such equipment was managed, whilst also looking at fixed equipment within the maintenance store. During the plant walkdown, we sampled pre-use checks undertaken by an EDF Energy NGL contract partner (Equans) employee who was using a telehandler. We also sampled how equipment was distributed at the Equans electrical maintenance store. We were satisfied with the demonstration of the arrangements evidenced in those areas sampled.

Conclusion

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998) – ‘Green’ (no formal action)


ONR considered that the station demonstrated it had adequate arrangements in place in relation to the maintenance and the inspection of work equipment. In addition, we considered that it had adequate arrangements to ensure that only persons with appropriate information, instruction and training were able to access and use work equipment. 


The inspection primarily focused on portable work equipment and that equipment typically used by EDF Energy NGL’s maintenance team. Based on this sample inspection, I rate the stations implementation of the arrangements for the provision and use of work equipment to be green.