Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
May 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was:
- To determine whether shortfalls identified from previous inspections and commissioning activities on the Unit 1 Polar Crane have been implemented, together with learning from NNB GenCo's and APCO's assembly and installation works.
Subject(s) of inspection
- CDM 15 - Rating: GREEN
- Health & Safety at Work Act - Rating: GREEN
- LC 19 - Construction or installation of new plant - Rating: GREEN
- Lifting / LOLER - Rating: GREEN
- Working at Height - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This inspection was carried out in May 2025. At this stage, NNB GenCo was completing the assembly works, commencing what it terms “pre-commissioning” work, end-to-end electrical testing, and planning the lifting operations required to install the polar crane into Unit 2.
My inspection consisted of a series of discussions related to learning, work management, assessment and management of risks, followed by a visit to the compound where the crane is currently completing assembly and where pre-commissioning work is ongoing.
There is clear evidence that the learning from the Unit 1 Polar Crane storage, assembly, installation and commissioning has and is being appropriately implemented. This is having an obvious impact in relation to the cleanliness of the compound, the state and condition of the crane and on the contractors themselves. Because of this learning, there is a step-change improvement in how the contractors are working and in how NNB GenCo is managing them.
My discussions with NNB GenCo in relation to planning for the Unit 2 installation revealed that learning from Unit 1 was being taken into account. In addition, NNB GenCo is engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders involved and making suitably informed decisions in relation to reducing risk so far as is reasonably practicable.
I observed that when requesting the training and competence records for the Surveillance Engineer, NNB GenCo was unable to provide them. During our discussion, in my opinion, it was not easy to obtain the information from within the management system, which I expect it to be. I also noted that the right people to provide the information, in terms of authorisation to do so, were not present. NNB GenCo should consider who attends future inspections in order to enable this to be a lot quicker and easier.
Conclusion
My inspection delivered its scope. In my opinion, NNB GenCo was able to demonstrate that it aligns with both relevant good practice and in implementing its own arrangements in relation to:
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work
- Work at Height
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
- LC 19 (Construction or installation of new plant)
- Learning from experience and implementing appropriate improvements
Consequently, I have rated my inspection Green as, in my opinion, relevant good practice was generally met and legal duties are complied with. I also identified areas of good practice during my inspection.
Note that this inspection is linked to IR-54097 (Polar Crane Software Modifications).