Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
May 2025
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this Inspection is to sample evidence supporting the compliance of Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Hunterston A (HNA) with Licence Condition 11 (LC11) (and where applicable, the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulation (REPPIR) – Regulation 10) and are adequately implemented during the site annual test North Ridge.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 11 - Emergency arrangements - Rating: GREEN
- REPPIR - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This report presents the findings of a planned intervention that was undertaken to assess compliance with Licence Condition 11 – Emergency arrangements (and the applicable parts of The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 at the Nuclear Restoration Services Hunterston A nuclear licenced site. This also involved witnessing a Level 1 contingency exercise “North Ridge”.
I observed adequate evidence to demonstrate that:
- There is a formal review and approval process to ensure that the emergency arrangements are valid and practicable.
- The emergency arrangements are subject to a programme of internal assessments.
- Information from relevant events both internal and external to the organisation are considered and used to ensure the emergency arrangements continue to be robust. This includes information and learning from previous tests (both training and demonstration), Learning from Experience (LFE)/OpEx, assessment, inspection or audit activities.
- Emergency tests are critically assessed with an action plan to actively manage and implement any findings.
- The implementation of these arrangements during exercise “North Ridge” was adequate.
- No regulatory issues were identified. Two pieces of advice and three observations were raised.
In addition, a number of good practices were observed.
- A detailed programme of rehearsing of emergency plans was observed.
- Key documents relating to the site emergency arrangements detail individual roles and responsibilities and clearly identify the appropriate members of staff.
- Recent exercises are supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service. Requesting and facilitating the Blue Light emergency services within on-site exercising is to be considered a good practice and is to be recommended.
- Nuclear Restoration Services Hunterston A document titled ‘First aid Needs Assessment for HNA Site’ was noted as a useful and well populated document.
- Openness and honesty from all individuals who were spoken to.
Overall, I have judged that, based on evidence sampled prior to and at the time of this on-site inspection, compliance with Licensed Condition 11 – Emergency arrangements (and the applicable parts of The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 has been demonstrated and an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Conclusion
Overall, I have judged that, based on evidence sampled prior to and at the time of this on-site inspection, compliance with Licensed Condition 11 – Emergency arrangements (and the applicable parts of The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 has been demonstrated and an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
I have also judged based on the performance during exercise “North Ridge” that NRS have performed an adequate demonstration of their emergency contingency arrangements.