Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
June 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection is for specialist fire safety inspectors to sample arrangements at the EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited Hinkley Point B site (HPB) to determine the adequacy of compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure that conventional fire risks are reduced as so far as is reasonably practicable. Fire hazards, if not controlled, can present risks to safety. It is therefore important that the risks from fire are adequately controlled.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This inspection at HPB consisted of a review of the implementation of the licensee’s life fire safety arrangements including: a review of fire safety management and related documentation, a review of a sample of fire risk assessments and a plant walkdown, which focussed on areas of the Contaminated Waste Disposal Facility (CRAWD) and Building 530 (CNC and Security Offices).
I also sampled the duty holder's arrangements for the transition of life fire safety compliance at HPB from EDF NGL arrangements to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) arrangements as part of site transfer. This represents an important aspect of fire risk management as the transition from defueling to decommissioning will be associated with an increase in the significance of conventional safety risk and also because current EDF NGL arrangements and NRS arrangements may differ in some regards.
I also sampled the duty holder's arrangements for the transition of life fire safety compliance at HPB from EDF NGL arrangements to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) arrangements as part of site transfer. This represents an important aspect of fire risk management as the transition from defueling to decommissioning will be associated with an increase in the significance of conventional safety risk and also because current EDF NGL arrangements and NRS arrangements may differ in some regards.
Conclusion
Overall, based on my sample, I judge that HPB has adequately implemented its arrangements with respect to compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and therefore award a Green rating for the inspection.
I identified some observations /advice which were shared with and accepted by the duty holder as part of inspection feedback. These matters do not impact on the overall adequate provision of safety or inspection rating.
I have also raised a Level 4 Regulatory Issue ( RI 12671) requesting HPB to consider the combination of fire faults at the CRAWD however this does not impact on the overall inspection rating under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 inspection as it relates to nuclear safety rather than conventional/ life fire safety.