Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
October 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to sample the implementation of Heysham 2 licence condition 26 (control and supervision of operations) and 28 (examination, inspection, maintenance and testing) arrangements associated with the management of control room alarm integrity.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 26 - Control and supervision of operations - Rating: GREEN
- LC 28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection focussed on how Heysham 2 manages both central control room (CCR) alarms and fuel route (ponds) control room alarms, though sampling associated arrangements and ensuring they have been adequately implemented. A plant walkdown including visits to the CCR and fuel route ponds CR were undertaken to support this inspection.
The inspection also included examination of the data processing control systems (PCS), data amendment requests (DARs), defeat of interlocks (DOIs) and associated facia alarm interfaces. An overview of the systems was provided by EDF staff followed by more in depth discussions on the practicalities of implementing the arrangements and safety case compliance. It was evident that the systems are being controlled and managed by a small team of engineers who had a clear understanding of the systems and demonstrated real ownership.
From an LC26 perspective there was a clear understanding of the systems supporting control room alarm integrity, a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities and overall accountability for the systems discussed. The EDF individuals we engaged with were very knowledgeable on the systems discussed and there was open and transparent discussion throughout. Based on this an inspection rating of GREEN was assigned for the LC26 aspects of the inspection.
For LC28, discussions were haled with key role holders around roles and responsibilities, maintenance requirements for the systems being sampled and the associated system improvement programme being undertaken following an EDF internal system review. We also conducted a walkdown of the control room where discussions were held with control room managers and operators, alarm management examples for maintenance and operational scenarios were discussed, associated instructions and documentation was sampled for completion and quality.
From an LC28 perspective there was a clear understanding of the systems supporting control room alarm integrity, including the examination, maintenance, inspection and test requirement, a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities and overall accountability for the systems was clearly defined. The EDF individuals we engaged with were very knowledgeable on the systems discussed and there was open and transparent discussion throughout. Based on this an inspection rating of GREEN was assigned for the LC28 aspects of the inspection.
Overall, the inspection was positive with key role holders having clear ownership and understanding of the systems they have responsibilities for. It was positive to see system reviews have identified improvements required which ae currently underway and are being well managed. Some regulatory advice was provided regarding the quality of completed documentation and the governance arrangements relating to this. Both LC26 and 28 were rated GREEN no formal action for this inspection.
Conclusion
Overall, the inspection was positive with key role holders having clear ownership and understanding of the systems they have responsibilities for. It was positive to see system reviews have identified improvements required which ae currently underway and are being well managed. Some regulatory advice was provided regarding the quality of completed documentation and the governance arrangements relating to this. Both LC 26 and 28 were rated GREEN no formal action for this inspection.