Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
November 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of this system based inspection was to confirm that the fuel route (back end) is able to meet the nuclear safety functional requirements as defined in the Safety Case.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC10 - Training - Rating: GREEN
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: GREEN
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: GREEN
- LC27 - Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits - Rating: GREEN
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: GREEN
- LC34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This inspection was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of ONR Specialist inspectors, including the Mechanical Engineering and C&I Specialist Inspectors.
During this System Based Inspection, of the Fuel Route (Back End), I sampled the following to inform my judgement:
- Fuel Route Personnel, training records & evidence, in accordance with the requirements of Licence Condition 10 and 28(6);
- Irradiated Fuel Disposal Facility, Ponds and Flasks corridor, Spent Fuel Cooling Ponds and flask handling arrangements.
- Limits and Conditions for the movement of irradiated fuel in regards to Licence Condition 23;
- Station Operating Instructions and Surveillance Requirements for Fuel Route & Fuelling Machine operation against the requirements of Licence Condition 24;
- The plant walkdown, in combination with discussions with Fuel Route Operations Technicians in support of Licence Condition 27 and 28;
- Order Cards and Maintenance Task Management arrangements for Fuel Route interlocks regarding Licence Condition 27 and 28; and
- Company Technical Standard compliance and Blowdown Route Monitoring records for Licence Condition 34.
Conclusion
Based on my sample of evidence, including the plant walkdown and discussions with system owners, I consider that HYB has adequately demonstrated its implementation arrangements for the safety functions of the sampled systems. I note that ONR specialist inspectors did not identify any significant shortfalls in safety during this inspection.
I have confidence that relevant good practice relating to Mechanical Engineering and Control & Instrumentation is being met, and that the fuel route (back end) can deliver its safety functional requirements as outlined in the safety case. The intervention findings were shared with EDF as part of the normal inspection feedback process. Therefore, in accordance with ONR-INSP-GD-064, I judge that a GREEN inspection rating is appropriate for this inspection.