Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
January 2026
Aim of inspection
The purpose of this inspection is to gain assurance that LC11 with respect to chemical safety is being managed effectively at Heysham 1.
Subject(s) of inspection
- COMAH - Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 - Rating: Green
- LC11 - Emergency arrangements - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This LC11 and COMAH compliance inspection involved reviewing the EDF Nuclear Generation Limited (NGL) arrangements for addressing emergencies involving COMAH relevant dangerous substances at their Heysham 1 site and was undertaken with the Environment Agency (the joint COMAH Competent Authority).
The inspection involved a day on site reviewing the risk assessments and emergency plans for controlling and mitigating the consequences of major accidents; the systems sampled were hydrazine, diesel and sodium hypochlorite.
The risk assessments and emergency plans were sufficiently aligned, and the site walkdown confirmed the emergency arrangements were in place. There was evidence that training was provided for key roles, and personnel were aware of emergency arrangement and there was a refresher programme in place.
It was identified that the site emergency plan did have some minor shortfalls which have been feedback to site as observations these will be followed up in course of normal business. It was also agreed that wider learning would be disseminated across the fleet.
This inspection provided evidence that the COMAH major accident risk assessments are due a review, this work has been identified by NGL and there is Process Safety Management programme in place, this work is being monitored by the ONR, the Environment Agency and SEPA (the joint COMAH Competent Authority) to ensure its effective and timely delivery.
Conclusion
During the inspection Heysham 1 was able to demonstrate that it had appropriate emergency response arrangements in place to address incidents involving COMAH relevant dangerous substances. Some minor shortfalls were identified which were communicated to the site as advice and these will be followed up by the nominated site inspector during ongoing engagement.
The COMAH 2015 regulations prescribe the information that must be included within the COMAH notification (Regulation 6). The COMAH notification for Heysham 1 and 2 references the Heysham 2 Station Director and it is not evident that they are authorised as the 'person in charge of establishment' for Heysham 1. This minor shortfall was fed back to EDF Heysham 1 and has been raised as a level 4 regulatory issue to track resolution.
Licence Condition 11 – Emergency arrangements
Based on the evidence sampled, I rate the inspection Green, no significant shortfalls.
COMAH
Based on the evidence sampled, I rate the inspection Green, no significant shortfalls.