Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
December 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection was to confirm that a reasonable and proportionate approach is being taken to the management and application of fire safety by the Principal Contractor and Tier 1 Contractors. and that suitable and sufficient risk reduction measures are being implemented. This was a targeted inspection of the adequacy of the fire safety and emergency arrangements at Hinkley Point C (HPC) with the aim of assessing compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) during construction activities. The inspection assessed progress against previously identified challenges to the management and application of the fire safety arrangements across a wide area of different locations and occupancy.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Construction Fire Safety - Rating: Red
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
A fire safety inspection was undertaken at the Hinkley Point C (HPC) nuclear licensed site over three days from 2 to 4 December 2025. The inspection comprised of meetings and physical walk-downs of construction areas primarily under the control of the Principal Contractor, Bylor, and the MEH Alliance (MEHA). A series of meetings were held across the three days, with outcomes formally recorded in Contact Record CR-02904. The inspection assessed compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including consideration of emergency arrangements within the inspected areas.
The inspection covered multiple construction areas across the HPC site, including 2HR, 2HL, 2HBX, 2HOJ, 2HCA, 1HF and 2HF, with engagement focused on Bylor and MEHA personnel. Progress was observed in relation to emergency lighting enforcement notices served in September 2025. Bylor has made demonstrable improvements, supported by the Principal Contractor, evidenced by the ongoing development and regular updating of a detailed action plan.
Significant concerns were identified in the 1HF building under MEHA control. A failure to adequately assess fire risk associated with a work activity resulted in an unacceptable level of risk to persons in the event of a fire.
Deficiencies included an insufficient fire risk assessment, inadequate means of escape, poor control of the work environment, and excessive accumulation of combustible materials within escape stair lobby areas. These matters were assessed as serious and of evident regulatory concern. As a result, and with the support of the Principal Contractor, all work authorisations for the 1HF building were withdrawn. Further concerns were raised regarding inadequate cooperation and coordination between those responsible for the 1HF and 1HM buildings in relation to shared means of escape. In view of the overall risk profile and management failings identified, the intervention has been assigned a red rating.
Conclusion
On the basis of the extent of shortfalls evidenced through inspection activities, the inspection was rated as RED. As a result of the significance of the shortfalls found, ONR has applied its Enforcement Management Model, as described in ONR-EF-GD-006 and produced an Enforcement Decision Record (CM9 2025/42809). The outcome of the EDR, was to serve Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Enforcement Notices on those organisations making up the MEH.
In addition to the above, a Level 2 Regulatory Issue will be produced for the purposes of assuring suitable internal oversight by ONR in relation to the progress against the required improvements.