Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
December 2023
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to gain assurances that the licensee’s quality arrangements for installation activities at Hinkley Point C (HPC) are adequately developed and effective. This included, but was not limited to, the operations and activities relating to non-conformance reports (NCRs) and quarantining.
This assurance was gained through sampling the arrangements of the licensee, its arrangements for controlling contractors on-site and then sampling the implementation of those arrangements for on-site installation. This covered electrical installation activities and other installation activities where similar expectations have been cascaded by the licensee.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC17 - Management systems - Rating: Green
- LC19 - Construction or installation of new plant - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The licensee presented its arrangements for the control of quality during installation activities at the HPC site.
As a sample, pipework installation and electrical installation activities were both reviewed and observed by ONR inspectors. The primary tool used to demonstrate suitable quality control is Asset Suit 9 (AS9); this is not yet fully deployed across all areas of installation activities.
Activities related to the installation of pipework on site were shown to have adequate controls, records, non-conformance and quarantining arrangements. These were all controlled through AS9.
Activities in the installation of electrical equipment sampled both high and low voltage plant. The arrangements sampled were judged to be adequate, but were not fully embedded in AS9. The application of these arrangements on plant was adequate but inconsistent in some areas; the licensee was able to demonstrate progress in this area, which is a previously identified shortfall relating to application of quarantining arrangements (captured by extant regulatory issue RI-11717), and I am content that no further action is needed above that already underway.
Conclusion
The licensee presented suitable and sufficient evidence that the quality arrangements for the installation of pipework assets are adequate. This includes the arrangements, the implementation of those arrangements and the records kept following installation. From the sample taken, there are issues with application of quarantine arrangements and non-conformance reports for electrical installation activities. These matters are already covered within regulatory issue RI-11717 and the licensee was able to demonstrate progress towards the resolution of this issue. It would, therefore, be disproportionate to take further action on this matter. Further progress against RI-11717 will be monitored through normal business in the installation assurance workstream.
Given no new shortfalls were identified, and where there were known shortfalls satisfactory progress is being made towards resolution, I have rated this inspection as Green against Licence Conditions 17 (management systems) and 19 (construction or installation of new plant).