Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
July 2023
Aim of inspection
This inspection was a targeted unannounced out of hours inspection at Hinkley Point C (HPC) to gain assurance of adequacy of arrangements for control of conventional safety hazards.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Control of Contractors - Rating: Amber
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
From the areas that were inspected during this inspection we are satisfied that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd (NNB GenCo) is managing most health and safety risks in line with relevant legislation, and good practices were observed. Plant inspections were undertaken in the reactor building (HR) (including Framatome work in the in-reactor water storage tank (IRWST), mechanical, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (MEH) work in the core catcher and Bylor activities), Darchem works in the East Pool Bunker and MEH works on hydrotesting the demineralised water tanks. In general, activities observed were well planned and were being adequately controlled. However, some notable shortfalls were identified, particularly in some areas related to the adequacy of control over hand arm vibration.
Conclusion
Overall, based upon the evidence obtained during the inspection, whilst activities were generally observed to be well planned and controlled, there were specific shortfalls identified in relation to control over hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The intervention has therefore been rated AMBER, which reflects the shortfalls identified. A level 3 regulatory issue will be raised to ensure that the measures to remedy the shortfalls have been effectively implemented.