Date(s) of inspection
October 2025
Executive summary
Aim of inspection
The primary purpose of this inspection is to assess compliance with the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulation 1989.
We will gain assurance, through sampling site arrangements (including their implementation) for work on electrical equipment at the Hinkley Point C (HPC) site, The secondary part of the inspection will sample site arrangements for identifying, sanctioning, investigating and delivering improvements from electrical incidents
The primary inspection is targeted based on findings from a previous ONR inspection (IR-53075) where it was noted a contractor organisation with limited experience of site was taking responsibility for all non-permanent electrical installations across the HPC site. The second part of the inspection is targeted on understanding the outcome of HPC investigations into electrical high potential events (HPE).
This inspection will take place over two days (8-9 October 2025) and involve discussion of electrical high potential events such as 124693, 124596, 136642 and 136478. 148261 138639. This is to understand the arrangements and monitoring in place to prevent a reoccurrence.
The inspection will also include site visits to areas of site where there are significant non-permanent electrical supply infrastructures and any sites identified in the HPE discussions has been of interest.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Health & Safety at Work Act - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The purpose of this inspection was to examine the processes and arrangements for controlling electrical risks at Hinkley Point C. This was achieved through sampling relevant documentation supported by a site walkdown.
The inspection found that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd and two of its contractors appeared to be managing electrical risks as per the expectations of relevant legislation. Whilst limited electrical work activity was witnessed during the inspection, where it was observed, staff were able to verbally explain safe systems of work including the use of appropriate test equipment. However, safety documentation was not immediately accessible on site. When later reviewing the safety documentation for the work it was unclear how the work was safely planned, how the level of isolation was agreed, what documentation was required on site, and what assurance checks were made.
We sampled several permits and permit to test for specific electrical distribution boards. Those sampled appeared to be completed to an appropriate standard. Staff were able to clearly articulate the process for issuing permits and associated assurance checks.
The principal contractor had identified limitations with their existing permit system as the volume of work and risk increases on site. Consequently, it has developed an action plan that includes trials of new permitting arrangements to ensure consistency, practicality and scalability across the site
Conclusion
At the time of my intervention, and from the information I sampled, I judge that the work observed during inspection was adequately controlled but the licensee did not demonstrate that suitable and sufficient arrangements were in place to control of electrical hazards on site. Where shortfalls have been identified these will be addressed through a level 4 regulatory issue (RI-12789).
Overall, I judge that, in accordance with ONR guidance on the application of inspection ratings, this inspection is rated GREEN