- Site: Heysham 1
- IR number: 22-008
- Date: April 2022
- LC numbers: N/A
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
This was a planned conventional health and safety (CHS) inspection at EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited’s (NGL) Heysham 1 (HY1) power station, undertaken as part of the intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The work was carried out in accordance with the planned inspection programme contained in the HY1 Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for 2022/23.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The inspection was conducted on site by an ONR CHS inspector and ONR supply chain inspector. An inspection agenda was prepared and shared with the station prior to the inspection. The key regulatory activities undertaken during the inspection were focused on:
- Providing regulatory confidence in the management of work at height risks present during the outage including planning of work and use of suitable equipment.
- Obtaining an update from station on progress with other matters relating to workplace transport and lifting operations.
The inspection involved discussions with NGL staff, contractors working on site and Trade Union Safety Representatives. The inspectors conducted site walk-downs accompanied by relevant station personnel and sampled associated records, followed by further remote correspondence reviewing additional documents provided after the site visit.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR’s guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
The inspectors adhered with control measures outlined within ONR-GEN-GD-022 (Visit to licensee and other duty-holder premises and other relevant locations during the COVID-19 pandemic) and the local COVID-secure control measures at HY1.
Regulatory advice and judgement were based on determining compliance with Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the relevant statutory provisions made under the Act, including:
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
The inspectors also consulted the following relevant good practice:
- L24 Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Approved Code of Practice, and guidance.
Key Findings, Inspector’s Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The inspectors sampled work at height activities taking place as part of outage work and observed good standards. Based on the samples inspected, ONR judged that HY1 demonstrated adequate arrangements against relevant good practice. As a result, an intervention rating of Green (no formal action) was allocated.
The inspectors were provided with an update on ongoing workplace transport related work to repair station road surfaces. While the inspectors were content with the general progress being made, a concern was raised over a specific location which requires priority attention. A level 4 regulatory issue has been raised to track progress on this matter.
The inspectors were provided with an update on station oversight arrangements in respect of the findings from independent third-party statutory lifting equipment inspections. Following observations made by the inspectors, HY1 has identified further opportunities to better embed their oversight arrangements. ONR will follow up on this matter as part of normal regulatory business.
ONR discussed findings with HY1 as the inspection progressed and at the closing meeting of the inspection. These were acknowledged and accepted by HY1.
Conclusion of Intervention
Based on the samples observed and examined, ONR inspectors were satisfied that HY1 demonstrated adequate arrangements for the management of work at height against relevant good practice. An inspection rating of Green was allocated to the topic.
A level 4 regulatory issue has been raised to track progress with the specific location requiring priority road surface repairs.