Office for Nuclear Regulation

Sizewell B – Inspection ID: 22-052

  • Site: Sizewell B
  • IR number: 22-052
  • Date: May 2022
  • LC numbers: 10, 23, 34

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was a planned inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Sizewell B (SZB) power station, undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), and carried out in accordance with the Integrated Intervention Strategy (IIS) for the site.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

I carried out an inspection of licence condition (LC) 23 (operating rules), LC 10 (training) and LC 34 (leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste). I focussed my inspection on the liquid radwaste system. Part of my intervention was carried out jointly with the Environment Agency’s lead inspector for the site.

Key Findings, Inspector’s Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

My inspection consisted of review of the licensee’s documentation; discussions with staff (various individuals from the environmental support group, a control room supervisor, an operations engineer and an operations technician); and a plant walkdown. I was satisfied that:

  • the limits and conditions of the safety case are clearly captured in the E-Specs and complied with either through the provision of either engineered measures or a combination of indications, alarms and operator actions. I further saw evidence that such engineered measures, alarms and indications are appropriately maintained.
  • the training provided to duly authorised persons, engineers and technicians was of a high standard, and captured the limits and conditions of the safety case well.
  • the licensee is meeting our expectations for the prevention, mitigation and detection of leakage of radioactive material from the system.

Conclusion of Intervention

There were no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety or that required additional regulatory action over and above the planned interventions at Sizewell B, as set out in the IIS.