- Site: Hinkley Point C
- Inspection ID: 51632
- Date: August 2022
- LC numbers: 28
Executive summary
Purpose of inspection
In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR’s) Hinkley Point C (HPC) construction inspection plan, ONR performs a series of planned compliance inspections of identified licence conditions (LC) and other applicable legislation, to ensure that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd (NNB GenCo), is meeting its legal requirement.The purpose of this intervention was to confirm that NNB GenCo has implemented its arrangements for LC28 to ensure systems, structures and components are appropriately preserved and maintained prior to handover for the next phase of the project.
The overall purpose of LC28, is to ensurethat all plant which may affect safety, receives regular and systematic examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (EIMT). The purpose of this EIMT is to ensure the nuclear plant remains capable of performing its safety functions, with the required level of reliability. At this stage of the HPC project, the LC 28 arrangements are to ensure that the plant is adequately looked after and protected so that it is capable of discharging its future nuclear safety function.
Subjects(s) of inspection
The following actives were the subject of this inspection:
- Licence Condition 28 – Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (Rating – Green)
Key findings
For this stage of the project, ONR found that NNB GenCo had developed a coherent programme for the implementation of the LC28 arrangements across the sampled areas. Across the overarching delivery contractors, there was a clear care and maintenance strategy which utilised NNB GenCo’s arrangements to ensure a consistent approachacross the site. I found clear evidence of effective collaborative working between the different dutyholder organisations.
ONR undertook a walkdown of relevant areas covering Bylor and mechanical, electrical, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (MEH) installation areas and viewed evidence of care and maintenance associated with installed items and equipment. I found that the work was adequately controlled and that records had been managed appropriately for the current scale of installation activities. During the site walkdown and subsequent review of records a number of minor areas for improvement were identified and action was taken by the dutyholder to rectify.
Judgement made
Overall, based upon the evidence obtained during the intervention, I judge that the licensee has adequately implemented LC28 arrangements for care and maintenance of installation activities and the associated records. On this basis I judge that an inspection rating of Green (no formal action) is merited for LC28.
Further development of implementation of arrangements as the number of installations increase would need to be developed to ensure they are fit for purpose for the project. ONR will monitor progress in this area which will be the subject of future planned interventions.