Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: May 2024
Aim of inspection
A planned inspection of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited's (NGLs) arrangements for the management of failed fuel at Heysham 1 Power Station.
Subject(s) of inspection
- IRR17 - Rating: Not Rated
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: Green
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: Green
- LC34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste - Rating: Green
- Overall Inspection Rating - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection comprised discussions with EDF Energy staff, a discussion on the fuel and failed/weakened fuel safety cases, a review of the records and documents relevant to the implementation of the safety cases and a walkdown of the fuel route from reactor pile cap to the flask loading area.
LC 23 - Operating Rules
We were satisfied that the fuel route and failed/weakened fuel safety cases were being adequately implemented at the station. We saw evidence that the authoritative advice from the fleet-led Fuel Assessment Panel was being implemented in full. We noted that appropriate limits and conditions had been identified (e.g. with respect to gaseous activity monitoring availability and action levels, fuel storage pond and discharge activity monitoring) and there was evidence that these were complied with and associated surveillance routines being undertaken as required by the Tech Specs. No Areas of Improvement identified.
LC 24 Operating instructions
We sampled a number of different operating procedures, working instructions, surveillance routines and other types of operating instruction including local working instructions within the HYA Nuclear Safety Group, Operations department and Fuel Route. These were of a good quality and there was evidence for their use and adherence with them. Regulatory advice was provided with respect to implementation of good practice and station documentation.
LC 34 Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste
The successful implementation of the safety case, procedural use and adherence and regular monitoring of activity levels and sampling of discharges (against which we saw evidence discussed above under LCs 23 and 24) gave confidence in compliance with LC 34. During the plant walkdown we saw that the plant was in good condition, with operational in-core monitoring equipment and no significant defects or other concerns identified with the fuel route from pile cap to the flask loading and export facilities.
IRR 17
IRR 17
We did not gather sufficient evidence on which to rate this item.
Whilst conducting the plant walkdown we identified an electrical safety shortfall in relation to the protection of live conductors within a cabinet on the pile cap (relating to the Gamma Activity Monitoring system) on the first day of the intervention. The licensee took immediate temporary steps to ensure safety but we have raised a level 4 regulatory issue to ensure a permanent solution and to consider whether there is a wider extent of condition.
Conclusion
Overall we were satisfied with the management of failed fuel at the station. We identified no shortfalls in relation to LCs 23 (Operating rules), 24 (Operating instructions) or 34 (Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste) and we have rated each of these LCs as 'GREEN' (no formal action) although we did provide some minor items of regulatory advice in relation to LC 24. We did not gather sufficient evidence to rate compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).