Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: July 2024
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection was to observe a demonstration of the Hinkley Point B extant emergency arrangements to confirm they remain adequate.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC11 - Emergency arrangements - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
ONR observed and assessed the level 1 emergency exercise ‘Baker’ at the EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd. (NGL) Hinkley B power station.
The emergency scenario involved a seismic event resulting in: a dropped fuel flask; damage to the pond water pipework in the active effluent treatment plant; and two casualties.
ONR was satisfied that the exercise was appropriately challenging with suitable objectives, and that it was appropriately planned and executed. ONR judged that the licensee's performance met the legal requirements and we have awarded a GREEN (no formal action) inspection rating against licence condition (LC) 11 (Emergency arrangements).
The licensee's emergency response achieved the following key outcomes:
- Established on-site command centres (Central Control Room (CCR), Emergency Control Centre (ECC) and Access Control Point (ACP)). In addition, the corporate Central Emergency Support Centre (CESC) was set-up to support the station.
- Completed a full site muster, accounting for site personnel in a timely manner.
- Located, assessed, and dealt with 2 casualties in concert with external emergency services.
- Assessed the conditions in the damaged area of the AETP and terminated the pond water leak.
- Assessed the conditions of the dropped flask.
Learning opportunities were identified in the following areas:
- Engagement with external emergency services during exercise scenario planning.
- Emergency Control Centre focus actions.
- Layout and setup of the ACP and effect on: triage of external emergency services and the responsibility of the ACP emergency controller.
Conclusion
ONR judged that exercise 'BAKER' met the legal standard for a demonstration of the licensee’s emergency arrangements and rated the inspection as Green (no formal action) against Licence Condition 11.