Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- September 2024
Aim of inspection
A System Based Inspection (SBI) was carried out on the fuel route at Hartlepool due to the significance of fuel route to support refuelling and defuelling activities. The aim of the SBI was:
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to determine whether the structures, systems and components (SSCs) associated with the fuel route and associated support systems can adequately fulfil their safety duties (safety functional requirements), in line with claims made within the safety case; and
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to consider the adequacy of implementation of the licensee’s arrangements.
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to undertake an inspection on the implementation of the safety case claims, arguments, and evidence associated with the fuel route and associated support systems at Hartlepool power station.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC10 - Training - Rating: GREEN
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: GREEN
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: GREEN
- LC27 - Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits - Rating: GREEN
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - 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
This inspection was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of ONR Specialist inspectors, including the ONR nominated Site Inspector.
During this System Based Inspection, of the Fuel Route Front End, I sampled the following to inform my judgement:
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Fuel Route Personnel & 'Fuelling Machine Operative' training records & evidence, in accordance with the requirements of Licence Condition 10 and 28(6);
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Limits and Conditions for the movement of irradiated fuel in regards to Licence Condition 23;
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Station Operating Instructions and Surveillance Requirements for Fuel Route & Fuelling Machine operation against the requirements of Licence Condition 24;
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The plant walkdown, in combination with discussions with Fuel Route Operations Technicians in support of Licence Condition 27 and 28;
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Order Cards and Maintenance Task Management arrangements for Fuel Route interlocks regarding Licence Condition 27 and 28; and
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Company Technical Standard compliance and Blowdown Route Monitoring records for Licence Condition 34.
ONR Inspectors identified a minor shortfall in relation to the calibration of the Fuelling Machine Hoist Linear Variable Differential Transformer and have raised a Level 4 Issue to track this issue to closure.
Conclusion
Based on my sample from this System Based Inspection, I conclude that:
Site Licence Condition 10 - Training
ONR Inspection Rating - GREEN (No formal Action)
I am content that EDF are managing the training of Fuel Route personnel in accordance with the expectations of LC10. I therefore consider an inspection rating of GREEN (No Formal Action) to be appropriate for Licence Condition 10.
Site Licence Condition 23 - Operating Rules
ONR Inspection Rating - GREEN (No formal Action)
I am content that EDF are operating the Fuel Route in alignment to the operating rules as defined in the safety case. Therefore I consider an inspection rating of GREEN (No Formal Action) to be appropriate for Licence Condition 23.
Site Licence Condition 24 - Operating Instructions
ONR Inspection Rating - GREEN (No formal Action)
I am content that EDF are operating the Fuel Route area in alignment to the operating instructions as defined in the safety case. Therefore I consider an inspection rating of GREEN (No Formal Action) to be appropriate for Licence Condition 24.
Site Licence Condition 27 - Safety Mechanisms, Devices and Circuits
ONR Inspection Rating - GREEN (No formal Action)
I am content that EDF are operating the Fuel Route area in alignment to the requirements of Licence Condition 27.
Site Licence Condition 28 - Examination, Maintenance, Inspection and Testing
ONR Inspection Rating - GREEN
Acknowledging the minor shortfall in the Calibration of the LVDT system, and the Level 4 Regulatory Issue (RI-12231) raised to address this, having not identified any significant safety issues, I consider that EDF are maintaining the Fuel Route SSCs in alignment with the requirements of LC28.
Site Licence Condition 34 - Leakage and Escape of Radioactive Material and Radioactive Waste
ONR Inspection Rating - GREEN (No formal Action)
I am content that EDF are actively managing Fuel Route LC34 compliance in accordance with expectations. Therefore I consider a provisional inspection rating of GREEN (No Formal Action) to be appropriate for Licence Condition 34
Overall, from my sample of evidence in combination with the plant walkdown, ONR inspectors did not identify any significant shortfalls in the delivery of the Front-End Fuel Route safety functions. Therefore, a GREEN rating for this system based inspection is considered appropriate. The intervention findings were shared with EDF as part of the normal inspection feedback process.