Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Nuclear
LLC reports
This report is issued as part of the Health and Safety Executive's commitment to make information about inspection and regulatory activities relating to the above site available to the public. It is for distribution to members of the Hartlepool Local Community Liaison Council and covers activities associated with the regulation of safety at Hartlepool Power Station. These reports are distributed quarterly. Site Inspectors of HM Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (part of the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Directorate) attend LCLC meetings and will be happy to respond there to questions raised by members of the LCLC. Any person wishing to inquire about matters covered by this report should contact the HSE, Nuclear Directorate Information Centre on 0151 951 4103.
I visited the site on six occasions during the quarter:
10th July13th September
17th and 18th July
19th and 20th September
19th to 23rd August
25th to 27th September
Specialist NII inspectors also visited the site during the period to inspect arrangements for radiological protection, control of radioactive sources and engineering aspects related to the processing of a flask containing failed fuel.
As part of our routine work NII inspectors inspect for compliance against the requirements of the Station's Nuclear Site Licence, the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant safety legislation. We monitor events, plant operations, projects, modifications and safety case changes which are important to safety. Topics covered during the quarter included the station's arrangements for dealing with modifications, duly authorised persons, maintenance, radwaste, training and operating instructions. I also held a routine meeting with safety representatives.
In general the station's arrangements were found to be satisfactory, with a commitment to remedy matters where that was not the case.
At an inspection carried out by one of my specialist colleagues in March 2002 it was identified that the station were not testing and controlling sealed radioactive sources in line with the Ionising Radiations Regulations. The station undertook to remedy the situation and a repeat inspection was carried out in August to determine compliance. We found that good progress had been made, however a small number of details were found to require addressing to complete the requirements. I am continuing to monitor progress on this issue.
Along with other BE stations Hartlepool have started the process of implementing a revised system for controlling many activities, known WMP. Because this has the potential to be disruptive to current practices, and incorrect implementation may lead to lack of proper control of some safety related activities, I have continued to monitor progress throughout the reporting period. It is apparent that maintenance of the intended programme to "go live" is a major challenge to the station and warrants continuing scrutiny. This will be provided by myself and specialist inspectors as appropriate.
As part of my planned inspection I examine safety related events that have occurred and the Licensee's response to them. Generally the Licensee's internal system for following up events is robust and the appropriate actions are implemented. Activities which I consider to be significant are summarised below.
As a result of the leaking fuel arising earlier in the year the station removed some elements containing leaking pins from the pond and placed them into transport flask E107. Because this flask is unusual in containing leaking fuel I requested the station to provide a formal safety case for NII agreement before it was processed for transport. A case was produced during the latter part of the period and this has been assessed by myself and NII specialist inspectors and is considered to be a satisfactory basis for processing the flask. NII will continue to keep a close watch on progress of this activity.
I have monitored the situation at site carefully to determine whether the uncertainty in BE's financial situation might have any adverse effect on the station's capability in safety related areas, such as supplies and contractors. My enquiries indicate that a small number of suppliers and contractors have sought additional assurance and have been satisfied in all cases. Safety related stocks have continued to be maintained at correct levels.
The possibility of fire-fighter's industrial action developed during the reporting period. In late September I discussed the station's approach with them as a precaution. They retain a substantial capability on site and a risk assessment has been carried out to identify additional activities to minimise risk during any period of industrial action. These activities include such things as avoidance of hot working or working in confined spaces, avoiding intrusive maintenance on fixed fire fighting or detection systems, maintaining passive barriers and additional vigilance among staff. NII judge that these additional risk mitigation activities, together with the continuing on-site capability, are satisfactory to enable the station to continue operating during the industrial action.
The Inspectorate has powers under the Nuclear Site Licence to issue Consents, Approvals and Directions. In addition, the Inspectorate uses Licence Instruments to issue Specifications and Agreements under the conditions attached to the Site Licence. No formal regulatory documentation has been issued during the reporting period.
Published on the HSE web site 1 July 2003