Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: November 2024
Aim of inspection
The aim of the system based inspection (SBI) was to confirm that the:
- Torness fuelling machine (FM), fuel decay store (FDS), and irradiated fuel disposal facility (IFDF) were meeting the relevant nuclear safety functional requirements defined in the station’s safety case.
- Torness FM, FDS, and IFDF arrangements in relation to the following Licence Conditions (LCs), which are applicable provisions of the Energy Act 2013, are being correctly implemented:
- LC10: Training.
- LC23: Operating rules.
- LC24: Operating instructions.
- LC27: Safety mechanisms, devices, and circuits (SMDCs).
- LC28: Examination, inspection, maintenance, and testing (EIMT).
The inspection’s aim was achieved through a sample-based inspection of associated arrangements, a plant walkdown, and discussions with various stakeholders, (e.g. operators, engineers, and maintenance technicians (MT)).
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
- Overall Inspection Rating - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
From our sample of evidence, the key findings of our SBI of the Torness fuelling machine (FM), fuel decay store (FDS), and irradiated fuel disposal facility (IFDF) are:
LC 10 – Training: We examined how personnel were deemed to be suitably qualified and experience personnel (SQEP) to undertake FM, FDS, and IFDF examination, inspection, maintenance and testing (EIMT) activities and considered that the associated arrangements were fit for purpose. We also examined the training records of personnel who had recently been involved with the maintenance and oversight of FM, FDS, and IFDF equipment and found that all had completed the essential training to enable them to fulfil their role. We, therefore, assigned an integrated intervention strategy (IIS) rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 10.
LC 23 – Operating rules: We reviewed several FM, FDS, and IFDF related technical specifications (Tech Specs) and associated commentaries, and discussed their application with operators. As a result, we considered the Tech Specs and associated commentaries were clear and straightforward to follow. We, therefore, assigned an IIS rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 23.
LC 24 – Operating instructions: We examined the main station operating instructions (SOIs) associated with the FM, FDS, and IFDF and discussed their application with operators. As a result, we judged that they were logical and easy to follow, even under high workload scenarios. We, therefore, assigned an IIS rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 24.
LC 27 – Safety mechanisms, devices, and circuits (SMDCs): We reviewed several engineering, operating, and maintenance documents, undertook a plant walkdown and spoke to several stakeholders. As a result, we judged that the SMDCs associated with the FM, FDS, and IFDF were connected correctly, were in working order, and were being adequately maintained. We also judged that FM, FDS, and IFDF configuration was being adequately controlled and that adequate numbers of spares were available. We, therefore, assigned an IIS rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 27.
LC 28 – EIMT: We examined several FM, FDS, and IFDF related work instructions (WIs) and the associated work order cards (WOCs) and checksheets. On the whole, we considered that the associated tasks had been adequately defined and that they appeared to have been carried out as specified. However, we did highlight a small number of minor shortfalls and areas where enhancements could be made. We, therefore, judged that the FM, FDS, and IFDF were being adequately examined, inspected, maintained, and tested. We, therefore, assigned a IIS rating of Green (no formal action) for LC 28.
Conclusion
From the evidence sampled during this SBI against LC 10, 23, 24, 27 and 28, we judged that the FM, FDS, and IFDF is able to fulfil its safety duties (safety functional requirements) in line with the safety case.
There were no intervention findings that could significantly undermine nuclear safety at Torness and, at present, we consider that no additional regulatory action is needed over and above the interventions currently planned at Torness, as set out in the Torness IIS, which will continue as planned.
We, therefore, judged the overall rating for the SBI to be Green (no formal action).