The latest in a line of health and safety issues for the site, a fire enforcement notice has now been served by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
The Office for Nuclear Regulation has served a Hinkley Point fire enforcement notice to the Bylor JV.
The joint venture consists of Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues Travaux Publics.
A failure to implement appropriate fire safety measures
The ONR has undertaken a focused fire safety intervention at Hinkley Point C and identified significant shortfalls in fire safety, including a lack of appropriate arrangements, planning, organisation, control, monitoring, and review of preventive and protective measures.
Ray Cassar, ONR’s Fire Safety Inspector said: “Fire safety is fundamental to protecting workers and the public at nuclear construction sites.
“Our inspectors found that fire safety arrangements at the Hinkley Point C site did not meet the standards we require, particularly given the scale and complexity of the ongoing construction work. We also took into account several similar findings from previous inspections.
“We will work with Bylor JV to ensure they put proper systems in place to manage fire risks effectively and prevent similar issues arising in future.”
A myriad of issues for the site
Several issues have plagued the Hinkley Point C site throughout its construction lifecycle.
The ONR is already prosecuting the Bylor JV for a health and safety incident in 2022 leading to the death of a worker, Jason Waring. Specific details of the incident were never released, however Nigel Cann, delivery director, said at the time: “We are very sad to confirm that one of our team was involved in a fatal construction traffic incident this morning during planned work activities.
“The incident is being investigated by the police and the Health and Safety Executive, and we will co-operate fully with the authorities.
“Work at the site has been stood down and we are offering support to colleagues affected by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
In May, several safety failures at Hinkley Point C were also reported regarding a crane under the Nuclear New Build Generation Company, with cracks in the mast sections of a crane and a failed pin between two mast sections.
Principal inspector at the Office for Nuclear Regulation, John McKenniff, said: “While the observed damage did not result in any crane failure or collapse, this improvement notice was served to ensure that action is taken to prevent any similar occurrences in the future.
“We will monitor the actions of NNB GenCo and will consider taking further action if additional shortfalls are identified.”
The post Bylor JV served new Hinkley Point fire enforcement appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
