Cymru/Wales: Wylfa - HSE Working to Improve Fire Safety
Her Majesty's Inspector of Nuclear Installations has admitted that two fires occurred in the same location at Wylfa nuclear power plant within months of each other.
He was responding to concerns expressed by the Celtic League that the second fire occurred despite recommendations designed to improve fire safety.
The HMI, David Simister, says that despite the incidents he believes "risks at Wylfa are being properly controlled". However he adds that HSE specialists will be working with the site to improve fire safety.
The full text of the response from HMI is set out below:
"Dear Mr. Moffat
Wylfa Nuclear Power Station — Control of fire hazards
Thank you for your letter to the Health and Safety Executive dated 18th July 2009 which comments on the occurrence of fire in the turbine hall at Wylfa, specifically the two events in June 2008 and May 2009.
HSE has received copies of the licensee's investigations into both these occurrences and is satisfied that appropriate actions are being taken to minimise the likelihood of further similar events. The fires you refer to were in fact not connected, one being as a result of hot work by an operator, the other from ignition of oil vapour contacting hot surfaces. The common factor was the location.
HSE and the licensee recognise that any occurrence of fire on a nuclear site has the potential for serious consequences. I have discussed the licensee's investigation into the 2009 event with HSE's specialist fire inspectors and we will be working with the site to further improve local arrangements for fire safety. Separately, HSE has completed an inspection of the licensee's arrangements for control of contractors undertaking hot work during the 2009 Reactor 1 maintenance outage and found these to be indicative of good industry practice. This gives me confidence that risks at Wylfa are being properly controlled.
Yours sincerely
David Simister HM Principal Inspector (Nuclear Installations) Nominated site inspector for Wylfa Nuclear Power Station"
The Celtic League is grateful to HMI Simister for his prompt response to these concerns.
Related article on Celtic News at:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
30/07/09
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