Nuclear worker's boiler injury sees notice issued

EDF was issued with an improvement notice after a worker was injured at the site

An energy company failed to ensure the safety of employees when a nuclear worker was injured by a boiler, an investigation has found.

An EDF Energy worker suffered hearing damage when high-pressure steam was released from a valve on 14 May at Hartlepool nuclear power station.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said EDF must implement safety measures to reduce the risk to workers from potential health and safety risks associated with the boilers and pipework.

EDF said it "should not have happened" and added it had undertaken a review of its working procedures in those areas.

An investigation by the ONR said the worker was injured when they were able to open the incorrect valve on the boiler, releasing high-pressure and high-temperature steam during maintenance activities.

The report found there was no risk to nuclear safety, the public or the environment as a result.

Mike Webb, ONR's superintending inspector for operating reactors, said: "Our inquiries into the incident showed that EDF had failed to take appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of employees working on boilers."

He said the ONR would continue to engage with EDF during the period of the improvement notice "to ensure positive progress is made to address this shortfall".

The measures ordered by the ONR involve preventing any unintended steam discharge from the equipment's boilers, ensuring worker safety at all times.

'Rigorous working standards'

EDF has until 30 August to comply with the notice, the report says.

A spokesperson for EDF said: "Hartlepool Power Station takes great pride in ensuring rigorous working standards are in place to protect our people and our plant.

"EDF takes the protection of everyone working at our sites very seriously and has subsequently undertaken a review of our working procedures in these areas."

They added EDF would "continue to work closely with the ONR to continually improve the site safety performance".