Nuclear plant told to improve after 'near misses'
EDFA nuclear power plant has been ordered to improve safety measures after an increase in "near misses", the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has said.
The decision was made after visits to the Hartlepool site, operated by EDF, identified areas where safety improvements were required after an increase in the number of reported "serious incidents".
The ONR said the plant remained safe to continue to operate and the events were "not associated with radiological or nuclear risk".
EDF said it had agreed an improvement plan with the regulator last year and was making progress.
ONR said moving the plant into "significantly-enhanced regulatory attention level" related to efforts it was making to bring about improvements in conventional health and safety and performance.
Dan Hasted, ONR's director of regulation for operating facilities, said safety improvements were required but the decision to put the plant into the new category was not a punitive measure.
He said: "In the conventional health and safety area there has been an increase in the number of serious events or near misses that Hartlepool is legally required to report to the ONR.
"It's important to note these have not been associated with radiological or nuclear risk."
Hasted said it was important to look at the root causes to ensure they do not "transfer across to nuclear safety".
Vital to Teesside
The Hartlepool site operates two gas-cooled reactors and has generated electricity for 43 years.
EDF said the regulator would be inspecting the site more regularly.
A spokesperson said the station was a vital part of the Teesside community.
They said: "Last year we agreed an improvement plan with the regulator.
"We have been making progress against that plan, but understand the ONR feels that some more focused attention is required to support that.
"We are committed to working with the regulator to ensure it is content that improvements required are being implemented."