It is a requirement of our Nuclear Site Licences and other legislation that the company shows how it makes and implements adequate arrangements to respond to an emergency.
EDF Energy performs a regular programme of emergency exercises to test its procedures, facilities, systems and equipment, and enable everyone to practise their role. Emergency exercises are also the main way that we demonstrate the effectiveness of our emergency arrangements to the regulator and external agencies.
There are three main types of regulatory exercises, which have evolved in the nuclear industry; Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. These exercises vary in the involvement of organisations locally and nationally.
Training
Emergency Response role training is an important part of the emergency arrangements and ensures each member is confident in their role and the tasks that they would be required to carry out. Each role has a number of key training modules to be completed. Each shift working team exercises once a year as part of the training programme.
- Level 1
A Level 1 exercise involves all station staff, visitors and contractors and will take up to six hours to complete. This type of exercise takes place annually and demonstrates existing emergency arrangements to the Nuclear Installation Inspectorate. - Level 2
A Level 2 exercise demonstrates how the Strategic Co-ordination Centre (SCC) [formerly called the Local Emergency Centre (LEC)] and Central Emergency Support Centre (CESC) deal with the off-site implications of an emergency. A Level 2 exercise involves the CESC, SCC, Media Briefing Centre, emergency services and other external organisations and will occupy at least a full working day. A desktop exercise in the site Emergency Control Centre (ECC) drives a Level 2 exercise, and these take place every three years for each SCC. - Level 3
A Level 3 exercise involves all the organisations in a Level 2 exercise, but also includes full Government departmental involvement. These exercises may occur over several days and may move into the recovery phase of the emergency.
RADSAFE Exercises
EDF Energy is required by the Department for Transport to have suitable emergency arrangements for dealing with incidents involving irradiated fuel transport flasks.
RADSAFE exercises are a demonstration of the effectiveness of emergency arrangements for a possible flask transport incident.
RADSAFE exercises are generally joint exercises involving EDF Energy, emergency services and local and national agencies to exercise the RADSAFE response to an event. Training days are held to link in all the responders who would be involved in such an exercise. EDF Energy is looking to be involved in RADSAFE exercises at least once a year.
Visit the RADSAFE website.