EDF and contractor Trillium Flow Services UK Ltd have been issued improvement notices by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) due to deficiencies in asbestos documentation at the Torness Nuclear Power Station. The incident, which took place during a scheduled outage in March 2026, risked exposing workers to asbestos, highlighting serious procedural gaps.
What Happened
During maintenance at the Torness Nuclear Power Station in East Lothian, Scotland, workers were potentially exposed to asbestos found within a valve in the steam system. This occurred because crucial information about asbestos identified and removed during a similar operation in 2024 was not recorded in the site’s asbestos register. Consequently, maintenance personnel in 2026 were unaware of the asbestos risk, and appropriate protective measures were not in place.
Following the discovery, ONR conducted a broader investigation, which revealed unreliable asbestos documentation practices by EDF. The site's asbestos register, critical for tracking asbestos presence and condition, was reportedly incomplete and not regularly consulted during maintenance planning. Consequently, ONR issued EDF two improvement notices under The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These notices demand a comprehensive written plan identifying potential asbestos sites and measures to prevent or mitigate employee exposure.
Trillium Flow Services UK Ltd also received two improvement notices for failing to ensure accurate asbestos information in work logs and not assessing asbestos presence before valve maintenance. These actions were taken under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
What This Means for Your Business
The issuance of ONR improvement notices to EDF and Trillium underscores the critical importance of rigorous asbestos management in nuclear and other high-risk industries. For US-based AECM firms engaged in similar sectors, this incident serves as a stark reminder to uphold stringent compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly concerning hazardous materials like asbestos. Ensuring up-to-date and accessible safety documentation not only fulfills legal obligations but also protects worker health and mitigates potential liabilities.
The incident may prompt broader scrutiny across the industry, encouraging firms to review and strengthen their safety protocols. Firms should consider investing in enhanced training and documentation systems to avoid similar regulatory actions and ensure worker safety, thereby maintaining operational integrity and reputation.
What US Operators Should Watch
US operators should closely monitor developments in asbestos regulation and compliance requirements, particularly those related to the Control of Asbestos Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act. As regulatory bodies like the ONR tighten oversight, staying ahead of compliance deadlines and ensuring comprehensive safety documentation will be crucial. Companies should also anticipate potential industry-wide audits and prepare for increased scrutiny on their safety management practices.
Source: https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/edf-trillium-issued-onr-improvement-notices. Read the original story ->
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