nuclear-news

Extensions to improvement notices following asbestos shortfalls at Torness

6 July 2026, https://www.onr.org.uk/news/all-news/2026/07/extensions-to-improvement-notices-following-asbestos-shortfalls-at-torness

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has granted extensions to four improvement notices – two each served on EDF and contractor Trillium Flow Services UK Ltd – following asbestos shortfalls at Torness Nuclear Power Station.

The incident occurred during a planned outage at the East Lothian site in Scotland, in March 2026, when workers could have been exposed to asbestos in a valve within the steam system while carrying out overhaul activities. 

There was no risk to nuclear safety, the public or the environment.  

ONR has recognised that both companies have made progress towards meeting the requirements of the notices and so extensions have been granted to allow EDF and Trillium Flow Services UK Ltd more time to demonstrate full compliance.

Trillium Flow Services UK Ltd must comply with both of its notices by 30 September 2026.  

EDF now has until 27 January 2027 to comply with the first notice for failing to maintain a written plan identifying areas of the site where asbestos is, or may be, present. 

And it now has until 30 October 2026 to comply with the second notice, which relates to a failure to prevent or adequately reduce employee exposure to asbestos during valve overhaul activities.

ONR will continue to monitor both companies to ensure full compliance is achieved.

July 12, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, UK