Project Overview:
This project involved the safe deconstruction of a large, heavily reinforced concrete 125-metre chimney at the Sellafield Nuclear Power Station in Cumbria. Colemans were brought in as a specialist consultancy to provide critical expertise for this complex and high-risk undertaking.
Benefits of Early Consultancy Involvement:
- Enhanced Safety in a Nuclear Environment: Colemans experience working within nuclear facilities ensured the development of a deconstruction plan that prioritised worker and public safety while adhering to Sellafield’s stringent safety protocols.
- Overcoming Complex Site Challenges: The project posed unique challenges due to the extreme height, contaminated work area, and integration with the contractor’s existing system. Colemans’ expertise facilitated the development of safe methodologies and temporary works designs to navigate these complexities.
- Optimised Deconstruction Methodology: Through collaboration with the contractor, Colemans developed a tailored deconstruction approach that considered the size and weight of contaminated materials, wind load factors, and safe removal procedures.
- Improved Project Efficiency: By providing clear communication and comprehensive documentation (including crane selection the associated lifting plan, cutting sequence and specification for all equipment to be used), Colemans streamlined the deconstruction process for the contractor.
- Reduced Project Risk: The early involvement of Colemans as a consultant minimised potential safety risks and ensured the project’s successful execution.
Experience Brought to Bear:
- Nuclear Safety Expertise: In-depth understanding of nuclear safety regulations and best practices were critical for designing a deconstruction plan that met Sellafield’s rigorous standards.
- Complex Deconstruction Planning: Colemans team developed innovative solutions to address the challenges of working at a high altitude with contaminated materials.
- Collaborative Project Management: Strong communication and collaboration with Sellafield and the contractor ensured a seamless integration of the consultancy plan.
- Lifting and Rigging Expertise: Colemans knowledge of crane selection and lifting methodologies optimised the removal of contaminated concrete sections.
Conclusion:
By leveraging Colemans’ expertise in nuclear safety, complex deconstruction planning, and collaborative project management, the B6 stack deconstruction project at Sellafield was completed successfully. This high-risk undertaking showcased the value of early consultancy involvement in ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-executed project.
