The project was part of the decommissioning strategy for Hunterston ‘A’ Nuclear Power Station on the Firth of Clyde and comprised the construction of twin 5.1m x 5.5m x 14.5m high reinforced concrete cells to house two stainless steel nitric acid storage tanks. The work was undertaken within the Radiological Controlled Area, working under C2 conditions.
The concrete walls were constructed in six lifts using EFCO plate girder system formwork with an internal acid-resistant coating application providing further protection in the event of acid spillage.
The works included installing the stainless steel nitric acid tanks into the completed concrete cells, with the pre-fixing of access ladders and platforms to the tanks.
The building was finished with aluminium cladding on a structural steel frame, with external platforms and access ladders. The area around the tanks was completed with concrete paving to form an access ramp to the tanks and incorporated a control panel plinth.
Throughout the construction works, the Company adopted an open and inclusive approach to the critical Health & Safety aspects of working on this nuclear decommissioning site, with site stakeholders invited to weekly reviews of the planned work ahead to smooth out any potential problems. This approach has been acknowledged with the award of follow-on work on the site.
Key Facts
| Client: | British Nuclear Group |
| Engineer: | |
| Contract Value: | £410,000 |
| Duration of works: | February 2005 – September 2005 |