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Hazard reduction programme beats milestone
One of the most important hazard reduction programmes at Sellafield this year has passed a significant milestone well ahead of schedule.
The Stores Inventory Retrieval Project has a target of repackaging more than 1000 cans of legacy plutonium into more appropriate and modern containment.
Recently, the 500th can was removed from one of these legacy stores in the Magnox Product Finishing and Storage facility.
This historic store has now been emptied and the project's halfway point achieved three months ahead of schedule.
Workforce mobility, highlighted by Sellafield Ltd's owners Nuclear Management Partners as a key factor in focussing resources on priority areas, has played a significant part in the project's success so far.
Around 30 volunteers from across the Plutonium Operating Unit and another 30 from other areas were drafted in to supplement the team and perform the high dose activities, such as retrieving cans in store.
This meant senior managers, support and technical personnel all performing frontline operations activities for a short period, under close supervision from experienced operations personnel.
Keith Hemming, Transport and Storage Operations Manager for Sellafield Ltd's Plutonium Operating Unit, said: "It has been a tremendous effort by the team so far.
"All personnel were trained in a specially built facility that recreated the store right down to having heaters in the mock-up to mimic the heat generated by the material."
Stuart MacVean, Sellafield Ltd's Director of Spent Fuel Management, added:
"This project is an excellent example of how we want to operate. It's a great example of team work from across the company."
Graham Campbell, NMP General Manager said: "I am delighted that this achievement is recognition of the NMP-driven strategy to introduce more flexibility and mobility across the site."
Dr Ian Hudson, Sellafield site Director for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, added: "Dealing with Sellafield's highest hazards is our top priority, not just for us here at site but across the whole of the NDA estate.
"That's why being able to show progress by excellent performance and delivery is so important. This project has done just that and helps build Sellafield's credibility as experts in the area of Spent Fuel Management."
