Category: Latest News

One of our supply chain companies, William King Construction, has introduced an innovative solution to enhance safety and efficiency in block cutting operations on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) project.

Using the Soundex Construction Enclosure, they are significantly reducing noise and dust exposure, demonstrating leadership in on-site safety practices.

The Soundex Construction Enclosure is a versatile and easily movable structure that provides a noise-controlled environment. It features acoustic walls and a roof, designed to absorb and block noise efficiently.

Some of the key features of the Soundex Construction Enclosure are:

Noise Reduction: The enclosure offers up to a 33.6 dBA reduction at 500 Hz, making it highly effective for noisy site operations. It uses sound-attenuating materials, and a live traffic light system provides decibel readings, ensuring ongoing noise monitoring.

Dust Control: The system is equipped with strategic dust extraction points and works in conjunction with devices like the Dustex Dustmaster Pro to maintain a cleaner workspace. Air-fed masks called Filter Face Piece3 (FFP3) are used by operatives, and a built-in water suppression system reduces harmful silica dust from block cutting.

Easy Installation: This 5.7 m enclosure is quick to set up and easily relocates with the site works. It folds down for convenient transportation and can be personalised for hazard control.

Effluent Management: Effluent from block cutting is collected using wet vacs and disposed of through labelled Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s), maintaining site cleanliness and environmental compliance.

Providing a Solution

Aaron King, Health and Safety Advisor, said:

“We were tasked with providing a solution for cutting our concrete blocks inside the project building.

“This had never been a requirement as, on previous projects, all block cutting was done outside with a lot of natural ventilation and open space. The task was particularly challenging due to the number of factors involved, including noise, dust, and practicality. Another key factor were the environmental challenges with effluent waste.

“This led us to contact a number of specialist companies, gathering information to compare against one another.

“Once we had amassed key information, we then reviewed it and agreed one product stood out from the rest. This opened up opportunities for a site visit and a demonstration which was very impactful on the choice we made.

“The Soundex construction enclosure enables us to cut blocks in a controlled environment with other trades present whilst also maintaining a safe level of noise for others in surrounding areas, without the need to wear hearing protection.

“The Dustex Dustmaster Pro eliminates all the hazardous silica dust present when cutting the concrete blocks. It filters through a three-stage High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter unit along with a built-in water suppression from the block cutting saw, companied with the wearable air fed FFP3 respirators, this keeps our operatives safe day in, day out.”

William King’s team at SRP has embraced this innovative technology, setting an example for others. Their commitment to minimising noise and dust hazards and improving working conditions is commendable..

To learn more about William King Construction, check out their supplier spotlight video by clicking here.

Working to ensure new talent integrates seamlessly into the nuclear industry, one of our supply chain partners has launched a ‘Welcome to Nuclear’ programme.

ES Steel Solutions, who have worked on PPP on two of our flagship projects, the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) and the Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP), designed the initiative to bring in workers from similar sectors, address the skills gap and upskill workers for the industry.

The company, which is based in Bury, also has an office in West Cumbria, at Kelton House, on Westlakes Science Park.

Jonathan Law, Managing Director of ES Steel Solutions, said:

“We recognised the challenges associated with bridging the skills gap within the nuclear sector, which requires specialist knowledge, expertise, and experience.

“This often makes it difficult to source new talent that can seamlessly integrate this highly regulated and technically demanding field.

“The Welcome to Nuclear programme was developed and launched to address this gap and pave the way for the next generation of talent at ES Steel Solutions.

“It has been designed to supplement our current workforce by bringing in individuals from similar or adjacent sectors and guiding them through the process of adapting to the specific demands of the nuclear sector.

“We support the transition of individuals by addressing key training gaps and providing the learning required to operate safely in the industry.”

ES Steel Solutions is ensuring new members of its growing workforce are prepared and equipped to meet nuclear sector standards.

The Welcome to Nuclear programme helps people not only gain technical knowledge but also receive hands-on experience, which is vital for becoming fully nuclear suitably qualified and experienced personnel (SQEP).

So far, 10 people have come through the initiative with plans for a further 10 in the coming year.

Toni Davis, Operations Manager, said:

“Our experienced team takes a hands-on approach to managing and supporting the training journey.

“Using our integrated systems and databases, we track progress and ensure all trainees meet the necessary milestones.

“By overseeing the entire development process, we ensure new entrants are not only compliant with industry standards but also positioned for long-term success within the sector.”

To find out more about the Welcome to Nuclear initiative, and for the latest career opportunities at ES Steel Solutions, visit: www.es-steel.com

Our client team’s fifth annual report of PPP has been published and provides a review of performance between April 2023 and March 2024.

Overall, the report highlights how PPP is contributing significantly to strong project performance, with external reviews identifying a strong internal culture that is adding value to Sellafield Ltd and leading to better outcomes.

The year wasn’t without its challenges, from industrial relations issues to the challenge of generating some stability and maturity in our front-end requirements.

The report also reflects on the response to Sellafield Ltd’s decision to bring the Replacement Analytical Project (RAP) to a strategic pause and the remobilisation of more than 400 people into roles across Sellafield and PPP.

In the report’s foreword, Andy Sharples, Executive Projects Director for Sellafield Ltd, says:

“There is much to be proud of, as the achievements section in this report shows. Be under no illusion, those achievements are not easy wins, they are the result of a huge amount of work from a lot of people not only across the partnership but also across Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Government.

“There is still work to do, but we are implementing standards at a level and pace never seen before on Sellafield projects. I am extremely proud of the achievements made by our partners in year five and I am excited to see the partnership take hold of some new projects in the coming year.”

In response, Duncan Elliott, Head of PPP, added:

“I remain immensely proud and excited to be leading this partnership, and that will only grow as we continue to deliver our purpose over the next 15 years.

“While we have naturally dealt with challenges during year five, there have been many achievements and some real high points in our delivery.

“As I look forward to the next year, I am particularly excited about the new generation of projects coming through. I am delighted that Sellafield Ltd has already enabled us to embed PPP resources into three pipeline projects, recognising the power and value of adopting the PPP way during the earliest possible stages of a project.”

Click here to read the report in full.

We want our workforce to flourish and staying healthy in body and mind is a key part of our journey to Knowingly Safe. So we have launched our Mental Fitness Principles.

The principles surround: Creating Change, Managing Stress, Sleeping Better, Moving Better, Eating Better, Enhancing Focus, Finding Meaning, Getting Help and Reconnecting.

They will help us in our commitment to creating a safe, healthy and high-performance workplace, where the mental and physical health of employees are valued and prioritised.

Employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours and can have a significant impact on our mental health.

It can be positive, giving us a sense of purpose, boosting our self-worth, and providing opportunities to connect with others. But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing or worsening mental health problems.

Peggy Jackson, PPP Health & Safety Manager, said:

“You can take steps to support your own well-being. Learn techniques to manage stress and stay mindful of changes in your mental health.

“We have created the Mental Fitness Principles, which provide ideas and advice on how to manage your mental fitness and ways of getting help if you are struggling.

“On each of our projects are Mental Health First Aiders / Wellbeing Ambassadors who can offer a listening ear and provide details of resources that are available to you.

“Reach out to your colleagues and line management, they may be unaware that you are struggling.”

Often the hardest thing to do is to start a conversation on mental health. People often ask, ‘how are you?’ when greeting someone. Are we honest when we answer? Are we comfortable enough to say actually, I am not okay?

If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing at work, set a meeting up with your line manager, prepare the things you want to talk about and be honest.

Looking after your mental health is not something we should just do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed. It’s something we should think about all the time and really invest in, just like our physical health.

To see our Mental Fitness Principles go to: Mental Fitness Principles or MoC Website: Folder ‘Mental Fitness Principles’ (mocsl.co.uk).