Work has begun on removing the external scaffold which encloses the reinforced concrete box on the Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP).
This began at the northeast corner and is progressing around to the west, with two lifts of scaffold being removed at a time. Scaffold boards and tubes are carefully dismantled, stockpiled, and lowered to the ground by the site lifting team, using the four tower cranes.
The scaffold strip is being carried out by Enigma Scaffolding, on behalf of Kier, and is critical for the programme of external works, particularly the interface with adjoining structural steelwork.
The work has been carefully co-ordinated to allow completion of the reinforced concrete roof, finishing of the external concrete walls, and welding of steel brackets on the east.
The scaffold strip will continue sequentially on all sides of the SRP structure through to summer 2025.
Sandy Basso, construction co-ordinator, said: “The works have been progressing well with a strong emphasis on safety. Exclusion zones are set up and checked before work starts, and operations are well controlled with clear communication between teams and scaffolders above.
“Radios are used to ensure safe access, and there is excellent co-ordination between scaffolders and the Mammoet crane gang during lifting operations.
“We have a good set of lads carrying out the work. They are all briefed before starting, fully understand their roles and responsibilities, and put safety first.”