Actavo

Project Scope

At Oldbury West Midlands decommissioned nuclear power station, MAE Solutions collaborated with Actavo to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the outer cladding on two nuclear reactors and the turbine hall. The cladding had been coated with asbestos bitumen, requiring all works to be carried out under non-licensed asbestos regulations.

Key elements of the project included:

  • Testing approximately 60,000 fixings across the two structures.
  • Using rope access techniques to achieve full inspection coverage, overcoming the limitations of previous inspections that only accessed 60% of the structures via MEWPs.
  • Conducting the project in a high-risk environment while adhering to stringent safety and decontamination protocols.

 

Despite the facility being decommissioned, regular inspections are necessary to ensure the structural safety of the buildings during the ongoing decommissioning process.

MAE Solutions Approach

MAE Solutions delivered this 12-week project with precision, safety, and efficiency:

  1. Specialist Preparation:
    Our team undertook comprehensive training, developed a robust Safe System of Work (SSOW), and passed rigorous health, safety, and security checks to gain clearance for the project.
  2. Qualified Workforce:
    A carefully selected team of highly skilled and experienced technicians was deployed to manage the unique challenges of this project, including working with hazardous substances.
  3. Safety & Monitoring:
    Strict safety protocols were maintained throughout the project. This included daily contamination checks for both personnel and equipment to prevent the spread of hazardous materials and prioritise workforce health.
  4. Efficient Inspection:
    Using advanced rope access techniques, our team achieved 100% inspection coverage a milestone not previously achieved due to the limitations of conventional methods such as MEWPs.
  5. Cost & Time Savings:
    By utilising rope access, MAE Solutions provided a cost-effective alternative to scaffolding while significantly reducing project timelines.

Key Deliverables

  • Complete Inspection Coverage: Achieved 100% inspection of fixings across all structures, surpassing previous efforts.
  • Unreachable Areas Accessed: Inspected areas previously inaccessible via MEWP.
  • Safety Excellence: Maintained the highest levels of safety in a hazardous and controlled environment.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Delivered significant time and cost savings compared to traditional scaffolding methods.
  • Ahead of Schedule: The project was completed under budget and ahead of the planned timeline.

Outcome

MAE Solutions worked in partnership with Actavo to deliver a thorough and efficient inspection in an exceptionally challenging environment. By achieving 100% coverage and maintaining strict safety standards, MAE demonstrated its ability to provide innovative and reliable solutions for projects requiring access to hazardous and hard-to-reach locations. The project was completed successfully, showcasing our commitment to excellence, safety, and client satisfaction.