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Rectification of an Isotope Storage
Rectification of an Isotope Storage
Identifying and resolving major risk
In 2007 Grontmij was involved in the rectification of an in-cell winch and carousel used to transport isotopes into the cell from an underground store.
The winch mechanism had failed in a position leaving the carousel and isotopes at the top of the store opening in cell. The dose rates in the cell were such that manual intervention was not viable.
Providing safe solutions
The carousel had to be brought into the cell from its stricken position such that the isotopes could be removed from the cell via transport flasks. This would reduce the dose rate in the cell to a level sufficient for man entry to rectify the winch. The chosen mechanism had to fulfill assessment criteria such as safety, functionality, supplier interaction, impacts on the existing structure and ALARP issues.
Successful result
The carousel was successfully recovered and the isotopes removed. The winch has since been rectified and modified to prevent a reoccurrence of this fault. This project was completed within four weeks thereby minimising down time for this facility.