Reducing cost of industrial cleaning services for Equans at Sizewell B nuclear power station
Equans required a safer, more efficient method for maintaining rainwater drains and gullies on site at Sizewell B nuclear power station. Their existing approach relied on artic tankers, which lead to unnecessary manual handling and a clear risk of falling during routine cleaning work. Compliance pressures and the need for a safer, more efficient method meant the status quo was no longer acceptable.
Client
Equans
Type
Industrial services
Location
Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station, Suffolk, England
At a glance
- Unsafe and inefficient drain cleaning methods at Sizewell B required a safer, compliant alternative.
- An HGV-mounted recycler unit replaced manual handling and work at height.
- Safety improved while cleaning time, costs and environmental impact were reduced.
Approach
ASCO assessed the client’s operational set-up and the practical risks involved in drain and gully cleaning. The focus to remove the need for personnel to work at height or conduct unnecessary manual handling, while delivering an efficient and compliant maintenance process.
We delivered an on-site demonstration of a recycler unit, showing how HGV-mounted high-volume vacuum equipment and high-pressure jetting could take over the task. This method offered a controlled, enclosed system that kept operators on safe ground and allowed drains to be emptied and cleaned without exposure to hazards.
Impact
Equans adopted the recycler unit approach following the demonstration, achieving immediate improvements across safety, efficiency, environmental performance, and operational effectiveness:
- Safer operations: Manual handling risks and fall-from-height hazards significantly reduced
- Efficient process: Cleaning time was reduced, and there was less idling and fewer vehicle movements.
- Environmental benefits: Reduced fuel consumption and emissions, smaller carbon footprint, and minimised waste handling through closed-loop water recycling.
- Cost efficiency: Fewer vehicle trips and reduced manual labour led to lower operational costs.
- Compliance assurance: Controlled, demonstrated procedures ensure full adherence to HSE regulations, providing clear documentation for audits.
- Reduced downtime: Faster, safer drain cleaning reduces interruptions to site operations.
- Staff training and knowledge transfer: On-site demonstration upskilled personnel, giving them confidence and competence in best-practice environmental procedures.
- Versatility: The recycler unit system can be deployed for similar tasks across other sites, offering a reusable and scalable solution.
Testimonial
"The demonstration went very well, both guys, especially Andy Ryan, were very knowledgeable and informative. Going forward we will be using this system for our rainwater gullies."
Sally Watton, Waste Co-ordinator, Equans/Sizewell B Power Station