Health Hazard Control Solutions for Power Station Projects

Download RVT's best practice guide to discover how to keep workers safe during construction, engineering and maintenance works at power stations.

The construction phase of a new nuclear or power plant is vital to the safe operation of the facility throughout its design life. Construction typically involves a lot of work in very confined and restricted areas and large amounts of welding and painting activity which can put construction workers at risk.

While works take place, here are some of the challenges you need to be mindful of:

- During maintenance and repair work, the use of power tools to cut, grind, drill or prepare a surface can create harmful dusts as well as other hazardous and flammable airborne contaminants. This dust needs to be captured, contained and controlled at source, especially flammable dust, to ensure that it does not harm the health of workers or create an explosion risk.

- Site equipment used during the construction of power stations, such as excavators, mini-diggers, loaders, generators and compressors, emit dangerous levels of diesel fumes which need to be controlled, especially when being used in confined spaces, or restricted areas.

- For projects based in a confined space, such as deep inside a furnace, you are likely to require a high pressure fan designed to provide airflow through long lengths of ducting.

- Excessive noise created during activities such as ground breaking and drilling can lead to serious health risks.

- There will be scenarios where workers will need to work in confined spaces. There are various risks involved in this situation, such as a build up of noxious fumes, reduced oxygen levels or a risk of fire. When a project is based in this environment, it is required by law to ensure that sufficient measures are put in place to protect the safety of workers.

Download a copy of this guide to discover how to manage these challenges, remain compliant with legislation, keep everyone safe and your project on track.