The chimneys have been a long-standing feature of the Sellafield skyline. They were identified as a potential risk as part of the site’s decommissioning and regeneration programme. Ainscough supplied cranes and heavy lift services through its Lancaster depot.
A tandem lift of a nuclear site required careful attention to safe working. Ainscough used a 300t Liebherr LTM1300-6.3 as the main crane, with a 130t LTM1130-5.1 taking the support role, first to install lifting equipment, and then to tail the chimney stacks as they were removed, moved to the horizontal, and safely set down.
Detailed lift planning and calculations were essential to ensure there was no risk of impact on surrounding infrastructure or nuclear containment facilities.
Ross Chappell, heavy cranes technical manager at Ainscough Crane Hire, said:“Operations at Sellafield demand the highest levels of planning, precision and professionalism. This was a technically challenging lift involving a controlled top and tail operation in a highly regulated environment.
“Our lift team adhered to our ‘Make the safe choice’ ethos, carrying meticulous calculations and ensuring complete protection of surrounding assets and containment structures. By deploying the right equipment and experienced personnel, we were able to deliver the dismantling works safely, efficiently and without incident.”
Got a story? Email [email protected]
