Door installation is key to progress of Dounreay radioactive waste store

16 Aug 2021 11:53 AM

A significant step forward in the construction of Dounreay's new shielded radioactive waste store has taken place.

A 24m wide and 3m high steel door has been installed in the building. It has been locally constructed by contractors JGC Engineering & Technical Services Ltd and Grahams.

The huge door is one of 3 that are an essential feature of the new radioactive waste store. It will span the width of the store and when closed will safely segregate the remotely operated overhead travelling crane within the crane maintenance bay.

Project manager Dave Busby recently said:

The door was installed on Sunday morning, when the famous Caithness wind was at its lowest using specialist resources from both contractors and a 250 tonne crawler crane.

Once it is filled with concrete to provide shielding for the intermediate level waste, the door will weigh a colossal 180 tonnes. The waste will be kept in long term storage in the building in accordance with Scottish Government policy.