The Savannah River Site’s 70-year-old H Canyon Chemical Separations Facility recently safely replaced the motor on the Hot Crane for the first time, ensuring the viability of the crane in this one-of-a-kind facility for years to come. The H Canyon cranes are essential to H Canyon operations. T

hey are controlled remotely for use in the radioactive areas of the canyon to perform work where personnel cannot go. Because of the importance of the cranes, they regularly go through preventive maintenance; however, this is the first time a part replacement of this magnitude has been performed on the Hot Crane used for the most radioactive operations.

“This work was more involved than a lot of maintenance work we do because mechanics had to deal with lifts, asbestos, tight spaces and numerous other hazards all while being performed in Hot Crane Maintenance Area,” Jeff Bickley, H Canyon Maintenance Manager for the site’s managing and operating contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, said. “Because of the height of the crane, and the fall potential behind the work being performed, not only did mechanics have to wear two pairs of coveralls under breathing air suits to protect them from contamination, but they also had to wear fall protection. We worked very deliberately and carefully to make sure no one tripped over any of the hoses and that everyone was safe during all aspects of the job.”

Replacing the approximately 850-pound motor took weeks of planning and preparation, as well as integration between many different departments at SRS including rigging, radiation protection, and operations.