Rapid Acting Platform

The Quicker and Safer Alternative to Scaffolding

In nuclear power plant operations, safety and efficiency are paramount, especially during reactor outages. Traditional scaffolding, though widely used, presents several challenges including safety risks, lengthy setup times, and increased radiation exposure for workers. Unified Engineering has developed a rapid-acting, folding platform solution to address these concerns. This innovative platform significantly improves safety, reduces setup time, and enhances operational efficiency in highly radioactive environments.

Traditional scaffolding presents several safety and efficiency issues during nuclear reactor outages. Standing 30 feet high, it poses significant safety risks to both scaffolders and field crews, while also requiring long setup times that increase collective radiation exposure. Additionally, foreign material exclusion is a critical concern in nuclear plants, and nuts and bolts often fall through the scaffolding, creating hazards for workers and equipment below.

The Solution:

Unified Engineering designed and fabricated a maneuverable folding platform to replace traditional scaffolding. This platform can be deployed quickly without tooling and is easy to store. It can be operated by just two people, with grab bars for safe maneuvering. The design dramatically reduces setup time, saving up to 90 hours compared to traditional scaffolding. Installation requires only four people and can be completed in just 1.5 hours.

The Benefit:

The new platform offers enhanced safety for workers, minimizes radiation exposure by reducing the time spent in high-radiation areas, and improves efficiency during maintenance. Its folding design allows for easy handling and sufficient clearance for doorways, while eliminating the risks associated with traditional scaffolding. This solution streamlines maintenance processes, reduces setup time, and significantly lowers radiation shielding requirements.