Case Study: Nuclear Power Plant Scaffolding Project

Posted on May 2, 2022 in Case Studies, News

Nuclear power plants are required to routinely undergo rigorous monitoring, inspecting, and maintenance procedures to help ensure their safe operation. In the Spring of 2020, Scaffolding Solutions was hired to provide safe access to the outside of the curved structure of a nuclear plant located in rural South Carolina.

“Scaffolding Solutions did a great job on the nuclear shutdown. They designed and installed a custom suspended access bracket to meet our client’s stringent needs. The crew was professional, safety-conscious, and hit our demanding schedule. I hope to pair up with Scaffolding Solutions in the future” 

– Jamie Parker, Project Manager

Read on to learn how the Scaffolding Solutions team managed an extremely tight schedule and high-security environment while engineering a safe solution for the containment vessel’s curved wall.

A Circular Challenge

The curved containment vessel (CV) at the power plant houses the reactor’s core, which had to be shut down before work could begin. The team of workers needed to access four outdoor locations suspended off of a lip that was only 4 ft wide—and had a 140-foot drop. 

The nuclear power plant takes safety very seriously— so this meant that workers had to wear radiation badges, carry dosimeters, and get temperature checks due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. Workers were also required to only use specific, pre-approved wrenches and lifelines.

Stringent background checks were also needed due to the sensitive nature of the area. Workers would have an armed guard escort from the minute they stepped onto the property to the minute they left.

After an extensive screening process, Scaffolding Solutions was hired to provide the scaffolding set up and take down to help the power plant stay within its strict project time frame.

A Highly Customized Solution

Due to the shutdown of the nuclear reactor, everything had to go according to a rigid timeline. In addition to the security and safety challenges, the crew and vendors of Scaffolding Solutions had to be on their A-game—if one thing went wrong, they would have immediately lost the job. 

There were multiple pre-meetings discussing every nut and bolt that would be used—literally. Everything needed to be calculated, checked, and re-checked. Due to the rigorous safety culture, the power plant team had to verify everything—right down to the workers’ gloves. 

The project engineers did not want to drill into CV, so the Scaffolding Solutions team had to develop a specific anchor system. They wound up fabricating three custom beams and brackets that anchor into the CV to hold the beam and suspend the platform for the swing stage. A Bisomac 308 motor would take care of the heavy lifting.

The timeframe was tight—they had 45 days of preplanning and less than a month to install four custom suspended access platforms and safely dismantle the equipment.

The Results

The swing stage scaffolding set up, take down, and CV maintenance project went off without a hitch. The The swing stage scaffolding set up, take down, and CV maintenance project went off without a hitch. The team at Scaffolding Solutions met the strict time frame, safety, and engineering expectations. The power plant and engineering teams were thrilled with the professional service and top-notch scaffolding work that Scaffolding Solutions performed.

“I was very proud to work on this project with Duke and Day and Zimmerman. It was really challenging, but we hit every single safety mark that they set forth for us. We learned a lot working with their team, planning every procedure, and going through the strict vetting process. I was thrilled with the safe and successful outcome.”

-Brian Lish, Carolina Business Development Manager

Scaffolding for Challenging Access Problems

Do you have an upcoming or current project that requires scaffolding? At Scaffolding Solutions, our decades of experience have allowed us to tackle some of the most challenging scaffolding jobs. Contact us below to learn more about how we can help.

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Alec HawkinsAlec Hawkins ★★★★★ Frank and the rest of the team were very responsive and thorough. Set up was quick and professional. Great to work with!Response from the ownerThank you, Alec! It was an absolute pleasure to serve you! Looking forward to many more successful partnerships to come. Chase JohnsonChase Johnson ★★★★★ Great company to be a part of. Culture,teamwork, and continued growth. 3+ years working with Scaffolding Solutions and watching the company grow before my very eyes has been humbling but also incredible.Response from the ownerThank you, Chase! Glad to have you on our team! Artie RichardArtie Richard ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions executed a very critical task over this past weekend on a live rail shut down, which included a lift plan, which was very difficult but due to the competency of Johnny and Jeffrey amongst there other peers, they were able to overcome all the obstacles and stand the test of time without encountering any first aids, near misses, injuries. Goal ZERO. Way to go guys. WMS SAFETY REP.Response from the ownerArtie, thank you for the opportunity to serve you! We place safety above all else and also place a strong emphasis on communication and planning to ensure successful outcomes like this one. Thanks again! See you on the next one. Todd WilliamsTodd Williams ★★★★★ I’ve now been working at Scaffolding Solutions for 8 years and it’s been the best 8 years of my life. I’ve learned so much from so many great and smart people within the company. Our safety standards by far exceed from any other company I’ve ever dealt with. So if you’re looking for any sort of access needs or shoring needs (plus much more) please reach out so we can help. We’re definitely part of the solution not part of the problem.Response from the ownerWe're glad to have you on our team, Todd! Congrats on the 8 years of service! Cam WitmanCam Witman ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions has been a top notch business to work with. No matter the problem that has risen in our 6month long project they have answered the phone right away and offered assistance throughout the whole operation. Highly recommended.Response from the ownerCam, we truly appreciate your kind words and for the opportunity to serve you! The partnership, teamwork and communication between us was absolutely amazing. Have a great day! david nelsondavid nelson ★★★★★ Our projects often have numerous challenges and require the best of the best. Scaffolding Solutions came through with flying colors from the initial phone conversation to the fantastic design process, execution, assembly and dismantle. They navigated through the highly secured facility and other challenges and delivered a perfect class 1A containment structure for us. Our team was Frank Giuliano, David Herbert and Jefferson Boror Meda. Frank is the best communicator I've worked with hands down! David addresses any issue proactive and fast and Jefferson and his team execute the assembly and dismantle flawlessly. the 3D digital plans from their design team was spectacular and greatly appreciated by our client. This is a tight knit group and they are now part of the NPPinc.family. The appreciation I have for them being able to deliver this project like they did and within our budget cannot be expressed enough.10 stars and highly recommended!!Response from the ownerThank you, David! Working together with your team was a natural fit and an absolute pleasure for us. We appreciated the fluid and open communication and how well the entire Project Team planned out every detail of the operation beforehand to ensure 100% success: Safety, Quality, Schedule, Function, etc., etc.. We believe in creating strong relationships with our Partners that are built on Trust and shared Values where we all work towards achieving our common goals. We are looking forward to many more successful projects together with your team in the future! Chuck LundyChuck Lundy ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you Chuck! We appreciate the opportunity to partner with you! Pat BrittPat Britt ★★★★★ Customer service was tremendous.Our contact, Frank, was great. He made sure our products were delivered correct and on time.5 stars!Response from the ownerThank you, Pat! We love providing exceptional products and services to our customers. We appreciate your business and look forward to many more successful projects to come. KOG JonesKOG Jones ★★★★★ Great Team at Scaffolding Solutions.Response from the ownerThank you! We appreciate the kind words! mwb1051mwb1051 ★★★★★ Belt Built LLC is very pleased to have worked with Scaffold Solutions and PM Frank G on our US Naval Academy Project in Annapolis, Md.We had a 70' foot run of scaffolding 11' feet wide and 24' tall installed in an auditorium built in 1942, with barrel vault ceiling. No seating had to be removed, crew did a great job avoiding any potential damage. The project scope is to install new HVAC into "barrel vaulted ceiling" attic.A Great Experience, pricing, professional service, and the installation crew was excellent. I Would Highly Recommend for your scaffolding needs.Response from the ownerWe appreciate the opportunity to have partnered with you on this project! The communication, planning and collaboration between our respective teams was incredible! We take great care to provide amazing service, quality and pricing for our partners. Thanks again! Jose GodoyJose Godoy ★★★★★ Material fácil de maniobrar. No es pesado. Excelente compañíaResponse from the ownerThank you Jose! We appreciate your support Eliseo EscobarEliseo Escobar ★★★★★ Great communication, great team experienceResponse from the ownerThank you Eliseo! We appreciate your business David “Rip” HerbertDavid “Rip” Herbert ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you Ruff! We appreciate your business and look forward to many more successful projects together! thomas hallwigthomas hallwig ★★★★★ Working with Frank Giuliano, Yoni Tobar, and Jefferson Borro on our hospital project was an exceptional experience. Despite facing extremely tight logistics and poor access, their dedication to 100% safety never wavered. Their expertise in scaffolding and trash chute installation was evident, ensuring the project ran smoothly from start to finish.What truly impressed us was their outstanding communication throughout. They kept us informed every step of the way, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively. Their ability to navigate the challenges of the project and maintain clear communication truly blew our hats off.I highly recommend Frank, Yoni, and Jefferson for any project requiring precision, safety, and excellent communication. Five stars without hesitation!Response from the ownerThank you, Thomas! We strive to provide outstanding customer service, safety and communication on all of our projects. It was a pleasure to partner with you on this project! Ben FeeneyBen Feeney ★★★★★ Frank Giuliano (Scaffolding Solutions) is amazing! He is truly passionate about customer service and seeks to cultivate long standing relationships with his customers. I recently worked with Frank on a construction project that required a lot of his time logistics wise. He was patient, responsive and asked good questions. He went above and beyond to ensure the project was completed to our satisfaction.Response from the ownerThank you, Ben! We were thrilled to partner with you on this project! We believe that great planning and outstanding communication make for successful projects and happy customers. We always strive to exceed your expectations. Looking forward to many more successful partnerships with your team in the future! Matt PusheckMatt Pusheck ★★★★★ Highly recommend Scaffolding Solutions for anyone's access needs. We have established an incredible working relationship with this group in the last 18 months on some very high profile projects. Frank Giuliano is the definition of customer service and is always at the ready to help! They provide both fair and prompt pricing when needed. Frank and his Field Supervisor, David Herbert, are very knowledgeable and professional. We have had tremendous success with Scaffolding Solutions and I look forward to continuing our working relationship for years to come.Response from the ownerThank you Matt! We appreciate your trust and confidence in partnering with us. It is truly a pleasure to work with your company. We look forward to many more successful projects working together with your team in the future! Rmb BoswellRmb Boswell ★★★★★ Working with this as Frank representing has been great experience. They paid attention to the needs I requested for support needed for an MRI. They with detailed drawings for me to approve and plan of attack the was perfect .Response from the ownerThanks Robert! We were very excited to partner with you on this important project! Planning and meticulous project coordination in advance of the start of work ensures a smooth and 100% safe work execution. Have a great day! heydy Landaverdeheydy Landaverde ★★★★★ Jeremy WishonJeremy Wishon ★★★★★ Frank was awesome to work with. The service was top notch, got the ball rolling immediately, and got us set up faster than expected. Looking forward to working with them on future projects.Response from the ownerThank you Jeremy! We appreciate your continued partnership and trust. Lynn PierceLynn Pierce ★★★★★ Great service! Exceptional communication! I’m greatly to worked with Scaffolding Solutions.Response from the ownerThank you Lynn! It was a pleasure to partner with you. John WoodJohn Wood ★★★★★ Our heavy mechanical construction company have worked with Scaffolding Solutions for years now. Scaffolding Solutions are amazingly fast, responsive, & professional. They always exceed our expectations! Mr. Frank Giuliano is absolutely the best. Frank is always accommodating, extremely knowledgeable and always “safety first” in his approach to our scaffolding needs. We manage heavy mechanic projects within the transportation industry for Government agencies and Scaffolding Solutions & Mr Giuliano always exceed our clients needs. We highly recommend Scaffolding Solutions & Mr. Frank Giuliano for any, commercial or residential projects, you or your company has. 5 STARS! OUTSTANDING QUALITY WORK! GREAT COMPETITIVE RATES!Response from the ownerThank you, John! We are proud to be your "access partner of choice". Looking forward to many more successful projects to come. Thank you for your business! Hal CoganHal Cogan ★★★★★ Frank and his team with Scaffolding Solutions were great! Even with last minute changes and numerous headaches the day of they still got the job done. I look forward to working with them again!Response from the ownerThank you, Hal! Our goal is to provide the best service, safety and pricing of any other access company in the DMV. Exceeding your expectations is our mission! Hann HannHann Hann ★★★★★ Frank & his team didn't meet our expectations, they exceeded them. Everyone was extremely professionally throughout the project. Communication was over the top. Couldn't have asked for more complete turnkey service. Scaffolding Solutions is top of the list for any scaffold or shoring needs.Response from the ownerThank you! The amazing partnership, friendship and teamwork we have with Hann and Hann is what we're all about. We appreciate your business! rolando Tobarrolando Tobar ★★★★★ Great work & access to all kind of work ...The best in the DMVResponse from the ownerThank you Rolando! Our goal is to provide the best service of any other access company in the DMV. Kevin TaylorKevin Taylor ★★★★★ The team at Scaffold Solutions really got me out of a bind this past week. Set-up scaffold on Saturday morning and came back Sunday morning to take it back down. Communication was great, speed and safety were excellent and price was fair. I appreciate the solid communication and follow-up from their team and they did a great job helping me get the steel installed in the elevator shaft. Thank you!Response from the ownerThank you Kevin! We were very happy to partner with you on this work and "get it done". Safety, communication, speed - and great pricing. You hit the nail on the head my friend! Diana MiraldiDiana Miraldi ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for your 5-star review Diana! Giselle AllenGiselle Allen ★★★★★ I recently had my fourth floor loft terrace enclosed. Scaffolding Solutions, LLC is the only choice you need to ensure your project is successful! Frank Giuliano visited my home and assessed the area, then coordinated with the Patio Enclosure installation manager to build a custom design that was efficient for the project. Frank’s customer service was remarkable. He constantly communicated updates and I felt very comfortable contacting him with any questions. The scaffolding crew only took one day to assemble and disassemble the scaffold without incident. They were pleasant, professional and respectful of my property. Hands down this was the best experience and I definitely recommend Scaffolding Solutions, LLC.Response from the ownerThank you Giselle! We were happy to be able to help you with your project...and are very glad the experience was so positive for you. Have an amazing day! G Man PalenciaG Man Palencia ★★★★★ Joe PodgurskiJoe Podgurski ★★★★★ fernando santos sanchezfernando santos sanchez ★★★★★ el lugar luce muy bonito, la atención muy amableMichael MatiasMichael Matias ★★★★★ Luis Jomar Rodriguez SanchezLuis Jomar Rodriguez Sanchez ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you, Luis! Shannon WalkerShannon Walker ★★★★★ Charles AppichCharles Appich ★★★★★ Richard WhiteRichard White ★★★★★ Chad EssexChad Essex ★★★★★ Andi LopezAndi Lopez ★★★★★ Muy buenoDomonic ClardyDomonic Clardy ★★★★★ David BucciarelliDavid Bucciarelli ★★★★★ Fantastic companyMatthew AlemanMatthew Aleman ★★★★★ i love the work they did at DCJose PietriJose Pietri ★★★★★ Great company and innovative scaffolds!Diana DuVallDiana DuVall ★★★★★ The best service and competitive pricing!Response from the ownerThank you, Diana! We strive to provide amazing products and service each and every day. Joel DiazJoel Diaz ★★★★★ Timmy WilloughbyTimmy Willoughby ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions... All I can say is "WOW". I was impressed with the professionalism, courtesy and efficiency of the complete experience.js_loader