Great teamwork delivers ahead of schedule at HPC
A great result from our HPX Coatings Team at Hinkley Point C, who have completed surface protection works across seven rooms within the 1HPX area – coating 574m² of surface in just 25 days and finishing ahead of schedule.
Behind the numbers was a real team effort, with our coatings operatives working closely with BYLOR and supporting disciplines to create the right conditions to keep the work moving safely and efficiently.
The Challenge Creating the right work fronts
One of the biggest factors in the team’s success was having clear, uninterrupted areas in which to work.
Multiple rooms were prepared simultaneously and handed over in clusters, creating larger work fronts and reducing downtime between activities.
Ross Foulkes, Project Manager on the project, said:
“This was completed ahead of schedule and demonstrates the efficiencies we can achieve when we have a clear, uninterrupted work face.
“With the area properly available and minimal delays, we were able to maintain productivity and complete the coatings efficiently. It’s a good example of why providing clear, fully available work areas is key to maximising productivity.”
Finding a solution
The team also had to overcome a new technical challenge during the works.
An engineered floor incorporating falls required a different approach to preparation, so rather than simply relying on an existing method, the team tested a number of options – including blasting, grinding, needle gunning and electric scabbling.
Following the trials, light scabbling was identified as the most effective solution and was adopted across the works.
Small changes making a difference
LEAN principles were also put into practice throughout the delivery.
COSHH and paint mixing stations were moved closer to the work areas to reduce unnecessary movement and material handling, while a ‘right person, right task’ approach helped the team make the best use of individual skills and experience.
The team also adapted around other activities taking place on site. Where noise restrictions had the potential to impact other trades, works were moved to night shifts to minimise disruption and maintain progress.
And when support was needed elsewhere, coatings operatives worked alongside the scaffold and extraction teams to help maintain active work fronts.
Taking the learning forward
Following completion, the team came together for a debrief to look at what worked well and where the approach could be improved further.
The lessons from these seven rooms – particularly around work-face readiness, room clustering, coordination and LEAN working – will now be carried forward into future works.
574m². Seven rooms. 25 days. Completed ahead of schedule.
A brilliant result, but more importantly, a great example of what can be achieved when teams work together, solve problems and keep looking for better ways to deliver.
Well done to everyone in the HPX Coatings Team, as well as our colleagues at BYLOR and the wider team who supported the works.