UCOR crews are accelerating risk-reduction in ORNL’s 3026 facility—the former Isotope Development Laboratory—by implementing a new dustpan-style tool attachment on the Brokk robotic shear tool. This operator-driven innovation improves efficiency as teams advance through drum removal inside the former facility’s last remaining high-hazard hot cell.
Crews are working through the 10th of 40 drums inside the final hot cell of the former Building 3026—a facility that was demolished years ago, leaving hot cells to be demolished inside a tent to prevent air exposure. The new handle allows material from the hot cell to be collected and loaded in bulk inside a waste container rather than piece by piece. This approach reduces handling time and accelerates removal of radiological material— progressing crews toward demolition of the facility’s final hot cell.
The efficiency was identified by operators using a strong questioning attitude and working with mechanics to design and fabricate the attachment. This innovative approach reflects UCOR’s commitment to continuous improvement and worker-driven solutions. The Brokk is enabling the demolition of the hot cell, and innovative measures like these are accelerating cleanup to modernize that portion of ORNL faster. Following the shearing phase, crews will transition to a sawing phase in May. The saw attachment will downsize materials the shear cannot handle, supporting continued progress toward final demolition early next year.
