Box Orys: preparing to make the right move on D-day
Orys has set up a training program for its employees working on nuclear power plants during unit shutdowns. The scheme is part of the Ortec Group’s commitment to consolidating its position in the sector and to meeting EDF’s safety expectations.
By launching Box Orys, the Energy Works division of the Ortec Group is enabling its on-site workers to perfect their preparation and ensure the safety of their actions before actually carrying them out during unit shutdowns at nuclear power stations.
For the first session, six thematic areas have been identified, based on feedback from previous shutdowns during which technical deviations were observed:
- Lifting
- Bolt assembly
- Dressing / undressing
- Technical inspection
- File handling
- Frauds and irregularities
The objectives of such an approach are multiple: to guarantee the quality and safety of operations, to optimize working time and minimize shutdown time and to enhance the Group’s proactive approach to the continuous improvement of its processes. “Doing it right the first time is not just a slogan for us. By practicing these essential procedures, we make them safer and more efficient during our interventions”, explains Eric Biasini, Orys MMN branch manager in Pierrelatte.
High safety standards
“Box Orys meets our partners’ expectations in terms of accreditation, qualifications, skills and mastery of sensitive operations during unit shutdowns” assures EDF. This process is the fruit of a relationship of trust established between EDF and Ortec, which is present at all French nuclear power plants.
Technical awareness training is required by the operator of all French power plants, as part of its “Start 2025” plan to improve the efficiency of reactor shutdowns. Orys provides corrective and curative maintenance services for equipment used to replace reactor fuel. “These are sensitive and complex operations on equipment that is crucial for plant safety” explains Jean-Pierre François, Rotating Machinery Project Manager and Box Orys coordinator.
Each session concludes with feedback and exchanges between participants, to ensure that these requirements have been assimilated, and to meet objectives in terms of quality, performance and safety.
