New Hanford Facility for Craft Workers to Improve Safety, Efficiency

RICHLAND, Wash. – EM’s Office of River Protection (ORP) and its tank operations contractor are constructing a new facility on the Hanford Site to house about 160 craft personnel under one roof and improve the efficiency of tank farm operations.

The 27,000-square-foot Multi-Craft Maintenance Facility, scheduled for completion in early 2022, will be home to multiple craftspeople, including electricians, carpenters, painters, insulators, pipefitters, millwrights, and instrument technicians.

“The new facility will provide a centralized location for Washington River Protection Solutions’ (WRPS) highly skilled craft teams to support critical operations and maintenance throughout the tank farms,” said Jim Lynch with the ORP’s tank farms programs division. “Having the teams under one shop will enhance work planning, communication, and coordination, which will improve safety and efficiency.”

The shop facility was designed with input from craft employees and will feature a designated workspace for each craft and room for storage. A kitchen and dining area will double as a space for meetings, and there will be locker and shower rooms. Compressed air lines and hoses will provide air to all work areas, and there will also be a breaker-testing station. Roll-up doors will make it easy to transfer equipment and tools in and out of the facility.

Since workers started construction last fall, they’ve moved about 50,000 cubic yards of dirt, poured the foundation, placed structural steel, and are installing the roof, windows, siding, and underground utilities.

“The Multi-Craft Maintenance Facility will help us advance the Hanford cleanup mission for years to come,” said Mike Daniels, WRPS maintenance organization manager. “The facility is being constructed while adhering to all social distancing and safety-related guidelines. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished with teamwork and a dedication to safety.”