Big Machines, Big Event: Hanford Expo Highlights Heavy Equipment

A Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant heavy equipment operator, right, demonstrates the large blind spots of a telehandler to Jamei Perez, left, administrative supervisor for the plant.

RICHLAND, Wash. - Large vehicles and heavy machinery took center stage at the Hanford SiteWaste Treatment and Immobilization Plant's (WTP) second annual Heavy Equipment Expo. The event gives workers hands-on experience with the large vehicles used at the plant while promoting awareness of the hazards they can pose.

As Hanford continues its mission to treat and immobilize millions of gallons of chemical and radioactive waste, workforce safety remains a top priority, and events like these highlight that ongoing commitment.

Expo attendees climbed inside bulldozers, excavators and telehandlers to experience firsthand the blind spots and other challenges operators face. Operators answered questions and shared valuable insights about the unique hazards associated with operating each machine.

"Every worker needs to understand the safety risks associated with large machines," said Mat Irwin, acting assistant manager for the WTP Project. "Hands-on experiences offer workers perspectives that classroom or computer-based training can't."

Some of the Hanford Site's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant construction staff speak to members of the plant's Radiological Control department at the annual safety expo before trying out radiological detection equipment used for training.

This year WTP staff members combined the Heavy Equipment Expo with their annual safety expo, which brings together different safety teams and departments from across the plant. Each team set up a booth with safety-themed activities and provided information about their roles in plant operations.

"Seeing our staff excited to learn about safety shows how valuable these events are for building a strong safety culture," said Brian Hartman, project director for WTP and senior vice president for Bechtel National Inc., the WTP contractor. "Our team members walked away with a lot of important information, and creative activities make the lessons more memorable."

-Contributor: Tyler Oates