SCX Special Projects is now an approved provider of high-integrity ‘Class 1’ crane and handling solutions for AWE.

Dave Kilner, Quality Assurance Manager at SCX, said: “High levels of quality are top priority for us and fundamental to ensuring a safe working environment in the Nuclear Industry. We have an established reputation for our crane and lifting equipment in this safety-critical industry and now by achieving a score of 100 per cent in this recent audit, we can demonstrate an exceptional level of assurance to AWE.”

SCX Special Projects received accreditation to the AWE QC1 (Quality Class 1) manufacturing standard at the beginning of February 2015 following a thorough audit and 12 months of preparing and developing the relevant documentation, SQEP (Suitably Qualified & Experienced Persons) and manufacturing procedures to validate its competency.

‘Class 1’ is regarded as the “highest and most important classification” vital to safety in this industry sector. SCX Special Projects custom designs Class 1 cranes and handling solutions with quality and safety as a priority to ensure reliability during hazardous operations. Enhanced safety features include remote operation, automation, recovery systems, single point failure prevention, condition monitoring and advanced fail-safe hoist braking systems.

John Hill, SCX Special Projects’ Head of Projects, said: “We have installed cranes at many different nuclear facilities across the UK, including Sellafield, Hunterston, Berkeley and Winfrith and now with this Class 1 approval from AWE we will be able to demonstrate our capability at the highest level.”

“When working in a nuclear environment, it is crucial to comply with a high level of quality and safety because one slipup could have potentially disastrous effects. Now that we are AWE QC1 approved, we will continue to implement, maintain and improve our procedures and provide a first-class, high-integrity service to them and our other clients,” said Mr Hill.