Photo courtesy of Casey Industrial

Located in a remote area of Utah, Hunter Station has three operational generating units, with a combined capacity of 1,472 MW.

2012 Best Intermountain Safety Project

Hunter Station, Unit 2 ESP to PJFF Conversion

Castle Dale, Utah

PacifiCorp, one of the largest utilities in the American West, needed to update the air-quality control system at Hunter Station Unit 2, a coal-fired power station in central Utah. Located in a remote area, Hunter Station has three operational generating units, with a combined capacity of 1,472 MW. The primary base-load powerplant can generate enough electricity for 430,000 homes.

Working conditions within a coal-fired powerplant pose a distinct safety challenge because of the threats posed by coal ash, toxic gases, large operating equipment and high-voltage hazards.

An integrated approach was developed to mitigate these dangers. Site-specific procedures, hazard-focused safety training and specialized equipment were employed to protect the health and safety of personnel.

All employees and subcontractors received a 10-hour orientation that covered anticipated hazards. The training helped teams identify threats and the steps needed to avoid or manage them.

Casey Industrial's safety team rigorously monitored the project's air quality for explosive gases and hazardous levels of SO2, NO2 , CO and O2. Trained personnel checked confined spaces as well as the general area for hazardous air before workers entered the spaces and while work was being conducted.

Key Players

Owner: PacifiCorp, Salt Lake City

Designer: Stanley Consultants, Centennial, Colo.

General Contractor: Casey Industrial, Westminster, Colo.

Civil, Structural & MEP Engineer: Stanley Consultants, Centennial, Colo.

Entry submitted by Casey Industrial