Specialist divers set to take the plunge for first time to help decommission Sizewell A nuclear power station

Specialist nuclear divers are being used for the first time at Sizewell A to help decommission the nuclear power station. The American team are helping to remove radioactive waste from the fuel storage pond.

Working under water helps cut the risk of radiation for the workers. The conventional method uses remotely operated equipment to lift the whole radioactive skips clear of the water, exposing them to the air and therefore creating potential radiation risk to workers.

But by using specialist divers it means the work can be one under water and the skips can be cut safer, access more awkward areas easier and make the whole process safer.