Welder withstands pressure and heat for Darlington Refurb

Larry Bishop, a welder with 30 years experience in the UA pipe fitters union (Local 401), is a man in high demand.

Having worked at OPG through various contracts since 1990, Bishop has established a reputation as a “go-to person” when complex weld work needs to be completed.

It’s those skills, and his tireless work ethic, that are helping to keep the Darlington Refurbishment on track.

​“I take pride in my work,” he said. “I just enjoy working in the trade, and the people around me.”

Recently, Bishop’s particular skill set was called upon to fix the Primary Heat Transport (PHT) pipe to the station. The PHT line is one of the most vital segments of piping in Darlington Nuclear as it transfers water to nuclear reactor units to cool them in the event of an emergency.

“We had a situation where critical work needed to get done and any delay or rework would mean a big impact to cost and schedule,” said Dean Watson, superintendant for Re-tube Feeder Replacement, Joint Venture Group. “Larry stepped up to the plate to get the job done.”

The work involved cutting the PHT pipe, sliding a piece of metal plating over it and then welding the pipe back in.

Doing this type of weld work is no easy task. It means working in a cramped environment for five to six hours on your knees, belly or back, all while wearing the required personal protective equipment, which includes a plastic suit, gloves, and a welding hood.

“Every aspect of nuclear is unique,” said Watson. “OPG has zero tolerance for error. When you do a weld on a pipe, it’s x-rayed to see if there are any flaws. If the weld isn’t absolutely perfect, it has to be done over, which means holding up a lot of other work that needs to be completed.

“Larry got the job done safely, with no re-work required and ahead of schedule.”

Bishop doesn’t let that kind of high pressure get to him. When he’s not at work, the resident of Kingston, Ont., spends time woodworking and finding ways to keep his five-year-old grandson busy.

“OPG’s a good place to work,” Bishop said. “I really enjoy the quality of the work and the people I work with. Everyone is really professional, top-notch.”