Measurements under production-like conditions

SSAB is conducting measurements under production-like conditions to enable a gradual and safe restart of groundworks. The purpose is to validate working conditions based on facts and the results of previous measurements - an important step toward potentially reopening the site at a later stage.

This involves a limited and carefully controlled set of construction activities. The activities are carried out in agreement between SSAB, NCC, and Seko’s regional safety representatives. It also means that the relevant parts of the site have been temporarily reopened after previously being closed. The current measurements are time‑limited until 16 May, after which an evaluation will be carried out. Measurements under production-like conditions have previously been carried out on a smaller scale by the subcontractor Keller in another part of the construction site.

The safety of workers is our highest priority. The Swedish Work Environment Authority and other relevant authorities have been informed and are kept continuously updated.

What is included in continued measurements under production-like conditions

• A clearly defined scope of work, limited to designated parts of the construction site
• Use of up to seven construction machines
• Ground and excavation works only, carried out in defined and controlled areas
• Controlled transport of excavated materials along established transport routes to a designated location
• All other construction activities in the affected area remain paused

Why measurements under production-like conditions are being carried out

• To validate previous gas and particle measurements under real working conditions
• Earlier measurements were conducted during low or no activity and provide a baseline
• The limited scope of work makes it possible to monitor how the working environment is affected when:
  • machinery is in operation
  • groundworks are ongoing
  • materials are handled and moved
• Additional gas and particle measurements are carried out continuously.

Enhanced safety measures

In addition to standard workplace safety requirements, measurements under production-like conditions are carried out with additional safety measures, including:

• Enhanced personal protective equipment, among other things respiratory protection
• Filtered air in construction machinery cabins
• Personal gas detectors for machine operators
• Clearly regulated transport routes
• Full implementation of work permit procedures
• Health checks and health declarations prior to the start of work
• Daily health checks will be conducted, and any reported symptoms will be assessed by medical professionals
• Collected monitoring data will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and additional measures will be implemented if illness is reported

Paused measurements following perceived gas alarm on May 8

During Thursday and Friday of week 19, SSAB conducted measurements under production-like conditions. On Friday, the measurements were paused after one of the operators perceived an alarm from their personal gas detector. In accordance with established procedures, the measurement work was immediately stopped and personnel were gathered.

An analysis of the available measurement data shows no abnormal values, neither inside nor outside the machines.

A subsequent inspection confirmed that this was not an actual gas alarm, but rather a notification related to the calibration of another gas detector. This message was forwarded to the operator’s detector and was perceived as an alarm.

All personnel on site were wearing the prescribed protective equipment. Over the weekend, only measurements of ambient air were conducted. Measurements under production-like conditions will not be resumed until the sequence of events has been reviewed together with operators, NCC, and Seko.

Following the paused measurements, a machine operator showed symptoms during a debriefing meeting. As a precautionary measure, the operator has been in contact with medical personnel.