This control desk at ANSTO HIFAR was manned 24 hours a day by accredited operators, overseeing the continuous operation of Australia’s first nuclear reactor. The compact layout reflects the influence of 1950s marine-type reactor technology, designed for efficiency and reliability.
At the center, the scram button provided an instant emergency shutdown, immediately lowering control rods to halt the nuclear reaction. Above, the overhead schematic illustrates the closed-circuit cooling system, while the surrounding panels display reactor trips and safety warnings. Early alert systems designed to prevent operational failures.
This print captures the precision and complexity of nuclear engineering, making it a striking piece for collectors of scientific heritage and industrial photography.