[en] Carbon steel structure, inserted in water of the spent nuclear fuel pool of the RA research reactor in 1960 for decontamination of primary cooling circuit components, was recognized as the main source of corrosion in the pool. Inappropriate water chemical parameters have initiated corrosion of aluminum cladding of spent fuel elements stored in aluminum barrels. It was confirmed by measuring of activity of ¹³⁷Cs nuclide in the pool water samples. A complex project was developed with the IAEA assistance and R and D Company OEC NIKIMT (RF) to remove the carbon steel structure from the pool, since 2004. After long preparation process, including safety analysis of the operation and Serbian regulatory authority approval, the structure was removed, packed and stored at the Vinca radioactive waste storage from November 2006 to February 2007. This paper underlines major safety and licensing actions taken by the Vinca Institute to safely remove the structure and make a room in the pool basin for future spent nuclear fuel repackage operation. (author)