Radioactive Contamination Prompts HSE Action on Sellafield Ltd
An accident involving radioactive contamination at Sellafield Ltd prompted immediate action by Health and Safety Executive. The company has been charged with failure to follow proper safety measures in its premises.
The incident occurred back in July 2007 when two contract workers were engaged to remove some radioactive material from a room in the company’s Cumbrian premises. The company had earlier stored radioactive material (plutonium) in this room. The workers were drilling a section of the concrete floor in order to remove it. The section had been the spot of a radioactive spillage some years back.
As the drilling progressed, dust rose from the work and enveloped the men, who also inhaled some of the dust. Work was halted immediately and the men were taken out of the area. However, as they were divesting their PVC suits, the radioactive monitors mounted outside showed heavy irradiation on the suits. Later on, the enclosure was also tested and it was found to have high levels of radioactive contamination.
While the levels of radiation the men were exposed to did not exceed the statutory dose limits, HSE inspectors are taking a very serious view of the lapse. The consequences could have been much more serious in this case, they said. Both men showed no immediate ill effects although they had inhaled significant amounts of radioactive plutonium.
HSE charged Sellafield Ltd with breach of provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. After the company pleaded guilty to charges, they were fined £75,000 and asked to pay costs of £26,100 at the conclusion of the hearing at Carlisle Crown Court.
Speaking about the incident, HSE’s Superintending Nuclear Inspector said that the fact that neither worker was affected significantly is fortunate, but such exposure should been eliminated by employing proper safety precautions. The company should have had proper risk assessments done before the work was started.
Protecting the health and safety of employees or members of the public who may be affected by your activities is an essential part of risk management. The health and safety consultants from Workplace Law can assist managers and supervisors in all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams, and to help their organisation find the best ways to lead and promote health and safety, and therefore meet its legal obligations.
