On fire and explosion accident in asphalt solidification processing facility in fuel reprocessing facility of Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation

The date of the accident occurrence was March 11, 1997. Fire occurred at 1006 in the asphalt solidification processing facility, and was extinguished by water spray at 1022. It was confirmed that radioactive substances diffused in the facility, and whole body counting was performed to check the internal exposure of workers. Explosion occurred at 2004. The windows, shutters and doors in the facility were broken, and smoke was seen. No worker was in the facility at this time. According to the confirmation of situation by personnel from 2300, in the cell where main equipment is installed, fire and smoke were not observed. In the measurement of radioactivity on attached exhaust ducts, the temporary rise was shown, but thereafter, it has been stabilized. Small amount of radioactivity was detected in 37 of 109 workers. At present, the cause of fire and explosion is unknown. Science and Technology Agency started the expert committee for accident investigation. The plan of the facility, the picture of the extruder, various records of measurements and the results of precision whole body counting are attached. (K.I.)