Statement of nuclear incidents

Only three incidents are reported for the fourth quarter of 1988. These occurred at BNFLs Sellafield Reprocessing Plant (plutonium contamination of the floor of part of a laboratory due to spillage of contaminated solvent from a frame hood), the UKAEA Harwell Laboratory (low level contamination near inspection chambers on the liquid effluent pipeline to the River Thames due to a faulty vent valve) and UKAEA Dounreay nuclear power plant (particles of contamination from an effluent tank were blown on the foreshore). The contamination was cleared in all cases, faulty equipment replaced and recommendations implemented to prevent recurrence. In none of the cases was there intake of radioactive material or hazard to personnel. (UK)