The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted Sellafield Ltd, after two contractors at the site inhaled radioactive contamination.

 
HSE inspectors launched an investigation at Sellafield Nuclear Licensed Site in Cumbria in July 2007, when the contractors were removing radioactive contamination from an area of

concrete floor in a room formerly used to sort and monitor material contaminated with plutonium.

Two contractors were drilling into an area of the floor – believed to be contaminated with radiation from a spillage several years ago – under Sellafield Ltd’s supervision.

They were contaminated with plutonium by the dust produced from drilling and also inhaled some of the dust. Despite no immediate impact on their health, they received a significant radiation dose below annual dose limits. The two workers were monitored, undressed and removed from the enclosure. One contractor had widespread contamination on his PVC suit that triggered two radiation air monitors outside the enclosed area he was undressing in. The enclosure was later found to be heavily contaminated with plutonium.

 
On Friday, 4 December 2009 at Carlisle Crown Court, Sellafield Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay costs of £26,100.

After the hearing, HSE Superintending Nuclear Inspector Mark Bassett said:

‘Although the radiation doses in this case were below the statutory dose limits, they could potentially have been higher. They should have been zero.

‘The incident highlights the importance of Sellafield Ltd following its own arrangements for protecting workers, when undertaking potentially hazardous work with the risk of exposure to radiation.

‘Sellafield Ltd should have properly assessed those risks, and then appropriately planned, organised and carried out the work, said Mr Bassett.

‘We are satisfied that Sellafield Ltd is taking the appropriate measures to improve both its arrangements and to ensure they are carried out properly. We will continue to monitor closely to ensure that these are implemented.’

© 5r1 Limited 2009