Radioactive contamination was found in radiologically controlled areas of the 324 Building at the Hanford Site in Washington state, Department of Energy management told employees Thursday following broadcast media reports on the situation.
In a message at the close of business, Hanford Manager Brian Vance said precautions, such as requiring respirators, have been taken to protect workers in those areas where radioactive contamination might be present and to keep it from spreading to uncontaminated areas.
The 324 Building, near the Columbia River in the Hanford 300 Area, has two large hot cells that were used for high-level radiological research and related activities at the then-plutonium production complex. Preparations were underway in 2010 to tear down the building when a highly radioactive spill of cesium and strontium was found beneath one of the hot cells. Preparations continue for using remote-controlled equipment to dig up the spill from within the hot cell as the building remains standing to provide radiation shielding.
On March 28, a worker who was surveying other employees for radioactive contamination before they left an area with potential radiological contamination within the building detected a speck of strontium contamination on his own pant leg. It was quickly removed with a piece of tape, a common decontamination method, and there was no skin contamination. Surveys were conducted to check for contamination outside of the radiological controlled area, with none found.
On the next work day, April 1, management called a stop to work to consider safety controls. Improvements were made for surveying for strontium and work resumed on April 4.
Additionally, in mid-March, workers drilling a hole under the foundation of the building outside the hot cell detected contamination within the basement space where they were drilling. They were wearing protective clothing and respiratory gear and were not contaminated. A survey found no contamination had spread outside the radiologcally controlled area where they were working.
