CYMRU/WALES: WYLFA FIRE SAFETY CONCERNS
Fires within the confines of a nuclear power plant should not be described as `minor' the Celtic League have told the United Kingdom Nuclear Safety Directorate.
The League were querying the circumstances surrounding a fire a week ago at the Wylfa nuclear power station on Anglesey during which a nuclear reactor was shut down.
The fire which started in a turbine house some distance from the reactor was apparently caused by oil dripping on to inadequately lagged piping.
Wylfa which is now being operated beyond its original operational life has frequently been the source of safety concerns and was the subject in 1995 of the largest fine ever imposed in the UK on a nuclear plant for safety omissions.
"The Chief Officer HSE - Nuclear Safety Directorate 4N.1 Redgrave Court Merton Road Bootle L20 7HS
25/05/09
Dear Sir,
I write with reference to the fire on the 18th of May at the Wylfa nuclear power plant which we understand caused a nuclear reactor to be shut down as a precautionary measure.
It is reported that the fire was confined to lagging on a pipe connected to a turbine and was no located close to the reactor. However given that Wylfa is subject to rigorous safety checks can you explain why a fire was able to start in this way? Without prejudging the outcome of any enquiry it does seem to call into question the culture of safety at the plant if basic shortcomings such as this can occur.
I understand that the incident when reported in the media has been described as of a `minor nature'. I hope you would agree with us that there can be no such thing as a `minor' fire in the confines of a nuclear plant.
Yours sincerely,
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League" See also Celtic News articles at:
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
25/05/09
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