An emergency at the Pelindaba nuclear facility that occurred at 10am on Monday was over, the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) said."Abnormal levels of gamma radiation associated with xenon and krypton gases [were] detected in and near the building in which radioisotopes are produced for medical applications," Necsa said in a statement.
Fortunately these gases were not absorbed to any extent by living systems, it said.
"Nevertheless, in terms of our emergency plan an alarm was sounded and all people on site mustered at designated assembly points."
Necsa said the level of radiation detected in and near the affected buildings peaked above operational limits but the total amount released was within the daily release limits.
"By 10.38am levels of radiation had returned to normal, the emergency was called off, and employees were instructed to resume their normal duties," Necsa said.
The event was classified only as a site emergency, with no off-site precautionary measures required, because of the localised nature of the event.
"The National Nuclear Regulator has been notified, as is required in terms of Necsa's site licence."
Source : Sapa /jr/gj
Date : 16 Mar 2009 16:00
