10 exposed to radiation in Japan

2006-03-17 20:31

Tokyo - Ten people were exposed to a small amount of radiation at a nuclear power plant in central Japan, when test equipment using radioactive material malfunctioned during a pipe inspection, a plant operator said on Friday.

The workers, from an equipment inspection company, were exposed to iridium used in the test on Thursday.

They were inspecting a pipe connected to nuclear waste handling equipment near the number two reactor of the Hamaoka clear Power Plant in Shizuoka, west of Tokyo, said Chubu Electric Power Company spokesperson, Hideo Hoshiai.

Hoshiai said the problem was unrelated to the reactor and the amount of radiation exposure was within the daily limit and posed no health threat. He said the radiation did not leak outside the facility.

The accident occurred during a remote controlled inspection, when a part of the device containing iridium became stuck.

Hoshiai said officials were investigating the cause of the problem, while trying to contain the radioactive capsule.

He said there were no safety or environmental concerns because the radioactive part was wrapped in a protective shield and the room was secured.

- AP