NUCLEAR WATCH:Defence admits radiation leak

AN investigation has started into a radiation leak which began six days ago at a Department of Defence site, the department said last night.“A minor contamination involving the chemical beryllium was reported on 2 November 2007 at the Defence National Storage and Distribution Centre, at Moorebank in New South Wales,” the department said.“It is believed the contamination occurred as a result of packaging of damaged equipment items returning from the Middle East.” Everyone at the site was evacuated and firefighters were called in to assess the hazard.Hazardous materials experts detected “two low-level positive indicators for the presence of beryllium”.The area was declared safe on November 6.“Occupational health and safety briefings have been provided to the small number of staff that may have been exposed and counselling is available on request.“Those personnel exposed to the site will undergo thorough on-site medical testing.“An investigation is currently underway to determine the immediate and follow-on action required to prevent a reoccurrence.”It was not immediately clear why Defence waited six days to issue the statement.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22727347-2,00.html

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