The OPAL nuclear research reactor remains safe following reports on Tuesday January 8 of smoke and an electrical issue at ANSTO's Lucas Heights campus.
Update at 6:30pm:
A spokesperson for ANSTO said:
At around 10.30am this morning there were reports of smoke and an electrical issue at ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus, which were resolved within approximately one hour by ANSTO-trained fire responders together with local fire authorities.
The OPAL reactor shut down immediately as it is designed to do in the event of any unplanned change in its operating environment. In the event of any loss of power, the reactor automatically shuts down in less than a second. There was no impact to safety of staff, visitors or the public.
An investigation into the electrical fault is underway. Initial indications are the problem was with an electrical component called a capacitor. There is no indication that today’s hot weather had any bearing on the situation.
In line with ANSTO’s focus on safety, the reactor will remain in standby mode until engineers have replaced the affected components, and all relevant systems have been checked and deemed ready to return to operation.
ANSTO is continuing to update the independent nuclear regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, (ARPANSA) on the investigation.
Update at 1pm:
A spokesperson for ANSTO said:
After reports of smoke in an electrical substation at the ANSTO campus at around 10.30am this morning, ANSTO’s trained fire responders extinguished what was believed to be a fire in electrical wiring. It is not believed that this is related to the current weather conditions.
The OPAL reactor is shut down and is safe. The issue was dealt with within around one hour, no injuries have been reported, and there is no ongoing issue at the site.
ANSTO is currently undertaking an investigation into the cause of the issue although, again, it is not believed that it was linked to current weather conditions.
The independent regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, (ARPANSA) has been notified and will continue to be updated.
In line with established practice, local fire authorities also attended.
Published: 08/01/2013