DOE Issues New Rule for Workers: Don’t Put Highly Enriched Uranium in Your Pocket

[n2doc]

Following an investigation by its inspector general, the Department of Energy has issued a new rule advising its workers to refrain from putting highly enriched uranium in their pockets.

“After interviewing chemical operators and reviewing revised Y-12 procedures, we confirmed that chemical operators are no longer allowed to place samples in their pockets and must check their pockets before removing their coveralls,” said a report issued by the DOE Office of Inspector General.

The report, released in September, described a safety violation that occured last year at the DOE’s Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

"We received allegations that special nuclear material (SNM) was not appropriately managed at the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12)," said the IG report. "Specifically, we were informed that on January 22, 2014, highly enriched uranium (HEU) samples were discovered in the pocket of coveralls located on a laundry truck that annunicated an alarm as the truck tried to exit Y-12s Protected Area."

more
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/melanie-hunter/new-doe-rule-dont-put-highly-enriched-uranium-your-pocket

[niyad]

1. is this like homore simpson in a nuke plant?

[NeoGreen]

2. While not dismissing the ineptitude...

...I would not be surprised to find out that these are small and low dose "samples" that workers use to calibrate scanning equipment.

Still, all-in-all, not a good item to place in one's pocket.

Oh, and they are definitely NOT a rabbit...

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. So are they taking that stuff home with them, or just at work?

and who is responsible for the lack of education of workers?

[niyad]

4. two very important questions.

[MisterP]

5. just cover it up, cover up the side effects, and murder any whistleblowers

GE had a *helicopter gunship* and taps on every phone in town when the Feds took over Richland, WA