Fukushima Workers; Fled in Fear or Gathered Offsite?

[Bob Macadoo]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/world/asia/fukushima-workers-fled-plant-after-accident-despite-orders.html?_r=2

This is a new take....human condition vs profession responsibility. The Ukainians didn't get an option at Chernobyl; bullet to the head or fight nuclear fire.

Do we blame these workers if the Plant Manager is to be believed? In Canada we have an atomic worker voluntary draft if ever the situation arose that needed it. Would we jump in if given the choice?

[TimG]

Do we blame these workers if the Plant Manager is to be believed? In Canada we have an atomic worker voluntary draft if ever the situation arose that needed it. Would we jump in if given the choice?

The suggestion that Japanese workers would flee in panic while their colleagues stayed behind simply not credible given the nature of Japanese society. If workers left the site it would have only been because they were told to leave or because they thought they were told to leave. Edited May 21, 2014 by TimG

[Bob Macadoo]

The suggestion that Japanese workers would flee in panic while their colleagues stayed behind simply not credible given the nature of Japanese society. If workers left the site it would have only been because they were told to leave or because they thought they were told to leave.

I think there were misunderstood orders without the questioning attitude that is muted in Japanese culture. Unfortunately we have a manager who may have been inflating his legacy who cannot be requestioned now.

The question is opened though......have we learned from this and put in place the appropriate training etc that will prevent our saviours from marshalling miles away in an event.

[Big Guy]

Do we blame these workers if the Plant Manager is to be believed? In Canada we have an atomic worker voluntary draft if ever the situation arose that needed it. Would we jump in if given the choice?

I know I would not. I would assume that the workers have been trained as to protection and harm. If they choose to evacuate then you know the situation is deadly. We do expect soldiers in our armed forces to "take one for the country" but I wonder if we expect those in the nuclear industry to do the same. I did not know that in Canada we have an atomic worker voluntary draft.

[GostHacked]

The suggestion that Japanese workers would flee in panic while their colleagues stayed behind simply not credible given the nature of Japanese society. If workers left the site it would have only been because they were told to leave or because they thought they were told to leave.

Would you stick around for a large tsunami??

Edited May 22, 2014 by GostHacked

[Bob Macadoo]

I know I would not. I would assume that the workers have been trained as to protection and harm. If they choose to evacuate then you know the situation is deadly. We do expect soldiers in our armed forces to "take one for the country" but I wonder if we expect those in the nuclear industry to do the same. I did not know that in Canada we have an atomic worker voluntary draft.

We do. When you register as an atomic worker, to workbata registered facility (plant, university, etc.) with the federal gov't your name is available for drafting in the event of an accident. Soldiers are not trained so it can fall to those listed for protection roles. It is the duty of the authorized workers to stay and contain the event from dangerous exposure to the public.

[Bob Macadoo]

Would you stick around for a large tsunami??

This was after the tsunami, when the emergency power went out and the spent fuel was heating up. Personnel were protected from the tsunami.

[GostHacked]

This was after the tsunami, when the emergency power went out and the spent fuel was heating up. Personnel were protected from the tsunami.

There was nothing they could do to prevent 3 full meltdowns. After the generators went offline, that sealed the fate of the power plant. Since roads and power lines were washed out, there was no way to get generators large enough to power the cooling process. Not to mention that you cannot just order one of those generators and have it next day delivery.

The reactor is about to blow and there is no way to stop it. What do you do?

[Bob Macadoo]

You pump in the seawater. Some stayed to finish their duty while others blindly followed the guy in front of him down the road.

People wonder why we pay the high salaries of these professionals, its to maintain the plant safe during operation and being trained to react precisely and logically in the event of the horrible. The public welfare is in their hands.

[GostHacked]

You pump in the seawater. Some stayed to finish their duty while others blindly followed the guy in front of him down the road.

People wonder why we pay the high salaries of these professionals, its to maintain the plant safe during operation and being trained to react precisely and logically in the event of the horrible. The public welfare is in their hands.

You'll want to look at TEPCO's less than stellar performance. They have had issues at several sites that they maintain and operate. You'll also want to look into plant design. Those reactors are decades old. Not the same tech as some more modern reactors with many more safety measures put into it. This won't be the last time this happens. We have reactors located near or on faults all over the world. The potential for another Fukushima scenario is dangerously real.

Don't get me wrong. I applaud and commend those men who did stay behind to try and save the plant. Not sure if I would be as brave.

[Bob Macadoo]

We have reactors located near or on faults all over the world. The potential for another Fukushima scenario is dangerously real.Don't get me wrong. I applaud and commend those men who did stay behind to try and save the plant. Not sure if I would be as brave.

At least in our own backyards Hydro is implementing responses to beyond original design events (larger earthquakes, earthquakes and floods, etc.); hopefully to accommodate these unforseen events.

Edited May 22, 2014 by Bob Macadoo