Title:ACCIDENT AT WINDSCALE: PUBLIC HEALTH ASPECTS [Main Title]
Film Number:AWE 19
Other titles:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Documentary film focusing on the public health aspects of the Windscale accident in October 1957.
Description: Site at Windscale used for production of plutonium. Accident occurred in No.1 pile during a controlled release of stored Wigner from the graphite of the pile. Consequently three hazards to contend with: airborne radiation, external radiation and ingestion of contaminated foodstuff. Environmental surveys carried out to measure and evaluate the extent of the three hazards. At Windscale staff are transferred from normal duties to work on sampling programmes. Control rooms set up. Mobile teams on the road using portable equipment to evaluate radiation levels in the countryside. Samples of milk, grass, eggs, and vegetables including root crops are collected from various farms in the area. Assessment of drinking water supplies. Results from ground surveys sent through to the control room. Assessment centre operated on a shift pattern 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Analysis of other products also carried out by gamma spectrometer. Results sent to control centre and immediately plotted on the map. While the testing programme is underway, all milk produced in the restricted areas is poured down drains leading to the sea (estimated at 25,000 gallons a day). Meanwhile the Milk Marketing Board arrange for milk to be delivered from other regions. Measuring radiation levels in civilians in the region. Publication of final report made in July 1958. No.1 pile was sealed following the accident, never to be used again.
Alternative Title:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Production Details: Atomic Weapons Research Establishment Film Unit (Production company)
Draper, S H (Production individual)
Draper, S H (Production individual)
Draper, S H (Production individual)
Draper, S H (Production individual)
Hinton, G F (Production individual)
