Other titles:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Technical film illustrating the measures taken by the radiation hazards teams during Operation Totem, the second of Britain's atomic weapons tests, conducted at Emu Field in South Australia, in October 1953.
Description:Radiation safety is one of the prime responsibilities of the radiation hazards teams during Operation Totem, with the main focus on taking precautions against body contamination. Preparation work begins in August 1953, with the work conducted in three phases: Dingo, Emu and Goanna. After each detonation the radiation hazard teams will visit the detonation site and must therefore prepare thoroughly beforehand. All staff due to visit the detonation site must attending the safety briefing held in the run up to zero hour, where film badges and dosimeters are issued. The men are also provided with safety equipment and protective clothing including rubber gloves, underwear, respirators and boots. Before entering the detonation area staff must ensure that they are completely covered so that radioactivity cannot reach the skin. As zero hour approaches the radiation hazards teams make their final preparations, including fitting their respirators and attaching their film badges and dosimeters. The detonation is watched from afar and the teams transfer to the detonation site to begin their work. Repeated surveys are conducted until the dosimeters indicate that individuals have been exposed to the maximum level of radiation permitted. Once the teams have returned to the main site a detailed decontamination process is initiated. Attendants wearing rubber gloves assist the men in removing their equipment and clothing and their bodies are checked for radiation. After removing their underwear and socks the men then shower thoroughly. After showering they move to the monitoring room where final radiation checks are made, and hands and feet are closely inspected to check for cuts and abrasions. If radiation levels are above normal then another shower is required. Once levels are deemed acceptable the men head to the debriefing tent where the film ends.
Alternative Title:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:AWE 103
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Film: IWM (AWE 95)
Featured Period:1945-1989
Production Date:1953-10-1953-10
Production Country:GB
Production Details:Atomic Weapons Research Establishment Film Unit (Production company)
