ScribbleLive

They have a big problem though- they can't change the radiation limits for the workers again, because that would make it clear to everyone what's going on.

Am I naive to think that if this were happen in the US that there would be more information shared and a more organized response. If you would have told me weeks ago that Japan/private companies response would be this poor/secretive I would have not bought it, never would I have thought that this information cover up could happen in a country such a Japan. Sorry bout the novel, just naive i guess.

"TEPCO says radioactivity data of No. 2 reactor puddle partly erroneous": I read they corrected the radiation level from 1000 mSv/h to 500 mSv/h; it's still far from being a safe place for workers to stand, isn't it ?

Jeff, yes. That would be naive. There are plenty of instances in the US of cover up, lack of information and poor responses.

@Jo That is odd. How can they correct it down to 500mSv/hr? They were saying that the dosimeters saturated (saturation at 1000mSv/hr) and that the likely radiation was much higher, because they didn't reset the dosimeters to check how much more it would have registered.

and sometimes.. if the professionals, or susposed professionals can'e explain something the cover up not to be embarassed.

Of course, TEPCO does not willingly disclose information that would put them in a bad light. They are, however, doing what they can to resolve the situation since they wouldn't benefit from this getting out of hand. Also, they got the whole world's eyes on them, so they probably won't get away with lying anyway.

Comparing the information policy here to Chernobyl is a bit unfair.. That had a pretty much complete information blackout during the first few days and the first anyone outside got to know about it was more than a week later - based on detection of the fallout more than a thousand miles away. There's obviously some cover-up going on, but they're at least sharing some information.

well . I need to prepare for travel today, will be on later..

Disturbing to me is that TEPCO didn't have their workers wearing full radiation protection. The 3 workers had no foot protection - what have the remaining workers unknowningly been exposed to?

As a cruel thought game, there would be a very easy process to find out how dangerous the situation really is. Send in the heads of IAEA, JAIF, TEPCO, NISA, *** Gov in basic radiation suits inside the turbine and reactor hall to do visual and portable instrument inspection. When they come out, we can measure the dosimeters on them. Sending sub-contractors there in sneakers and not telling them what they are about to face is, imho, criminal negligence.

@Miles The workers without rubber boots were subcontractors (doesn't really explain why they weren't given rubber boots before stepping into water).

Perhaps this has already been discussed here. I and others asked on the old Reuters forum what the cause of the radiation spike on the 21st was caused by. While the question was asked posted to the public forum, the moderators never allowed the question to be answered. I dug through the official reports released and found that the pressure in #3 reactor dropped that day, for no apparent reason, and smoke was seen coming from building, and personnel were evacuated. Does anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

Tokyo Electric Power Company says it has detected radioactive materials 10-million-times normal levels in water at the No.2 reactor complex of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

@vasra An even more telling indicator would be if the heads of IAEA, JAIF, TEPCO, NISA, and the Japanese Government REFUSE to go anywhere near the Fukushima facility. I'm willing to bet that would be the case if they were told to go to the Fukushima plant.

@Brad Mere speculation, but my guess would be on the SFP because of the smoke.

Good Morning George.

@vasra : i don't have the link anymore, but it was reported that in the past tepco used to collect homeless people from the streets to work in the plants.

Someone asked about proper suiting for workers. Dean gave a great rundown a few days ago when I asked but I think it may have been on Reuters or some of the first posts here. They should have multiple layers of tyvek along with work clothes and yes, some sort of rubber boot would have been expected esp. if they were in water. Also cotton work gloves under rubber gloves. The whole thing sealed with tape. This is supposed to work up to a fairly high hazard area. I think the problem is they have areas too high for anyone to be in or be in without the super protective lead lined suit thing most of us lay people assume they would use. I read 2 reports of these kinds of suits whatever they are but the higher protection being send from both Florida and Hong kong.

@Matsuko That sure renders a different light on TEPCO.

Ugh, a Google search of "homeless workers TEPCO" gives thousands of links.