AWE: Contingency plan if ‘radiation emergency’ declared around Berkshire nuclear warhead site

AWE Aldermaston manufactures and support warheads for UK’s nuclear weapons near Reading. The 750 acre site, which was once was a wartime airfield, now houses radioactive materials for the construction and research of nuclear weapons.

With dangerous products comes a risk where the outcome would be severe if anything was to ever go wrong. Whilst any event, such as a radiation leak, is highly unlikely, it is worth knowing what to do just in case.

Advice from AWE states that since there are no reactors on the site, there is no chance of a nuclear reactor kind of incident as seen in Chernobyl or Fukushima. However, in the unlikely case that a serious accident caused an uncontrolled fire or explosion where radioactive materials are being handled, “there is a remote possibility that it could lead to the release of radioactive particles into the environment”.

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In the unlikely event of this occurring, a radiation emergency would be declared. Anyone in and around the area could be affected if they are exposed to radioactive particles.

How will you find out if a radiation emergency is declared at AWE Aldermaston?

An emergency plan for AWE is required by The Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations 2019 (known as REPPIR). If a radiation emergency breaks out, all households and businesses within an area around the facility will receive a pre-recorded message on their landline from the AWE Alerting System.

Radio stations and TV stations covering the affected area will also broadcast the message to ensure people are alerted as soon as possible. Emergency services would also issue updates through all channels.

What should you do if a radiation emergency is declared at AWE Aldermaston?

There are strict rules to follow if the unlikely event was to happen according to advice released by AWE. The first thing to remember is that you should not evacuate unless you are told to do so. Otherwise, here are some rules to follow from AWE’s Radiation Emergency Safety Advice:

Go indoors straight away and stay there. Close all windows and doors. Keep pets inside. Turn off boilers, air conditioning units and put out any fires or woodburners. Listen to local TV, radio or other forms of communication to wait for instructions and updates. Do not make phone calls by mobile or landline. Stay where you are unless told otherwise. Make sure everyone in your home/business knows what to do in the emergency event

What happens to schools, hospitals, businesses and farms?

Children at school will be kept inside with windows and doors closed and will be looked after by staff. Wait for instructions before risking trying to get your children.

All places of work including hospitals and care homes will have been provided with actions they should do to keep everyone as safe as possible. Once again, everyone should stay put before trying to go out and pick up any relatives or friends.

Farmers and any animal business owners should not go outside to tend to animals and should wait for advice what to do. Any outside produce will be tested before being offered for consumption.

Any food that is covered in your home will be okay to consume but those breast feeding are encouraged to switch to a breast milk substitute to prevent your baby from inhaling any potential radioactive material.