World experts to visit n-laboratory

Last updated 13:26, Wednesday, 20 August 2008

HIGH powered representatives from all over the world are due to fly to Copeland to view the new National Nuclear Laboratory at Sellafield.

Their visit will include a whistle-stop tour of the newly formed facility.

A spokesman for the NNL says the collaboration between the various countries is aimed at sustaining a high quality of skills in the industry.

He said: “The group aims to exchange experience on analytical methods, share know-how on issues such as remote handling techniques, safety features, waste handling and quality matters, transport, licensing and discuss present and future demands of the industry and draw conclusions regarding further facility requirements.”

The conference will focus around the laboratory’s “Hot Cell” facilities.

These are areas where volatile material such as plutonium and other radioactive material is dealt with.

The 45th annual conference will deal with a number of issues including industry infrastructure, refurbishment, decommissioning experience, developments in national and international transport.

Managing director of the NNL, Dr Peter Bleasdale, said: “We are delighted to support this event in sharing some of the knowledge and expertise in this specialist area of work, and to demonstrate some of the world-class facilities we have available at the NNL.”