An IAEA safeguards inspector was involved in a contamination incident yesterday afternoon at the Belgoprocess nuclear waste processing facility in Dessel, Belgium.
The inspector, accompanied by a EURATOM inspector and a Belgoprocess official, was conducting a routine inspection at the facility when the incident occurred. The three individuals evacuated the area and have undergone external decontamination procedures and medical checks. They are now being assessed to determine the level of their radiation exposure.
Belgian authorities have reported that the incident area has been sealed off and no radioactivity has been released to the environment. Decontamination of the facility is expected to begin soon.
The IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) is in contact with Belgian officials to collect information about the exposure to radiation, the nuclear material involved and other details.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit the Press Section of the IAEA's website or call the IAEA's Division of Public Information at (+43-1) 2600-21270.