Criticality Accident Conditions

[Robert Fletcher <RobertF@dial.pipex.com>]

Can anyone point me in the direction of literature which accurately 
describes the types and energies of radiation produced in a Criticality 
event, along with dose rate profiles, time durations etc.?  We have been 
asked to comment on whether a personal alarming dosimeter could provide 
useful warnings for personnel involved in recovery operations after an 
initial event, especially where there is a possibility of a second or 
repeated criticality condition.

No information has been forthcoming yet about what, if any, warning systems 
were in use at the Russian facility.

However, if the figures between 5 and 50 Gy are correct, it sounds unlikely 
that any kind of monitor would have been able to get the unfortunate Dr 
Zakharov out of his lab in time to avoid a significant dose, due to his 
proximity to the offending materials.

Is it policy for the Russian authorities to share their knowledge of the 
truth to assist others in avoiding a repeat?

Robert J Fletcher
Siemens Environmental Systems Ltd.
Robert.Fletcher@poole.siemens.co.uk