Y-12 Accident Update

["Harmon, Terry O'Devah (ONF) " <onf@ornl.gov>]

UPDATE ON Y-12 ACCIDENT

Following is an update on the December 9 chemical explosion at the Y-12
Plant, issued
today by Lockheed Martin Energy Systems. 


Of the 10 employees being treated for injuries, one has been transported to
Erlanger
Hospital in Chattanooga where assessment of his condition continues. Reports
from
Erlanger indicate second-degree burns over 25 percent of his face, chest and
upper
extremities. His condition is listed as serious but stable. 

Two of the injured who have been admitted to Oak Ridge Methodist Medical
Center for
observation are being treated for first-and second-degree burns. While most
of the
employees who were treated at the Y-12 Medical Center have been released,
two were
sent to Methodist Medical Center for further evaluation. They were not
admitted. 

"Here at the plant, we are tracking the condition of all the employees who
were affected
by the incident," said Lockheed Martin Energy Systems President Bob Van
Hook. "Our
Human Resources leadership personnel remain on hand to support these
employees and
their families." 

Emergency response personnel have selected a phased approach to recovery and
re-entry
for the accident site. Concerns being addressed include employee safety and
maintaining
security of the area for pending investigations. 

The first phase is tentatively slated for this evening when an initial
assessment will be
conducted by plant fire department and safety personnel who survey the area
for potential
hazards and ensure that the facility is safe and secure. 

When the area is determined to be safe and stable, an escorted entry will be
permitted for
facility managers and other technical personnel to evaluate the condition of
the facility and
equipment. Facility personnel also will photograph both the facility itself
and the scene of
the incident. 

Throughout the re-entry process, the accident scene will remain secure to
ensure the
integrity of the area until an investigation to be conducted by DOE is
complete. 


Terry Harmon
Sr. Health Physics Tech
Kelly Scientific Resources
Phone: (865) 241-0289
Pager: (865) 417-1592
Email: onf@ornl.gov <mailto:harmonto@ornl.gov> 
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