Materials And Fuels Complex Undergoes Safety Review

Safety concerns are halting operations at an Idaho National Lab facility.

The Materials and Fuels Complex is in the midst of a safety stand-down after two accidents this week.

When asked whether the public should worry, Phil Breidenbach, director of nuclear operations at the FMC, said no.

?In any of the issues we’ve been dealing with, not only have any workers — the workers have not been hurt. We haven’t had any impact on the environment, or any impact on the public, and we don’t expect that to happen.”

That’s one of the biggest messages that Breidenbach wants to send. It comes amid growing concern after the INL decided to undergo safety assessment and training at the complex, effectively halting operations.

“We’ve had a couple issues recently, and in this industry, big issues or small issues, we take those very seriously,? Breidenbach said. ?We try to learn from them.”

Both of those issues happened Monday. A 3,000-pound piece of steel unexpectedly fell to the ground not far from an employee. Then, a fire broke out on the roof of one of the complex buildings.

No one was hurt during either incident, but Breidenbach knows that’s not the point.

“It’s about making sure that safety is our No. 1 priority, it’s our focus, and that we do every job we can as safe as we can, and that the results show that we’re doing it that way,” he said.

The point, to Breidenbach, is remaining a productive and respected part of the eastern Idaho community.

“I think the public should take comfort in the fact we are willing to stand down,? Breidenbach said. ?We are willing to stop our operations, and really look critically at our performance and continue to try to improve. That’s what it’s all about.”

About 100 managers within the INL have already assessed and investigated various problems this week. The employee training is expected to begin Monday.

If all goes well, some operations could resume the following week.