This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41705402

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Explosives experts called to Sellafield over chemical concerns Explosives experts called to Sellafield over chemical concerns
(35 minutes later)
Bomb disposal experts were called to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant after a routine audit of chemicals stored in a laboratory.Bomb disposal experts were called to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant after a routine audit of chemicals stored in a laboratory.
Sellafield Ltd said it was "not a radiological event" but involved a small number of canisters of solvents which had been on the site since 1992.Sellafield Ltd said it was "not a radiological event" but involved a small number of canisters of solvents which had been on the site since 1992.
However, there were concerns they could become hazardous if exposed to oxygen.However, there were concerns they could become hazardous if exposed to oxygen.
An area of the site has been cordoned off, and the canisters are being disposed of by controlled explosion. An area of the site was cordoned off for most of the day, and the canisters disposed of by controlled explosion.
Sellafield said in a statement: "These chemicals are used extensively in many industries and are well understood.Sellafield said in a statement: "These chemicals are used extensively in many industries and are well understood.
"Because this is happening on the Sellafield site we exercise extreme caution and leave nothing to chance.""Because this is happening on the Sellafield site we exercise extreme caution and leave nothing to chance."
'Dig a trench''Dig a trench'
It said a team from the army's Explosives Ordinance Disposal Team was disposing of the chemicals by digging a trench, burying them using sandbags and detonating them in a controlled manner. It said a team from the army's Explosives Ordinance Disposal Team disposed of the chemicals by digging a trench, burying them using sandbags and detonating them in a controlled manner.
"The disposal ... is taking place in two batches", the statement added. The disposal took place in two batches, with the first transferred from the laboratory to another location on the site and successfully and safely detonated at around 14:15 BST.
"The first batch was transferred from our laboratory to another location on the Sellafield site and successfully and safely detonated at around 14:15. A second controlled explosion was then carried out at the same location shortly before 16:00 BST.
"The second batch has been removed from the laboratory and is currently being transferred to the same on-site location." The statement added: "We have now removed the cordon from around the laboratory, and the site is working as it would be on any other Saturday."
Environment Agency earlier said it was aware of the situation and was working with partners to monitor it.Environment Agency earlier said it was aware of the situation and was working with partners to monitor it.
Sellafield reprocesses and stores nearly all of Britain's nuclear waste.Sellafield reprocesses and stores nearly all of Britain's nuclear waste.
Last year, BBC's Panorama exposed safety concerns at the plant after a tip-off from a whistleblower, including allegations of inadequate staffing levels and poor maintenance.Last year, BBC's Panorama exposed safety concerns at the plant after a tip-off from a whistleblower, including allegations of inadequate staffing levels and poor maintenance.