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Fukushima staff could use raincoats as virus threatens gear production
TOKYO, Feb 18, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Workers at Japan’s crippled Fukushima
nuclear plant may need to wear plastic raincoats as the coronavirus outbreak
threatens production of protective suits in China, the operator warned on
Tuesday.
Staff cleaning up the plant wear special plastic overcoats to prevent
radioactive dust settling on clothes or the body and the TEPCO operator gets
through 6,000 per day.
But a TEPCO spokesman told AFP “we could have difficulties getting certain
specific items from our usual suppliers” because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“For example, we have coats with transparent pockets showing an ID badge
and their radiation measuring device and it is possible these same products
are not available,” he added.
In this case, they would be forced to resort to commercially available
products such as plastic raincoats, said the official.
There should be no impact on safety as the coats are not designed to
protect workers from radiation since the rays penetrate clothes in any case.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1318 hrs