On July 8, the activities on dust fixation on surfaces of collapsed structures, equipment, floor and wall panels were commenced in Unit 4 Turbine Hall near collapse area of roof and wall structures. The personnel of contracting organization “StroyEnergoMontazh” perform the works under “Action Plan for mitigation of consequences from roof collapse and potential risks for available structures and personnel”.

The objective of this measure is to ensure reliable dust fixation on the surfaces of collapsed structures and prevent its spreading beyond containment structure and its entry into the environment as well.

The complexity of these activities is stipulated by the fact that work performance area has high levels of exposure dose rates and surface contamination, moreover, non-uniformity of radiation fields within this area is extremely high. Besides, the work zone includes large areas of vertical and horizontal surfaces of complex configuration. This is provided by the fact that a lot of pre-accidental equipment of the Turbine Hall is being within this area, and accumulation of materials and fragments of building structures of accident origin is recorded.

The total area to be treated is 4,440 cubic meters. The activities will be continued till the end of current month. Following their performance, a polymer film will be formed on all surfaces of the Turbine Hall in axes 49-54, safely fixing and retaining radionuclides. The guaranteed lifetime of the cover is 12 months. This time will be enough to recover collapsed fragments of roof and wall panels and containment structure of Unit 4, consequently.