AERB rules out design flaw in valves in KNPP Unit-I

CHENNAI: Failure to drain out hot water before undertaking maintenance work on valves in Unit-I of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant had led to the mishap last week in which six persons were injured, a preliminary inquiry has found while ruling out any defect in the design of the valves.

Investigations by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) revealed that there was no design flaw in the valves and the accident occurred when hot hold up water spilled on the workers while they were dismantling the valve of 500-mm size, according to an official release here.

Three NPCIL ( Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) workers and three contract employees suffered burns in the incident on May 14.

The unit was shut down during the maintenance period, the release said, adding that the injured persons, who sustained first degree burns, are still undergoing treatment.