information about Fukushima published in English in Japanese media info publiée en anglais dans la presse japonaise
5 Décembre 2015
December 5, 2015
http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20151205p2g00m0dm033000c.html
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's nuclear regulatory body said Friday it has launched an investigation into metallic spent fuel containers at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant as they may not have sufficient strength.
Members of the Nuclear Regulation Authority raised the issue Friday at a meeting to discuss nuclear safety problems. The body will examine whether the containers made by Kobe Steel Ltd. are safe for long-term use.
The nuclear regulation watchdog said it will also launch a probe at Japan Atomic Power Co.'s Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture as the same type of fuel container may be used there.
The fuel storages meet strength criteria set by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. But the metal plates inside them may not be strong enough for use in storing nuclear spent fuel.
TEPCO said it believes the strength of the containers meets the NRA's safety standards.