Five repairmen were exposed to radiation at Mayak Production Association (based in Ozersk, Chelyabinsk Region) on June 22-24, 2007. The accident was reported on July 2, 2007 after the data recorded by both the regular and extra dosimeters that the workers had with them had been decoded. Four people got 2.3 to 2.9 mSv more than the upper radiation limit of 50 mSv, and one person was exposed to a portion of 77.3 mSv, the spokesperson for Rostechnadzor (the state nuclear safety watchdog) reports.

The accident was investigated by an ad hoc committee that comprised a representative of Ural Interregional Territorial Division of Rostechnadzor. The committee found the cause of the accident, assessed the damage that had been done, and pointed out the culprits - three of Mayak’s executives (the director of the plant, the director of the shop where everything had happened, and the head of radiation safety service). Rostechnadzor initiated an administrative suit, charging the accused with violating the norms and regulations of using atomic energy and failing to provide safe storage of nuclear materials (Article 9.6 of Russian Administrative Code).

The victims will be provided with working conditions that exclude any chance of being exposed to radiation for one year and will be offered jobs with limited chances of being exposed to radiation for the next four years.