nbsp   What are the details of the accident at Chalk Rivers NRU reactor in 1958?
[A. CANDU Technology] [B. The Industry] [C. Cost/Benefit] [D. Safety/Liability] [E. Waste] [F. Security/Non-Proliferation] [G. Uranium] [H. Research Reactors] [I. Other R&D] [J. Further Info] On May 24, 1958 a major fuel-handling accident occurred at the NRU research reactor facility at AECL Chalk River Laboratories. The NRU, one of the world’s most powerful and versatile research reactors, was in its first year of operation (reactor design power: 200 MW). Although a major event in its own right, the 1958 NRU accident was not as significant as the 1952 NRX accident (see related FAQ) in terms of either the resulting damage to the reactor core or its legacy to the field of reactor safety. Unlike the events of December 1952, the 1958 NRU accident did not involve a power excursion in an operating reactor. It occurred while NRU was shut down and undergoing an operation to remove failed fuel from its core. While being removed the failed fuel rod did not receive adequate cooling and probably
