Decontamination of IREQ's High Voltage Laboratory Following a PCB Fire

A fire in a capacitor bank in IREQ's High Voltage Laboratory resulted in structural damage and widespread PCB and furan contamination throughout the building. A description is presented of the organization which was set up to handle the decontamination and repair work. Details are also included regarding the medical considerations, acceptance criteria, site facilities, protective measures and decontamination techniques. The decontamination schedule was arranged so that the various parts of the laboratory were returned to normal operation in the shortest possible time without having to wait for the decontamination of the complete building. The office section of the laboratory was reoccupied after 3 months, the large hall after 6 months anid the annex after 11 months. Simultaneously with the decontamination operation, an outdoor area was constructed for the testing of power transformers. This area went into operation approximately 3½ months after the fire and it continued to function for 7 months until testing was resumed in the annex.