Board Gives Nuclear-Weapon Lab Failing Grade On Safety Steps

FILE - This undated file aerial photo shows the Los Alamos National laboratory in Los Alamos, N.M. Nearly three years after being blamed for a radiation leak, the company that manages the Los Alamos nuclear weapons l... FILE - This undated file aerial photo shows the Los Alamos National laboratory in Los Alamos, N.M. Nearly three years after being blamed for a radiation leak, the company that manages the Los Alamos nuclear weapons laboratory received high marks during its annual performance evaluation according to documents released Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, by the National Nuclear Security Administration. (The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File) MORE LESS

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An annual safety assessment gave Los Alamos National Laboratory a failing grade for steps it takes to prevent accidents in developing nuclear weapons.

The Santa Fe New Mexican (https://goo.gl/nZp6yJ ) reports that an independent federal advisory board’s annual assessment found the lab had numerous safety infractions during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board’s assessment gave the lab 23 low-level infractions, one mid-level infraction and no high-level infractions. Most of the infractions were self-reported by lab staff.

Lab spokesman Kevin Roark said Los Alamos has taken steps to address shortcomings, including improvements in operating procedures and both training and adding staff.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  1. No problem. Rick Perry to the rescue!

  2. Avatar for imkmu3 imkmu3 says:

    I feel better already.

  3. Avatar for j.dave j.dave says:

    Oops.

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