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AWE STATEMENT

Date: 25 August 2010

Specialists have begun recovery work inside the explosives process building damaged in a fire at AWE Aldermaston earlier this month.

Immediately after the fire, AWE suspended all associated operations and launched an investigation led by an external independent chairman.

AWE Chief Executive Officer Robin McGill said: “I can confirm that the investigation is underway. It is now important that it is allowed to take its course so we get a thorough understanding of exactly what happened.”

He added: “I would like to re-iterate that the findings of the investigation will be reported to the AWE Local Liaison Committee and shared with the public.”

A separate investigation is being carried out by the Hazardous Installations Directorate of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

While the structure of the fire-affected building did contain some asbestos which has sustained damage, this will be dealt with in accordance with established safety procedures. However, thorough sampling - both on and off-site - has confirmed that any asbestos was localised to the immediate vicinity of the building and did not affect staff or members of the public.


Contacts: AWE Press Office: 0118 985 5888.


Alan Price (0118 985 6402), Rachel Whybrow (0118 985 6414), Val Hincks (0118 985 6410), or Philippa Kent (0118 985 6412)