§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence why secondary monitoring for all those leaving nuclear submarines is not mandatory at HM Naval Base Clyde Faslane. [178868]
§ Mr. IngramComprehensive arrangements, which comply fully with legal requirements and have been approved by the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, are in place to ensure the safety of all personnel working on nuclear submarines. Personnel exiting the reactor compartments must be monitored before they are permitted to leave the submarine (by suitably qualified and experienced workers) using hand-held instrumentation capable of detecting very low levels of radioactive contamination. This monitoring is precautionary as work procedures and protective clothing are designed to minimise the 939W chance of becoming contaminated. Secondary monitoring (using a walk-through monitor), which takes place after the worker has completed primary monitoring and removed his protective clothing, is compulsory when contamination is suspected or found.