Three more Hanford workers exposed to vapors

Another three workers from Washington River Protection Systems were evaluated after being exposed to ammonia-like vapors Thursday at the AW Tank Farm. It's the second vapor incident at the Hanford site this week. On Wednesday, six workers were exposed to vapors at the AX Tank Farm.

The exposure on Thursday came on the same day the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health released a report outlining five key findings and recommendations to address the vapor exposure issue. The recommendations include making significant investments in monitoring technology. So far, thousands of air samples have been collected but few show exposures exceeding occupational limits.

Workers and unions have lost their trust in Washington State River Protection Solutions and the Department of Energy as a result. Some of the recommendations made aim to rebuild that trust, including a suggestion that leadership acknowledge health and exposure concerns as legitimate, and have a more pronounced presence in the field.

Washington River Protection Solutions only responded in a letter attached to the report saying it is currently under review.