NHK: Tepco Plans to Send Workers into Unit 3

Tepco has been saying for days that they cannot send workers into #3 because the radiation level is way too high. They have been trying to inject nitrogen, unsuccessfully, because they fear a hydrogen explosion at this reactor.

So, the workers who are now being sent in must truly be heroic because they may be sacrificing years and years of their lives, or worse.

Tepco must also be very desperate to be sending these workers in.

This is a troubling development, particularly because Tepco is pretty clearly stating that the situation at unit 3 is out of control.

NHK: TEPCO to send workers into No.3 reactor building

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/08_18.html

"The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant will send personnel, instead of a robot, into one of the reactor buildings to take steps to prevent a hydrogen explosion. But the work is likely to face difficulty because of the high radiation levels.


Tokyo Electric Power Company plans to inject nitrogen into the No.3 reactor to prevent another hydrogen explosion...

...The company hopes to complete the injection by July 17th according to its schedule, but the prospects remain unclear. Removing the risk of hydrogen explosions and stably cooling down the reactors are the keys to bringing the situation under control."