Portsmouth Off-site Radiation Emergency Plan - PORTSAFE

Portsmouth is one of several ports within the UK licensed to receive nuclear powered vessels.

Nuclear powered vessels visit the naval dockyard for operational purposes. They do not use the nuclear reactor in harbour and have extensive safety measures built in to their design, construction and operation. There is no risk of an 'atom bomb' type explosion.

In the very unlikely event of an incident involving a nuclear reactor, there might be a hazard to people and the environment from exposure to radioactive material. You can be exposed to radiation in 4 ways:

• breathing in radioactive material
• exposure to radioactive material deposited on the ground and surfaces
• absorption through the skin
• eating and drinking contaminated food and water

We work with the emergency services, health organisations, the Ministry of Defence and government agencies to co-ordinate the off-site plan for incidents involving the potential release of radioactive material. The plan is reviewed regularly and the Health and Safety Executive test the arrangements every 3 years.

We also produce information for residents, visitors and people working in areas of the city that could be affected. We tell you what to expect, what we do and what precautions you should take if an incident happens. The main message to remember is - go in, stay in, tune in.

Associated documents:

  What to do - Stamshaw & Tipner Leisure Centre, Wilson Road  (0.80 MB)
What to do - Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road  (0.30 MB)
What to do - Portsmouth Council of Community Service, Commercial Road  (0.45 MB)
What to do - John Pounds Centre, St James's Street  (0.50 MB)
What to do - Civic Offices, Mountbatten Gallery  (0.30 MB)
What to do - Southsea Community Centre, King Street  (0.43 MB)
What to do - Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, High Street  (0.30 MB)
Link 11  ( MB)