By NEAL KARLINSKY, WENDY BRUNDIGE and LEEZEL TANGLAO
1 April 2011 Some Japanese plant workers, including former employees who are now miles away from the damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, say they are concerned about the health of their colleagues and the availability of equipment to keep them safe from the leaked radiation. International nuclear experts believe that melted fuel in reactor No. 1 has caused a “localized criticality,” which is a small, uncontrolled chain reaction that occasionally emits a burst of heat, radiation and a blue flash of light. It is not a threat to the area at large, officials say, but could be deadly for workers.

Illustration of criticality event at Fukushima nuclear reactor No. 1. International nuclear experts believe that melted fuel in reactor No. 1 has caused a 'localized criticality,' which is a small, uncontrolled chain reaction that occasionally emits a burst of heat, radiation and a blue flash of light. It is not a threat to the area at large, officials say, but could be deadly for workers. ABC News

One worker from inside the plant spoke anonymously about safety concerns such as not having enough radiation-detection devices available for workers. The devices alert workers of too much exposure. “Since the number of monitors is limited, only one or two devices are handed to each group,” the worker said. “But sometimes you have to move away from that person and in that case you’ll never know the level of your exposure.” He said workers are worried about their health. “Some workers called it quits and just left for home,” he said. “My gut feeling is that I want to get it over with and get out of here.” …

Japan Nuclear Crisis: Worker Speaks Out About Radiation Dangers