The Magnitude 9.1 Meltdown at Fukushima - Lessons in Crisis Management

Explore the harrowing events of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in this 34-minute conference talk from ubyConf 2022. Delve into the sequence of events that unfolded on March 11, 2011, when a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck Tōhoku, Japan, followed by a devastating tsunami. Learn about the nuclear power plant's initial automatic shutdown, the subsequent failure of backup systems, and the unprecedented challenges faced by the operators. Examine the contrasting responses to the crisis, from the control room to the government briefings, and understand the technical aspects of boiling water reactors, passive cooling systems, and emergency procedures. Gain insights into the human element of the disaster, including the heroic efforts of the "Fukushima 50" and the extreme decisions made under unimaginable pressure. Analyze the broader context of the Fukushima meltdown and its implications for nuclear safety, crisis management, and workplace satisfaction. Through this detailed exploration, draw valuable lessons about resilience, decision-making, and finding purpose in high-stakes environments.

Intro
Example Nuclear Power Plant
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Boiling Water Reactor
Backup Diesel Generator
Passive Cooling: Unit 1
Passive Cooling: Units 2 and 3
Unit 1 and 2 Control Room
Power Supply Room
Unit 1 Recovery: Re-Establish Cooling
Unit 1 Recovery: Instrumentation
Unit 1 Recovery: Planning the Vent
Yoshida briefs Kan
Personal Dosimeter
Making Another Plan
Venting
BWR Fuel Bundle
Hydrogen Explosion
State of the Plant
The Fukushima 50
The Last Straw
Putting Fukushima Daiichi in Context
Process Mapping