On October 31, Chugoku Electric Power Co. finished constructing an emergency response building with a base-isolation structure at the Shimane Nuclear Power Station (NPS), which it owns and operates.
The power company had launched construction of the building in April 2013 on high ground on the NPS site, namely, some 50m above sea level.
In order to reduce the shock of an earthquake, the company has installed laminated rubber bearings between the foundation and the building.
In addition to special emergency power-source facilities, the building has been equipped with fuel tanks, water tanks, air-conditioning equipment to control the spread of radioactive materials, a nurse’s office, and sleeping quarters — all to accommodate long-term stays by workers engaged in response activities.
