[April 26, 1986: Dyatlov meets with plant director Viktor Bryukhanov and chief engineer Nikolai Fomin in a bunker underneath the plant]
[dryly] I take it the safety test was a failure.
We have the situation under control.
Under control? It doesn't look like it's under control.
Shut up, Fomin. [to Dyatlov] I have to tell the Central Committee about this. Do you realize that? I have to get on the phone and tell Maryin, or God forbid Frolyshev, that my power plant is on fire.
No one can blame you for this, Director Bryukhanov
Of course no one can blame me for this. How can I be responsible? I was sleeping. Tell me what happened. Quickly.
We ran the test exactly as Chief Engineer Fomin approved. Unit Shift Chief Akimov and Engineer Toptunov encountered technical difficulties, leading to an accumulation of hydrogen in the control system tank. It, regrettably, ignited, damaging the plant and setting the roof on fire.
[Bryukhanov looks to Fomin]
The tank is quite large, yes. It's the only logical explanation. Of course, Deputy Chief Engineer Dyatlov was directly supervising the test, so he would know best.
A hydrogen tank, fire...Reactor?
We're taking measures to ensure a steady flow of water through the core.
What about radiation?
Obviously, down here it's nothing, but in the reactor building, I'm being told 3.6 roentgen per hour
Well, that's not great, but it's not horrifying.
Not at all. From the feedwater, I assume?
[Dyatlov nods]
We'll have to limit shifts to six hours at a time, but otherwise...
The dosimetrists should be checking regularly. Have them use the good meter, from the safe. Right, I'll call Maryin. Have them wake up the local committee, there'll be orders coming down.
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