On-site radioactivity monitoring / In-situ gamma spectrometry
- On-site radioactivity monitoring / In-situ gamma spectrometry
In-situ gamma spectrometry is used to measure radioactive contamination directly on site. It is a measurement system which is used in the first few hours after an incident because it provides reliable results on radionuclide composition. During the initial phase immediately after an event, the results that it rapidly provides form the bases for all further decisions taken by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and the authorities.
During the second phase, detailed measurements can be taken in zones which are of particular interest. The results can subsequently be used to assess hazards and measures.
The SPIEZ LABORATORY has three complete apparatus of this type. Generally, each apparatus is operated by two teams, each comprising two measurement technicians, from a small-sized vehicle (standard car, Pinzgauer). On-site deployments are carried out by the main laboratory or one of the mobile laboratories according to instructions from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). The results of the on-site survey are then directly transmitted over prioritised mobile phone connections in one of the two mobile labs, but mostly directly to the main laboratory, i.e. the SPIEZ LABORATORY. The final stage of the procedure involves the entry of this information into the NEOC laboratory data base.
Every year, the SPIEZ LABORATORY organises training exercises in Switzerland during which test measurements are taken. This means that the Radioactivity Group is suitably prepared, but should an event occur, it can call for back-up from the members of the military laboratory A Lab ACSD 86, who are fully trained in the use of this measurement system.