"Blue" mobile laboratory (Blue MobLab)
- "Blue" mobile laboratory (Blue MobLab)
The SPIEZ LABORATORY "blue" mobile laboratory (Blue MobLab) is used to measure radioactivity in people and environmental samples, and is a fully integrated part of the Emergency Organisation Radioactivity (EOR). The Radioactivity Group within the SPIEZ LABORATORY ensures that the vehicle is operationally ready around the clock and it can be mobilised in less than one hour. Should an incident occur, the blue MobLab can be mobilised and operated by the trained staff of the military laboratory A Lab ACSD 86.
The modular composition of the blue mobile laboratory means that it can take a variety of radioactivity measurements in different situations. It comprises the following modules:
- Full-body counter
- Imaging plate (thyroid)
- 1 to 3 sample imaging plates
- Neutron detector
- Transport of Class 7 hazardous goods (radioactive substances) in accordance with ADR/SDR
The basic module comprises a comprehensive set of equipment to measure radiation and to collect samples. All data can then be directly transferred from the blue MobLab over a prioritised mobile phone connection to the SPIEZ LABORATORY and finally entered in the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) laboratory data base.
Should an event occur – i.e. actual or suspected release of radioactivity – the blue MobLab can be dispatched to the scene, where the full-body counter and/or the thyroid imaging plate can be used to test for the presence of radioactivity in humans. This is an important resource for the protection of Swiss public health. Possible contamination/radioactive contamination can be immediately determined. However, this type of operation must be carried out in close cooperation with physicians, who will be able to provide people with the necessary medical care should tests show that the threshold value has been exceeded. Every hour a maximum of 12 people can be tested in the blue MobLab for radioactive contamination.
Should radioactive contamination occur, the sample imaging plate module means that samples, such as water, soil, grass or vegetables can be measured for radioactivity using gamma spectrometry. For their own safety, the public should be warned of any possible contamination as early as possible. In addition, the general public can bring their food for testing in the blue MobLab, where they are immediately given the results and informed of whether a contamination risk exists or not.
When commissioned by the "special federal laboratory", the blue MobLab can also be used for the transport of hazardous goods or to record measurements with the neutron detector. The blue MobLab can serve as the control centre for on-site measurement technologies, such as in-situ gamma spectrometry.
With the blue MobLab, the SPIEZ LABORATORY has an exceptionally well-equipped vehicle, which can directly and comprehensively test for radioactive contamination on site, as well as provide the bases for the assessment of such results.