"Yellow" mobile laboratory (Yellow MobLab)
- "Yellow" mobile laboratory (Yellow MobLab)
The "yellow" mobile laboratory (yellow MobLab) of the SPIEZ LABORATORY serves primarily to measure radioactivity in samples from the environment 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. However, it can also take other measurements, such as emissions produced by spent ammunition in the SPIEZ LABORATORY. Once equipped (i.e. within a few hours), the vehicle can be can be mobilised and operated by the trained staff of the military laboratory A Lab ACSD 86.
The modular composition of the yellow MobLab means that it can take a variety of radioactivity measurements in different situations. It comprises the following modules:
- 1 to 2 sample imaging plates
- 1 in-situ gamma spectrometry
- Neutron detector
- Transport of Class 7 hazardous goods (radioactive substances) in accordance with ADR / SDR
The basic module comprises a comprehensive range of equipment to measure radiation and to collect samples. All data can then be directly transferred from the yellow 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 – humans can be measured with the full-body counter and/or the thyroid imaging plate in the yellow MobLab. 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 the procedure reveal that the threshold value has been exceeded. Every hour a maximum of 12 people can be tested in the yellow MobLab for radioactive contamination.
When commissioned by the "special federal laboratory", the yellow MobLab can also be used for the transport of hazardous goods or to record measurements with the neutron detector. yellow MobLab can serve as the control centre for on-site measurement technologies, such as in-situ gamma spectrometry.
The SPIEZ LABORATORY "yellow" mobile laboratory has the particular advantage of being able to assess radioactive contamination swiftly and on site, should such an incident occur.