Chemical protection
The Chemistry Section focuses on threats from chemical warfare agents and related toxic chemicals. For the protection of the public, it operates instrumentation and develops the required expertise for evaluation, prevention and mitigation of such threats. It supports civil authorities and Swiss Armed Forces in their related activities. Through cooperation with international organisations, specialist institutes and equipment manufacturers the Chemistry Section stays abreast on the latest scientific developments in its field.
The Chemistry Section operates a special synthesis laboratory, where it produces small amounts of highly toxic chemicals for reference and testing purposes. The Division's internationally certified and accredited analytical laboratory develops methods to identify chemical warfare agents and their related compounds and trains specialists from the Swiss Armed Forces on the correct use of these methods. Using special installations the Detection and Decontamination Group evaluates chemical agent detectors and decontamination agents.
The Chemistry Section also has a dedicated Arms Control Unit, which supports relevant sections of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (seco) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with the implementation of both the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Australia Group export control regime. The unit also acts as the reporting centre for the declarations required by the CWC from the Swiss chemical industry.
The Chemistry Section is a member of the Department of Defence, Protection and Sport's Deployment Team (EEVBS). It provides specialist personnel and technical resources for incidents of chemical terrorism.
The Chemistry Section is also keen to further the next generation of young scientists. To this end, it accepts two apprentices every year for a professional formation as chemical laboratory technicians.
 |
Head: Stefan Mogl |