ALMERA Training Course on In-Situ Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Spiez Laboratory, Switzerland
2–6 November 2015
Conference ID:
49984
(TM)
Announcement
Host Institute:
Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), Spiez Laboratory, Switzerland
Deadline for Nominations:
16 July 2015
Organizers:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Spiez Laboratory, Switzerland
Host Country Organizer:
Ms Béatrice Balsiger
Federal Department of Defence
Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)
Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)
Spiez Laboratory
3700 Spiez, Switzerland
Beatrice.Balsiger@babs.admin.ch
Language:
English
Purpose:
The purpose of the course is to provide theoretical and hands-on practical training in the area of in-situ gamma ray spectrometry; specifically to provide instruction on the basic principles of this measurement technique and on its applications through different practical exercises. In addition decontamination methods and measures to be taken when working in contaminated areas will be demonstrated to the participants in controlled experimental conditions.
Expected Output(s):
The course will enable the participants to learn about the theory and practice of in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry, one of the most frequently used tools to determine the type and level of environmental contamination in the case of a nuclear emergency situation. The course will result in dissemination of this method and increased method standardisation across ALMERA laboratories.
Scope and Nature:
The course will take place over a one-week period, providing laboratory practical work and lectures on the method. Laboratory safety instruction will be provided in preparation of laboratory work.
Course materials and, where applicable, IAEA documents, will be provided on adequate information support.
Over the one-week period participants will learn about the theory of in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry, hardware and software requirements, and perform measurements in field conditions. The field exercise will take place under strict dosimetry and safety control.
Background Information:
The course is organised to support the interest expressed by many ALMERA laboratories to develop their rapid assessment capabilities to support the decision making process in case of a nuclear emergency.
Participation:
The training course is open to 24 participants from ALMERA network laboratories. Priority will be given to those laboratories that have an in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry system or plan to extend their off-site monitoring tools but do not currently have enough expertise. Participants will be selected on a competitive basis upon their practice and qualifications in laboratory gamma-ray spectrometry.
The ALMERA network has laboratories in the following Member States:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia.
Participants’ Qualifications:
Participants should be experienced in gamma-ray spectrometry; basic knowledge of working with radioactive materials is recommended.
Nomination Procedure:
Nominations should be submitted to the IAEA using the attached Form A. The completed form should be endorsed by relevant national authorities and returned to the Agency through the official channels, i.e. the designated National Liaison Office for IAEA Matters.
The completed nomination forms should be sent to the IAEA not later than 19 June 2015. Nominations received after this date or which have not been routed through the established official channels cannot be considered. Advance nomination to the Scientific Secretary of the course, Mr Sandor Tarjan, by Email: S.Tarjan@iaea.org as well as to the Administrative Secretary for the course, Ms Karin Will (Email: K.Will@iaea.org), is encouraged.
Administrative and Financial Arrangements:
The organizers of the course do not accept liability for the payment of any cost or compensation that may arise from damage to or loss of personal property, or from illness, injury, disability or death of a participant while he/she is travelling to and from or attending the course, and it is clearly understood that each Government, in nominating participants, undertakes responsibility for such coverage. Governments would be well advised to take out insurance against these risks. A copy of the insurance policy will be requested for the issuance of the visa.
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