Future inspectors practice the basics of radiation protection

Health and safety concerns are part of our daily routine. During an on-site inspection (OSI) – searching the ground for evidence of a nuclear explosion – health and safety issues are more complex. 

On-site inspections are key to verifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). They complement the worldwide monitoring network, but can only be invoked once the Treaty has entered into force.  

As part of on-site inspection training, more than 70 experts from over 40 countries underwent a week-long training course on health and safety issues with a focus on radiation protection. Staff from the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) participated as well. Highly experienced radiation protection professionals supported the OSI division in the conduct of training: Carolyn MacKenzie and Kaylie Thompson from the Laurence Livermore Laboratory in the USA, Bob Irwin, a veteran of the Canadian nuclear industry, and Irina Lovjagina, a Latvian health and safety expert.

The course, which took place in mid-May near Vienna, Austria, built on lessons learned from the Integrated Field Exercise in Kazakhstan in 2008. It is part of the preparation process for the next big on-site inspection exercise in 2014.