The crucial role of radiation monitoring in determining and limiting the spread of radionuclides during nuclear emergencies was the focus of a recent IAEA training workshop held in Fukushima, Japan.
The workshop aimed to build international capacity in emergency preparedness to protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Poland and Türkiye received both theoretical and practical training at the IAEA's Response and Assistance Network (RANET) Capacity Building Centre.
Trainers from the IAEA and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) covered critical topics like environmental sampling, field radiation monitoring, radiation protection measures and specialized radiation detection equipment.
At field exercises at two uninhabited sites, participants practiced using various radiation detectors, and under expert guidance, they carried out sampling, monitored hotspots and conducted in-situ gamma spectrometry and backpack radiation surveys.
"Conducting training in real-world settings enhances learning in this specialised area," said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre. "Participants had the unique opportunity to train in a region where low levels of contamination remain, providing realistic conditions for practicing emergency response."
The workshop also prepared participants to use data for informed decision-making during emergencies. They practiced uploading radiation data to a training version of the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS), which enabled them to visualize and interpret the data they had collected during field activities.
"Training in a real-world environment-where we can measure radiation levels and simulate emergency responses-equips participants with skills they cannot acquire in a purely theoretical setting," said Latife Ozge Unver, the IAEA Incident and Emergency Assessment Officer.
Submitting data to IRMIS helps ensure that environmental radioactivity levels are effectively monitored and reported, contributing to a comprehensive picture of global and regional radiation levels. "This is an extremely powerful and informative tool in emergency management and beneficial for all countries," said Prashant Maharaj, ANSTO Radiological Emergency Manager and one of the workshop trainers. "IRMIS gives emergency responders access to real-time information, enabling prompt assessment to minimise risks to human health and environment."
IRMIS gives emergency responders access to real-time information, enabling prompt assessment to minimise risks to human health and environment.
Strengthening international cooperation
Radiation detectors in use during the IAEA training workshop in Fukushima. Participants learned to measure radiation levels accurately, identify hotspots, and report data for effective emergency preparedness and response. Photo: IAEA
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a longstanding partner in IAEA emergency preparedness and response activities.
Since 2013, the RANET Capacity Building Centre in Fukushima has hosted numerous IAEA workshops, providing a unique setting where specialists from around the world can train in a facility equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring tools, supported by local knowledge and resources.
"Japan attaches great importance to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards and has long been committed to global human resource development, including the IAEA RANET Capacity Building Centre," said Kenichiro Tanaka, Director of the International Nuclear Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "It is expected that the activities at the RANET centre will contribute to global nuclear safety by strengthening preparedness and response capabilities for international nuclear accidents and radiological emergencies."
"This workshop is part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of countries to respond effectively to nuclear and radiological incidents. Japan's commitment to advancing nuclear safety is deeply rooted in its own experience with nuclear incidents," said Torres Vidal. "Japan's robust expertise in emergency response has become a valuable resource for global collaboration and how to have measures in place to inform the public on safety measures."
