The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in collaboration with the Population Protection Institute (PPI) of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, organised an Assistance and Protection Sampling Course for OPCW Member States, in Lázně Bohdaneč, Czech Republic.
The six-day event, held from 14 to 19 September, focused on enhancing a range of critical skills necessary for effective response to chemical incidents, providing first responders with invaluable, hands-on experience deepening their understanding of key procedures for working in contaminated environments.
In his opening statement, Colonel František Paulus, Director of PPI, remarked: "PPI fully supports the OPCW in enhancing the assistance and protection capabilities in Member States." While Lieutenant Colonel Ladislava Navrátilová, course leader from PPI, stated: "Participants in this course will gain deeper insight into sampling process, as part of chemical response procedures".
OPCW training on sampling and analysis for first responders - Group of training participants
By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, participants were well prepared for real-world scenarios. Key learning areas included reconnaissance and detection, where participants were trained to assess and identify chemical threats effectively using a range of detection equipment. They also gained practical experience in decontamination and hot-zone management, learning strategies to manage contaminated areas during emergencies, and how to safeguard both personnel and the public. An important aspect of the training was the emphasis on chain of custody and sample handling. Participants learned the significance of maintaining the integrity of chemical samples through proper documentation and handling, ensuring that samples remain reliable for investigations.
"I gained valuable skills in hot-zone management and incident handling, as well as new sampling techniques and how to prepare for unexpected sample collection," said Sylivia Nalumaga, Analyst at the Ugandan National Bureau of Standards. "The course was a great experience, combining insightful presentations with hands-on practical sessions."
OPCW training on sampling and analysis for first responders- Training participants learn about protective clothing
Highlighting the train-the-trainers approach of the course, Jiyeon Kim, CBRN Major of the Korean military noted: "As a team leader, this course introduced me to new, effective training methods that I've already successfully applied to my team. I also had the chance to see cutting-edge counter-CBRN equipment and connect with first responders from other countries. It was an invaluable experience."
This collaborative initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in building capacity to respond to chemical emergencies. By equipping experts from multiple countries with advanced skills, the course contributes to global safety standards and preparedness in addressing chemical hazards.
Participants represented 18 OPCW Member States: Algeria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates.
OPCW training on sampling and analysis for first responders - Participants practice donning proective equipment
Background
Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention outlines the rights of Member States to request assistance when threatened or attacked with chemical weapons and encourages nations to share technologies and resources for protecting civilians and personnel.
The Czech Republic was among the first four countries to train chemical emergency experts under Article X of the Convention. The first OPCW course was held at PPI in 1999 - to date, the Institute has organised 45 international OPCW courses in the Czech Republic, Uganda and Paraguay, and has trained over 600 experts on a variety of topics. In recognition of its efforts and extensive expertise in providing trainings on chemical emergency incidents, PPI was awarded OPCW's Hague Award in 2022.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention's entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
In 2023, the OPCW verified that all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by the 193 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997 - totalling 72,304 metric tonnes of chemical agents - have been irreversibly destroyed under the OPCW's strict verification regime.
For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
