Brief summary of the field exercise on source search, identification and recovery in Nairobi, Kenya from 27 to 28 August 2018

The Field exercise on source search, identification and recovery was successfully conducted at the Kenyan Radiation Protection Board’s National radioactive waste management facility near  Nairobi, Kenya from 27 to 28 August 2018.

The 14 participants were coming from three partner countries: Kenya (host country), Rwanda and Seychelles. The exercise was guided by three facilitators of the Consultant (ENCO and SCK•CEN). Further support in relation with operation of radiation monitoring instruments and technical arrangements was provided by the  technical staff of the Kenyan Radiation Protection Board (RPB).

The first day of the FX was devoted to the explanations and instructions, including the utilization of the Standard operating procedures SOPs. The Consultant provided 5  detailed presentations on radiation physics and protection, equipment and technical explanations on the different phases of the search, identification, characterization and recovery of radioactive sources. The most important element was the demonstration of personal protection equipment and of various detection and identification/characterization equipment. During the presentations and demonstrations all participants had ample opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with the equipment and devices, but also with techniques, personal protection and SOPs. The scenario of the exercise was explained in detail and the relevant standard operating procedures were presented and discussed.

The field exercise took place at the new National radioactive waste management facility. Following the exercise scenario, the participants, who were divided into 3 groups of about 4 to 6 persons having different tasks (2 persons responsible for the field measurements wearing the adequate personal protection equipment, 1 team leader and 1 communication officer, accompanied by a radiological assessor from the Consortium), were trained and exercised themselves with appropriate equipment for the different phases of the search, identification/characterization and recovery of hidden radioactive sources. Due to adverse metrological conditions,  the exercise was held inside the building. Measurement equipment and radioactive sources were kindly made available by RPB, while the Consultant provided adequate protection equipment for training purposes.

Advices on the practical implementation, precautions and procedures, etc. were provided all along these two days. At the end of the exercise, a debriefing was organized. All participants provided feedback on the quality of the exercise and possible improvements for conducting the search, identification/characterization and recovery of radioactive sources. All participants were highly positive about the field exercise and in particular on their future use of the experience and knowledge acquired in their respective countries.