Participants during live exercises simulating an emergency radiological incident on a national highway
Government emergency personnel train to respond to nuclear and radiological incidents
Emphasizing the need for a solid and coordinated approach to nuclear and radiological emergencies, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) hosted emergency responders from various government agencies for another year of the National Training Course on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response held from January 12 to 20 at the PNRI compound in Diliman, Quezon City.
Organized in cooperation with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), the seven-day course provided participants with the basic understanding of the principles of radiation protection as well as practical knowledge on various emergency procedures and scenarios in case of nuclear or radiological incidents.
Coordinating the course with the JAEA experts are the regulatory staff from the PNRI Nuclear Regulatory Division, which is presently transitioning into the newly-formed Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority or PhilATOM created under Republic Act 12305.
The new law on nuclear regulations not only empowers PhilATOM as an independent regulatory body but also improves the country’s capabilities in implementing the National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN).
The participants represented various member agencies under the RADPLAN, namely the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and the National Transmission Corporation. Also among the participants are several researchers, as well as technical and communications staff from DOST-PNRI.
The training course consisted of lectures and practical exercises/drills on radiation safety, protection and survey, decontamination techniques, and environmental monitoring during nuclear and radiological emergencies.
The highlight of the training course was the integrated radiological field exercise which provided the participants with practical experience in the field, as well as the roles & responsibilities of RADPLAN agencies in an exercise simulating an unfolding emergency along a national highway.
Trainees learn basic skills on radiation protection and safety, including the use of radiation survey meters and decontamination techniques
