Radiation and сhemical safety course: UDS specialists complete practical training in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

The training was delivered as part of the RRADEW project, supported by the Government of France. The course was conducted by experts from the French National Fire Officers Academy (ENSOSP) in cooperation with the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine and the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

The 2.5-day practical module took place directly within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

Representing UDS, the participants included Technical Director Eduard Drach, Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Support Department Yuliia Kavetska, Head of the Mechanized Demining Department Ihor Hushel, and Deputy Head of the Mechanized Demining Department Anatolii Tokaichuk.

The training programme covered:

1. Fundamentals of radioactivity, particle properties, and the effects of ionizing radiation;
2. Detection of lost or uncontrolled sources of ionizing radiation and recognition of potential indicators of radioactive contamination;
3. Organization of radiation and chemical reconnaissance, radiation marking, and area zoning;
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including its types and appropriate use for different radiation hazards;
5. Procedures for responding to the discovery of radioactive sources;
6. Radiation and chemical decontamination;
7. Chemical agent contamination, including the properties of hazardous substances, detection methods, and potential effects such as explosions and corrosion;
8. Assessment of structurally compromised buildings, including determining structural instability and the likely direction of collapse;
9. Planning and conducting humanitarian mine action operations in radiologically and chemically contaminated environments;
10. Response to combined radiation, chemical, explosive, and fire hazards.

The practical component included field exercises in areas containing radioactive sources. Participants worked in teams to locate radioactive materials, measure radiation levels, and produce radiation survey maps.

"The knowledge and skills gained are particularly relevant in light of the current situation in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where landmine contamination is hampering even wildfire suppression efforts. The ability to accurately assess radiation and chemical hazards on site is essential for enabling our deminers to operate safely in some of the most challenging environments," said Yuliia Kavetska, Chief Medical Officer of the UDS Medical Support Department.

The knowledge and practical skills acquired through the course further strengthen UDS's readiness to operate safely in environments affected by radiological and technological hazards.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the RRADEW project team, the Government of France, ENSOSP, the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, and the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine for organizing this valuable and highly practical training.