Bertin has been chosen by the authorities of Switzerland and by the European Commission – on behalf of Armenia – to provide tailored radiation monitoring systems. These new contracts reassert Bertin’s strong expertise in Environmental Radiation Monitoring Systems (ERMS) and demonstrate its flexibility to meet specific requirements.
The Swiss authorities chose Bertin for the renewal of their MADUK1 and NADAM2 radiation monitoring networks. Bertin Technologies also won a tender for ANRA (Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority), within the framework of a contract funded by the European Union, to provide equipment and services in order to improve radiation monitoring near and around the Metsamor nuclear power plant3 in Armenia.
Bertin’s solutions perform the surveillance of radioactivity in air, soil, and water around nuclear facilities or for nationwide monitoring purposes to help ensure human safety. They include a broad range of sensors, including gamma dose measurements, air monitoring, and spectroscopic analysis for radionuclide identification. Collected data is transmitted through secured and emergency proof channels including radio, 4G or satellite.
A central data management system allows managing, analyzing and visualizing the situation in real time. “For these tenders, requirements were quite challenging. We had to adapt our products to the customer’s needs with the development of new features such as an improved build in solar supply, eventually deployed in all our future projects. Therefore, our well-known expertise and flexibility make us a partner of choice for the major players in the nuclear industry”, says Rainer Dielmann, Bertin GmbH Director.
Backed by the in-depth know-how of Saphymo (acquired in 2015), Bertin has developed and optimized cutting-edge instrumentation equipment for the detection and monitoring of ionizing radiation, which complies with the strictest international requirements.
On Wednesday it was announced that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been given new powers in the fight against the opioid crisis.
The federal government announced amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to allow certain law enforcement agencies, including the CBSA, to stop precursor chemicals from being brought into Canada and then used to make fentanyl and amphetamines.
Prior to this officers could only act once the illegal substances were actually made, or if there was evidence that the raw chemicals were going to be used to make an illegal drug.
These new regulations are effective immediately meaning officers can start seizing chemicals like benzylfentanyl and norfentanyl.
A middle school in Pike County, Cincinnati, has been closed after officials announced that enriched uranium had been detected within the building.
The school closed on Monday, May 13th, after the district's school board sent a letter to parents informing them of the detection of uranium within the building and neptunium 237 in the air outside the school. "It is the position of the Board that any level of contamination on or near our school is unacceptable," Brandon Wooldridge, president of the district's board, wrote.
The school grounds are within four miles of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which is currently in the process of being decommissioned. "Enriched Uranium and Neptunium are currently identified as contaminants of concern by the U.S. Department of Energy on the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant property," the board wrote. "We agree with the Pike County Health Department that the U.S. Department of Energy must take appropriate actions to ensure radiological contaminants are not being released from the site."
The Portsmouth plant enriched uranium from 1954 until 2001, supplying the U.S nuclear weapons program and commercial nuclear reactors.
There is now just over 3 weeks to go until our Asymmetric Stadium Threat Event at the Old Trafford Stadium, home of Manchester United!
This is a unique event designed for individuals tasked with preparing counter-terrorism strategies for HVE. With speakers from around the world that have managed HVE and all elements examined, pre and post incident, Interdicting and disrupting attacks, minimizing casualties and safeguarding evidence.
With both an international audience and delegation of speakers, this is an event not to be missed. Places are still available, head over to the event page and book your place now https://cbrneworld.com/events/cbrne-manchester
We are also holding a FREE pre-conference workshop on Robotics in CBRN on June 5th.
For more information, queries, or to register for the pre-conference workshop contact
The FBI is investigating the circumstances around an evacuation at a University of Minnesota apartment building this week due to reports of Ricin.
It was reported by CBS Minnesota that a student who lived in the complex called 911 on Tuesday, May 7th, saying she had eaten Ricin, prompting the evacuation of the entire complex.
The FBI said that a preliminary test by the Minnesota Department of Health lab “indicated the presumptive potential presence of ricin.” Further samples have been sent to Quantico for positive identification.
The FBI said the female student “may have been intentionally handling the material.” but that she showed no criminal intent. The answer as to how, and why, she came to be in possession of the substance has yet to be revealed.
AThe student was hospitalized at the time but no further reports on her condition have been forthcoming.
On May 8th His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman passed five royal decrees, one of which involved banning the use of chemical weapons.
According to reports in the Times of Oman, Royal Decree No.39/2019, which implements the agreement of prohibiting chemical weapons signed in 1993, promulgates the system (bylaw) on implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention that bans developing, the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and requires their destruction.
The articles under this decree state Article (1) states that the bylaw attached to this decree shall apply to the Chemical Weapons Convention (that bans developing, the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and requires their destruction).
Article (2) states that the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs shall issue the decisions necessary for the implementation of the provisions of the system (bylaw) attached to this decree.
Article (3) cancels Royal Decree No.21/97 and annuls all that contradicts the bylaw attached to this decree or contravenes its provisions.
Article (4) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced after the passing of 90 days from its date of publication.
Squishy Robotics has unveiled mobile sensor robots that detect hazards and increase safety for first responders and the public.
When every second counts during emergencies such as wildfires, chemical spills, and environmental or natural disasters, getting first responders to the disaster to assess the situation is critical, but can take precious time. Squishy Robotics, Inc.’s air-deployable, shape-shifting sensor robots—coming out of the elite Berkeley SkyDeck accelerator—provide life-saving situational awareness about chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) threats so first responders and the public can make crucial decisions faster. Shaped like a geodesic ball, the Squishy Robots are equipped with six cameras, GPS, and various interchangeable chemical, biological, and radiological sensors that deliver data and 360-degree videos in situations where human access can be difficult or unsafe. For the first time, Squishy Robotics is making its shape-shifting robots available for pre-sale through its website, with product being delivered by the end of the year.
A spin-off of NASA research, when dropped 400-foot from a drone or 600-feet from a helicopter, the lightweight yet strong sensor robots can quickly provide first responders and HazMat teams with data from the ground, eliminating the need for responders to enter risky environments and reducing their exposure to unknown hazards. The company has created both stationary and mobile robots; the mobile version—still in beta—is capable of being remotely controlled to travel over uneven ground.
“Our Squishy Robots are very compliant, meaning they are designed to take the force from a fall and not get damaged, and offer the situational awareness that is essential for first responders,” explained Dr. Alice Agogino, co-founder and CEO, Squishy Robotics, Inc. and a professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. “We have a solution for the urgent, worldwide need to improve efficiency and increase the safety of emergency responders and the public. Over the last 20 years, 400 first responders have died going into dangerous situations. Our sensor-equipped robots can make a tremendous difference for these brave people by saving lives, reducing costs, and increasing overall effectiveness of emergency response teams.”
The company has signed collaboration agreements with preeminent first responder teams, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) and the Houston Fire Department (HFD), the largest fire departments in California and Texas, respectively. Both Departments have agreed to beta test the robots, providing feedback and recommendations that will help refine the Stationary and Mobile robots. LACoFD training and testing is taking place at the Del Valle Regional Training Center where firefighters can test the robots in the “HazMat City” area, practicing with overturned tanker trucks and simulated chemical releases.
Today, first responders use manually positioned sensors to determine the quality of the air and general environment. For situations involving hazardous gases or materials, first responders must first suit up to the maximally safe personal protection equipment (PPE) before going into a dangerous “hot zone” to obtain critical sensor readings that can help responders develop an action plan to mitigate the hazard. This is time-consuming and puts responders in harm’s way. PPE suits are expensive, cumbersome, and physically taxing on the body, and the entire process of suiting-up, walking sensors into and out of a “hot zone,” and decontamination can take more than 90 minutes.
Employing Squishy Robotics new technology, a first responder team can accurately and promptly deliver the robots via remote-piloted drones or helicopters. Once air-dropped, the sensor-enabled robots provide real-time video surveillance and report back on hot zone air quality and the hazard levels. The first responders, located a safe distance away from the danger, monitor the scene with the Squishy Robotics’ user interface (UI) to get the visual and the chemical/biological/radiological concentration readings needed to respond to emergency situations. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are used to improve data analytics over time and optimize mobility solutions.
FLIR visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) to find out how much radiation still remains. In the YouTube documentary “Inside Chernobyl”, host Nika Konstantinova uses the FLIR identiFINDER R440 to measure radiation levels and to locate and identify radionuclides at the site. She also uses the FLIR identiFINDER R100 to determine the total dose of radiation she receives during her visit to Chernobyl.
More than 30 years after the devastating explosion, Chernobyl and the surrounding area is still considered dangerously radioactive for anyone living or spending extended periods of time nearby. Touring Chernobyl for a few hours exposes visitors to about the same amount of radiation as received from a 1-2 hour airplane flight at 30,000 feet. However, long-term exposure is highly risky. Using the identiFINDER R440, Konstantinova measures background radiation levels at Chernobyl near the Reactor No. 4, the Red Forest and at the site where decontamination equipment was discarded. The background radiation levels in the CEZ are 20 to 100 times the background levels measured at the uncontaminated city of Kiev.
Watch the full documentary Inside Chernobyl with FLIR to learn more about radiation detection, exposure, and safety at the Chernobyl site.
DQE announced on May 6th the acquisition of the Slyde Evacuation Sled, an innovative expansion of its emergency evacuation product line.
In the event of fires, natural disasters, attacks or other emergencies, moving injured or immobilized individuals can be a challenge. The DQE Slyde Evacuation Sled offers an easy to use, cost-effective and reliable solution to evacuate non-ambulatory occupants from any multi-story building. This exciting evacuation transportation device is a perfect fit with DQE’s philosophy of bringing high-quality, practical, and affordable equipment to the healthcare and emergency response community.
Made in the USA from high-strength polypropylene, this compact, lightweight transport sled is built to quickly and easily slide people in a horizontal evacuation to a safe place on the floor, a vertical evacuation using an elevator or going up/down stairs, or over uneven terrain to escape from harm. The Slyde Evacuation Sled is available in two sizes: Standard and Bariatric. Both take only seconds to prepare for use, with instructional graphics printed on each unit for simple setup.
Unlike evacuation chairs and other medical evacuation devices, which can cost thousands of dollars, the Slyde provides enhanced quality and safety within a budget-friendly price point. The addition of an emergency transport sled to any multi-story building evacuation plan could be lifesaving and now with the Slyde, it’s not cost restrictive. This space-conscious evacuation sled folds completely flat and stores in stacks of five units in a storage sleeve. The size won’t restrict the flow of stairwell traffic in evacuation situations.
Thirteen people had to be decontaminated, eight of them hospitalized, after a breach involving Caesium-137 Harborview Medical Center Research and Training Building on Thursday night.
Apparently, contractors were transporting Caesium-137 when the breach occurred according to Seattle Fire. Hazmat crews attended the scene and found thirteen contract workers, custodial workers, and others that tested positive for radiation exposure and needed to undergo decontamination.
While none of those exposed were showing symptoms of radiation poisoning, eight were checked in to the Harborview Medical Center for monitoring and treatment. The remaining five were cleared to go home after being decontaminated.
Officials said they have contained the substance to the blocked-off area, meaning there is no danger to the general public. The exposure did not affect Harborview Medical Center.
Havelsan Hava Elektronik Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.Ş., Turkey and Environics OY, Finland today signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as they wish to co-operate in order to identify and develop mutual opportunities for CBRN Sector in Turkey.
According to this MoU Havelsan and Environics intend to establish a new and jointly owned Joint Venture entity in Turkey. Before entering to Joint Venture agreement Havelsan and Environics will finalize a business plan and market analysis for CBRN sector together.
The scope of the intended Joint Venture co-operation will include identifying opportunities, carrying out pre-sales actions, preparing technical and commercial offers and supporting such proposals until contract award and collaborating in the execution of such awarded contracts and identifying working conditions
For the 12th straight year, the defense industry’s top tactical gear and operational equipment supershow is coming to San Diego. Powered by ADS Inc., Warrior Expo WEST is set for May 14 and 15 at the San Diego Convention Center.
The annual two-day gear and equipment trade show is expected to draw more than 3,000 military, government and law enforcement professionals, along with hundreds of hand-picked exhibitors offering a crash course in today’s most innovative gear and cost-effective support solutions.
“Warrior Expo WEST brings military and government buyers together with industry-leading suppliers under one roof for an equipment solutions showcase that is second to none,” said ADS, Inc. CEO Jason Wallace. “It’s a unique opportunity for end users, procurement specialists, and equipment suppliers to collaborate, share ideas and develop the best solutions to address the needs of our military, law enforcement, and first responder communities. It’s an event unlike any other in our industry.”
The expo’s interactive events are a big draw for attendees every year, with dozens of live, high-energy equipment demonstrations, hands-on exhibits and accredited, cutting-edge educational courses.
Admission to Warrior Expo WEST is free and open to all active duty military, government, law enforcement and first responders. Military or agency identification is required at the door. The event is closed to the general public. A sister event – Warrior Expo EAST – takes place each July in Virginia Beach. Both events serve ADS’ customer-focused mission to deliver the most cost-effective solutions to today’s most pressing equipment and logistics challenges.
Army Green Beret and UFC-ranked middleweight fighter Tim Kennedy -- host of the hit show “ Hard to Kill” on the Discovery Channel -- will make a celebrity guest appearance at the event on Wednesday, May 15. Following an hour-long celebrity meet and greet, Kennedy will present an educational course, “Becoming the Sheepdog,” where he will teach attendees how to overcome fear, learn from losses, recognize strengths and weaknesses and channel their “inner sheepdog.”
In addition to Kennedy’s class, attendees can register for a long list of accredited educational courses custom-tailored for different agencies. All of the scenario-based educational courses are hands-on and delivered by experts who have lived — and survived — what they teach.
“Warrior Expo WEST is a can’t-miss event every year,” Wallace said. “Past attendees have come to rely on the show as their go-to venue for learning about the latest and most innovative solutions available today.”
Active duty military, government, law enforcement and first responders are encouraged to register in advance for Warrior Expo WEST at WarriorExpo.com.
Media representatives are also encouraged to attend by first registering at .
Media questions and inquiries should be directed to Sarah Nicosia at .
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