Blackline Safety announced the launch of a next generation connected area monitor that advances gas detection and early hazard identification for companies and first-responders, providing organizations and communities with unprecedented protection.

The new EXO 8 portable area monitor—to be unveiled September 16 at the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida—is the only direct-to-cloud area monitor capable of detecting up to eight gases and gamma radiation.

Ideally suited to large industrial organizations in the oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, water and wastewater sectors—alongside fire-hazmat and homeland security associations—EXO 8 helps teams rapidly respond to incidents involving hazardous substances and ensure the safety of workers, first responders, the public and the environment during these events. Real-time connectivity provides situational awareness that can be shared amongst all responders. Automated analytics provide insights into incidents after the event, enabling teams to understand what happened and take proactive measures to improve safety.

Building on the feature set of Blackline's award-winning G7 EXO—including drop-and-go setup, direct-to-cloud connectivity, up to 100-day battery life and comprehensive analytics—the new EXO 8 includes:

• Gas expansion module – the ability to add up to four additional sensors for a total of eight gases.

• Integrated gamma radiation sensor – with a range that’s three times the distance of competitors and that operates continuously without cycling on or off.

• Higher resolution full color dual display – with live readings screen for real time gas and gamma levels and dashboard screen to quickly see alarms and device status.

• Improved durability – enhanced ruggedness and reliability in even the harshest environmental conditions.

Chris Johnson, Hazmat Technician for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services in New York State, sees the value EXO 8 with gamma detection brings to hazmat response.

“Blackline Safety’s G7 EXO was already my preferred area monitor in the field. The ability to quickly swap out gas sensors to adapt to whatever threat we’re facing during response is invaluable. The data you get from the device—in real-time, from anywhere in the world, and easily understandable—has been critical to successful incident response,” Johnson said.

“EXO 8 with gamma detection will help us in even more scenarios, including behind-the-scenes monitoring. Gamma allows us to use the device for public safety as part of event protection. It will also keep our people more protected because we can detect more gases,” Johnson continued.  

Event protection is crucial to public safety, as mass gatherings are vulnerable to attacks and are considered soft targets because they can inflict high numbers of casualties.

Though there has never been a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD, aka dirty bomb) detonated in a public setting, in 2002, U.S. officials stated they detained an American citizen who intended to detonate a dirty bomb. Since then, several governments in Europe have stopped similar plots by terrorist groups. According to the Global Terrorism Database, 68% of attacks on concerts and festivals involve explosives, including the Bataclan bombing in 2015 in France, the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 in the UK, and the threats of mass casualties that canceled Taylor Swift’s Eras tour shows this year in Vienna.

“Four years ago, we introduced the G7 EXO with Blackline’s industry-leading real-time connectivity, which quickly became the gold standard for area monitoring. With EXO 8, we’ve significantly expanded our customers’ ability to protect people and communities across a wider range of situations,” said Cody Slater, Blackline Safety CEO and Chair. “We’re responding to a direct need in the market by providing organizations with more robust technology that helps them address a broader spectrum of risks, faster.”

EXO 8 comes with a full warranty and flexible purchase options that include the ability to own or lease to maximize CAPEX or OPEX budgets. First product shipments are scheduled for November 2024.

Have you had a chance to check out all of the great pre-conference workshops we are holding at this year's CBRNe Convergence? If not, they are outlined below for you, take and look and head on over to the event page to get yourself registered. CBRNe Convergence 2024 is not one t be missed! 

Pre-Conference Workshop |ASTM E54.01 CBRNE Detection, CBRN Protection and Decontamination Standards and Guidelines

FREE to attend | Monday 28 October | 14.00hrs - 17.00hrs

ASTM International Subcommittee E54.01 CBRNE Detection, Protection and Decontamination is hosting a Workshop to discuss their international standards and activities. ASTM International is a non-profit standards development organization based in the United States, and Committee E54 on Homeland Security, one of 148 Technical Committees, currently has a total of 85 standards with over 300 participating members.  Subcommittee E54.01 maintains 24 standards, ranging from CBRNE detection, identification and CBRN protection to decontamination, blast mitigation and resistance. This Workshop will be an overview of these standards, guidelines, planned developmental activities and the relevance and importance of the use of standards.

The E54.01 Subcommittee develops standards related to the technology, equipment, and systems used to detect, identify, measure, protect from and decontaminate with respect thereto from CBRNE threat agent materials, Pharmaceutical Based Agents (PBA) and precursor materials, as applicable, with respect to the particular threat agent materials and threats. These standards and guidelines address the specification, design, manufacture, testing, application, performance, validation, operations, maintenance and use of this equipment, and the protections, safeguards and responses required with respect to addressing CBRNE related threats, and the technologies, equipment, integrated systems and materials necessary to properly safeguard the public, personnel, facilities, critical infrastructure and assets.

Tim Stickler, Senior Director of CBRN Integrated Protection – HDT Global and ASTM E54.01 CBRNE Detection, CBRN Protection and Decontamination Chair and ASTM E54.02 Continuity of Operations – Emergency Preparedness, Training and Procedures Chair will be presenting, along with colleagues to educate and inform attendees. It is free and open to all interested parties.

Public Safety CBRNE Response – Sampling Techniques and Guidelines | Jeff Borkowski | LSU NCBRT/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education

Monday 28 October | 14.00hrs - 17.00hrs

The workshop provides an overview of sampling strategies, protocols, tools, equipment, security, decontamination, transportation, and documentation. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the FBI 12-Step process and the necessity of utilizing the aseptic technique for sampling suspect WMD material. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on practice implementing the aseptic technique while sampling a bulk powder substance.

The importance of continued, scenario based exercise in the preparation of the cross domain, cross jurisdictional Emergency Response Enterprise | Sam Lennon | L2 Defense

This workshop is free to attend, by invitation only.  Monday 28 October | 14.00hrs - 17.00hrs

L2 Defense is a world leader in providing National level CBRNE response exercises.  L2 will lead a workshop highlighting the importance of continued, scenario based exercise in the preparation of the cross domain, cross jurisdictional Emergency Response Enterprise.  L2 will utilize specific case studies, both city-wide and more regional, to describe and demonstrate the life cycle process necessary to execute successful exercises from the earliest of planning steps, to preparation and execution of the exercise and After Action Reviews.  This workshop will demonstrate the tremendous impact of practical exercise on operator readiness.  History has shown that it is likely that response teams will respond to previously unencountered scenarios thus L2 will demonstrate the value of its process, which brings cross-domain expertise together in practical exercise allowing for more effective response in meeting future scenarios.

And of course, not forgetting the amazing Ultimate HazMat Challenge.

Are you ready to put your response expertise to the test and prove you’re the best in the business? We are thrilled to invite you to the Ultimate HazMat Challenge, a thrilling competition designed exclusively for hazardous materials professionals like you.  Led by Argon’s North America team members Rory Hight and Bryan Sommers.

What to Expect:
• Exciting Challenges: Engage in realistic scenarios that will test your knowledge, skills, and quick-thinking abilities.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow HazMat experts, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
• Prizes and Recognition: Win the Top Team Trophy and earn the title of HazMat Champion!

Why You Should Attend:
• Showcase Your Expertise: Demonstrate your proficiency in handling hazardous materials in a competitive and fun environment.
• Learn and Grow: Gain insights from industry veterans and take home practical knowledge that can be applied in your everyday work.

Don't miss this chance to be part of an elite group of professionals and prove your mettle. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a rising star, the Ultimate HazMat Challenge promises to be an event you won't want to miss.

Get ready to elevate your skills and make your mark in the HazMat community. We can't wait to see you there!

TMG was recently awarded the multi-year contract for Instructional Support Services for specialized Chemical, Biological, Radiological, & Nuclear (CBRN) Program and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Range Support for the U.S Coast Guard aboard the Special Mission Training Center (SMTC) at Camp Lejeune, NC. We are honored to have once again been chosen to support such an important program and are proud to be again partnering with SMTC.

Threat Management Group (TMG) is a Certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) incorporated in 2004 and located on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Charleston, SC. TMG continues to support Counter Terrorist Operations around the globe and was built by former High Threat Executive Protection, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JSEOD), Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological (CBRN) and other specialized professionals.

Bertin Environics has received a purchase order for two additional CRN systems from the Dutch naval shipbuilder Damen Naval. This CRN System order is the continuation of the contract signed on summer 2023 for four CBRN Systems to be delivered for German Navy F126 frigates. In total German Navy will be receiving six F126 Frigates during the next seven years. The new frigates will be the largest in the German naval fleet with a length of 166 metres and a displacement of up to 10,000 tonnes.

Bertin Environics’ delivery scope is based on the latest X-System including multiply ChemProX-DS chemical detectors and RanidX radiation detectors. ChemProX-DS is a chemical detector combining chemical detector performance and CBRN System Monitoring capabilities since all connected CBRN System network devices’ statuses can be checked in ChemProX-DS user interface. RanidX is a system compatible gamma radiation detector, that provides real-time gamma and X-ray radiation monitoring down to low levels (L.L.R). The X-System can be complemented with Bertin Environics biological detector and EnviScreen system software, being a full CBRN system solution from single supplier.

Atmas, a Finnish company specialising in protective systems are finishing off a good visit at Kolomaki s.r.o. in Czechia together with their partners from Podzemné kryty which is the beginning of the joint development of a new line of a modular prefabricated bunkers and will be offered exclusively by Atmas for private, industrial and government markers around the world.

The proven technology of Kolomaki in manufacturing of underground watertight modules with the use of Atmas protective systems will allow them to offer professional and cost-effective solutions.
The prefabricated modules are designed to be easily transportable and delivered to the installation place where will be buried or half-buried and reinforced by concrete layers depending on the protection level required. The structures can be equipped with CBRN filtration systems, decontamination modules, electricity and water supply systems, and other life-support and protective systems according to customer’s request.

(Editor's comment - the Ukrainian experience is convincing many of it's neighbours about the need for better protection for civilian and specialist units.) 

Smiths Detection, is proud to announce it has been awarded the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), a testament to the company’s commitment to supporting the armed forces community. This recognition places Smiths Detection among a select group of organisations that have demonstrated the highest level of support for Veterans, Reservists, and military families.

The Gold Award in the ERS is the highest form of recognition for companies that go above and beyond in their support of the armed forces. To achieve this, Smiths Detection has embedded its commitment to the military community into the very fabric of its operations, ensuring that policies and practices are designed to support the unique needs of those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families.

One of the key initiatives that contributed to this award is Smiths Detection’s implementation of additional paid leave not only for Reservists, but also for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and the spouses of those serving, enabling them to spend much needed time with their partner before deployments. The company also offers flexible working arrangements and other supportive policies for military spouses and partners, recognising the significant role they play in the well-being and stability of military families.

A mailroom supervisor at the Atwater Prison in California has died following a suspected exposure to an unknown substance. 

Reports are saying the man came into contact with mail that was saturated with a substance, that some are now speculating was fentanyl. The man, Marc Fischer, was processing mail at the facility when he began to feel unwell, as his symptoms worsened he was taken to hospital where he subsequently died. 

An investigation is currently ongoing into the incident, one facet of which must include safety issues, what policies are in place to prevent things like this happening, was the employee wearing gloves, are they taught to not touch their faces, for example, when handling mail. Did this piece of mail transit through the USPS before arriving at the prison, or was it hand delivered? 

We will keep our eyes peeled and update the information when more is released.

A bit of a rare one for you today. Over the weekend, seven people were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties due to a chemical incident in London. Response crews, including the London Ambulance service's Hazardous Area Response Team attended the incident. 

It appears that the cause of the incident was coral reef in a fish tank that gave off Palytoxin, an intense vasoconstrictor, which is considered to be one of the most poisonous non-protein substances known. Palytoxin can be contained in some specific coral species, and is used by the coral as a natural defence mechanism.

Symptoms of Palytoxin poisoning can include, Chills, Fever, Headaches, Cough, Sore Throat, Chest Pains, Muscle Aches, Rash, Itching, Numbness in Affected Area, Trouble Breathing, Shortness of Breath, Runny Nose, Wheezing, Dizziness, Blurred Vision, Fatigue, Irregular Heart Beat, and Possible Foul Smell or Bitter/Metallic Taste in Mouth. 

There have been no further reports as to the condition of those taken to hospital. 

On July 24, 2024, the Department of Defense (DOD) fulfilled the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 delivery of 626,870 doses of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for anthrax disease. This marks the completion of the first annual delivery – part of a larger procurement contract – which showcases the DOD’s ongoing commitment to vaccine readiness for active-duty service members to support mission needs.

Led by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), on behalf of the DOD and the Defense Health Agency, the $235.8 million, 10-year, sole source, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract with Emergent Biosolutions, Inc. was awarded on January 09, 2024, for use by all branches of service over the next 10 years. 

“This award was the result of an immense effort by the JPEO-CBRND and Army Contracting Command – Edgewood team who worked feverishly for 14 months preparing the contract packet, establishing a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) partner, and establishing an order fulfillment mechanism through the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency Distribution Operations Center,” said COL Matthew Clark, Joint Project 

Manager for the Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical (JPM CBRN Medical), a component of the JPEO-CBRND. “Fulfillment of this first annual procurement requirement highlights our shared commitment in continuing to provide a layered defense against threats like anthrax to the warfighter.”  

The BioThrax® vaccine is indicated for the active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by Bacillus anthracis in persons 18 through 65 years of age, as well as for PrEP in persons at high risk of exposure. It is also approved for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of disease following suspected or confirmed Bacillus anthracis exposure, when administered in conjunction with recommended antibacterial drugs. 

SERB Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today the acquisition of RSDL^® (Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion) kit from Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) for an up-front payment of approximately $75 million. In addition, SERB will pay Emergent a $5 million payment upon first achievement of a milestone relating to sourcing of certain components of RSDL^®. As part of the transaction, SERB will also acquire and maintain the operation of the leased manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and several employees who support the site and RSDL^® product will join SERB. 

RSDL^® is a medical device provided as a kit, with a lotion impregnated sponge in a packet, intended to remove or neutralize chemical warfare agents from the skin. RSDL removes or neutralizes chemical warfare agents (CWAs) including: tabun, sarin, soman, cyclohexyl sarin, VR, VX, mustard gas, and T-2 toxin.  RSDL^® is the only FDA-cleared device backed by 20 years of clinical data, that can remove or neutralize chemical warfare agents from the skin in one step.  Over 15 million packets of RSDL^® have been sold in over 30 countries.

“The acquisition of RSDL^® strengthens our position as the leading provider of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats," said Jeremie Urbain, Chairman of SERB Pharmaceuticals. “Alongside our broad portfolio of antidotes and preventive medicines, RSDL^® will give SERB new opportunities to support and partner with governments, militaries, NGOs and emergency preparedness agencies around the world.”

RSDL^® was initially developed by Defence Research and Development Canada, an agency of the Canadian Department of National Defence, to prepare the Canadian forces for chemical warfare attacks. RSDL^® was 510(k) cleared by the FDA in 2003 and was subsequently issued a European CE Mark, and approval by Health Canada, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and Israeli Ministry of Health.

You can now watch, or rewatch, the recent Proengin webinar  'The Role of Chemical Detection in Emergency Incidents Involving Batteries'. 

Click the link and get your learning on Proengin – Excellence in CBRN threat management - Battery incidents, paper PH, paper F, CO sensor & AP4C detection