ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) Training Course on Rapid Assessment Methods for Environmental Radioactivity
Argonne, USA
4–15 May 2015
Conference ID:
49985
(KX-TM)
Announcement
BACKGROUND
ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) is a world-wide network of analytical laboratories, established by the IAEA. Through methodological and data quality support received from the IAEA and collaborative method development and validation, ALMERA member laboratories are able to provide internationally acceptable radioanalytical data in normal situations as well as in case of accidental or intentional releases of radioactivity, as requested by their nominating authorities.
ALMERA laboratories representatives are invited to attend the ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) Training Course on Rapid Assessment Methods for Environmental Radioactivity, to be held from 4 to 15 May 2015 in Argonne, IL, USA.
The course is developed to support the interest expressed by many ALMERA laboratories to develop their rapid assessment capabilities. It is part of the specific support provided to these laboratories, which includes methodological developments, proficiency tests and targeted training. It is the second in a series of courses organised in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING
The course addresses the needs of ALMERA network laboratories interested in enhancing their rapid analytical capabilities supporting the assessment of environmental contamination in emergency situations. The purpose of the course is to provide participants with intensive training on selected relevant topics, including: rapid radiochemical laboratory procedure validated by ALMERA laboratories and published by the IAEA; field detection and sampling in case of environmental contamination; quality aspects of sampling and analytical work; data evaluation and management; specific applications of the RESRAD dose assessment codes.
SCOPE AND FORMAT OF THE MEETING
The course will take place over a two-week period, providing lectures, laboratory hands-on practical work and field work. Laboratory safety instruction will be provided in preparation of laboratory work. The following topics will be addressed:
- Rapid determination of Pu isotopes and Am-241 in soil and sediment samples by alpha spectrometry (laboratory exercise)
- Field detection and sampling in case of environmental contamination (field exercise)
- Critical response elements in accidental radioactive contamination of the environment
- Sample chain of custody, laboratory quality assurance, data quality and data management
- Specific applications of the RESRAD dose assessment codes (practical exercise)
- Evaluation of complex gamma-ray spectra of environmental samples (practical exercise)
A technical visit of selected facilities at the Argonne National Laboratory is included in the programme.
PARTICIPATION
The training course will be attended by 24 participants from ALMERA network laboratories which have expressed their interest in developing their rapid response capabilities and in participating in related methodological, analytical and preparedness activities.
All ALMERA representatives wishing to attend the Training Course should be nominated by their Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or National Atomic Energy Authority). The Participation Form (Form A) should be completed by the participant and sent to competent official authority of his/her country, for subsequent transmission to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by email at: Official.Mail@iaea.org, no later than 1 April 2015. An advance copy should be sent to the Scientific Secretary of the course, Ms Iolanda Osvath, Environment Laboratories, 4A Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco by email: ALMERA-Network.Contact-Point@iaea.org, with a copy to the Administrative Secretary for the course, Ms Julie Le Normand (Email: J.Le-Normand@iaea.org).
Nominations received after this date or which have not been routed through the established official channels cannot be considered.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Please be informed that the training course attendance is free of charge to the ALMERA members. However, members participation is at no cost to the IAEA (accommodation, travel costs and all the expenses shall be covered by participants’ institutes), with the exception of a limited number of grants, which will be made available by the host to applicants from developing Member States.
Should you qualify and intend to apply for a grant, please fill in the Form C (attached) and submit it together with your application (Form A) through official channels as soon as possible and no later than 1 April 2015. No grant application will be considered after this date.
LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Argonne National Laboratory will make the travel arrangements to/from USA for participants who will receive a grant. The other participants (self-funded) will be responsible to cover their costs for travel to/from USA and accommodation during the course.
Detailed information on accommodation, local transport to/from the meeting venue, and other organisational details, will be sent to all designated participants by the host.
The organizers of the training course do not accept liability for the payment of any cost or compensation that may arise from damage to or loss of personal property, or from illness, injury, disability or death of a participant while he/she is travelling to and from or attending the training course, and it is clearly understood that each Government, in nominating participants, undertakes responsibility for such coverage. Governments would be well advised to take out insurance against these risks. A copy of the insurance policy will be requested for the issuance of the visa.
VISA
Designated participants who require a visa to enter USA should submit the necessary application to the nearest diplomatic or consular representative of USA well in advance of entry. An official letter of invitation will be issued to all designated participants by the IAEA Meeting Secretary.
MEETING SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY
Host Country Organizer:
Ms Sunaree Hamilton
Program Manager, International Programs
Nuclear Engineering Division
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 S. Cass Ave., Argonne, IL 60439
USA
Email: IAEA-ANLCourse@anl.gov
IAEA Meeting Secretary:
Ms Julie Le Normand
Team Assistant
Radiometrics Laboratory
IAEA Environment Laboratories, Monaco
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
4A Quai Antoine 1er
98000 Monaco
Email: ALMERA-Network.Contact-Point@iaea.org
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