The Process of Coordination and Standardisation in the Field of CBRNE as an Element of Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Description

The project was planned to consist of two modules, one focusing on activities regarding analysis, the other focusing on the implementation of training modules and standard procedures. A review on the systemic gaps and analysis of these shortcomings were planned to form the basis for the creation of a national CBRNE coordination and standardisation system. Planned activities consisted of:

• review and analysis of systemic gaps revealed by the CBRN Shield 2017 exercise,
• launching a system of alerts on CBRNE threats,
• establishing innovative training platform,
• development of standardized procedures for dealing with victims,
• functional testing of equipment to validate the quality and functionality,
• establishment and development of a Polish CBRNE working group.

The project was planned to enhance the incident response system, including the prevention, preparedness and recovery and better coordination between different authorities by:

• training of  professional staff,
• establishing a national CBRNE System,
• procurement of highly specialised equipment.

Summary of project results

Any release of harmful or toxic materials, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRNE) agents, constitutes a great hazard for human (public) safety and security. Project meant to create comprehensive alert-response system in Poland which could analyse the nature of an incident and, in the case of intentional use of CBRNE agents in a terrorist act, initiate countermeasures such as delegating and coordinating a team of institutions and services responsible for handling the event. The main goal of the project was to improve the safety and security of the State and its citizens through prevention, preparedness and combating CBRNE hazards.

Very important aspect of the project was also cooperation between different entities – the project was designed to bring them together and allow to work out some good practices concerning cooperation in the event of CBRNE threats. In the project were engaged the Internal Security Agency and 9 national partners – Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the PAS, Institute of Optoelectronics of the Military Academy of Technology, Ministry of Health, State Atomic Energy Agency, Government Security Centre, Fire Academy, University of Lodz, Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Cybernetics of the Military Academy of Technology; and 2 Norwegian partners – Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.

Due to its size, the project was consisted of 12 work packages, with different aim and different leader. Describing all activities taken within this project would be difficult, so below you will find the most important activities:

1. CBRNE incident response system:
   • identification of gaps in the system, reviewed legislation,
   • creation of a glossary on CBRNE issues,
   • development of a document containing an algorithm for sequential action in the event of a CBRNE incident.
2. CBRNE warning system for the public:
   • development of a website with educational material on CBRNE risks https://alert.rcb.gov.pl/ and app about CBRNE threats
3. Innovative training platforms:
   • creation of the e-learning platform and the VR simulator used in the training of services and institutions responsible for responding to CBRNE events
4. Use of drones at the scene of a CBRNE incident:
   • development of a report on the testing and analysis of the use and implementation of a remotely operated RPAS (drone) platform that enables the automatic identification of CBRNE by Polish services.
5. Innovative solutions for biological agent detection:
   • development of a methodologies and technical solutions to enable the use of the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform and MALDI Biotyper in responding to biological agent events,
   • purchasing of a portable biological agent identification kit using molecular technologies.
6. Risks arising from the availability of open-source recipes for CBRNE materials:
   • development of a report identifying the risks posed by the availability of open-source provisions for CBRNE materials and counteracting and responding to their occurrence.
7. Development of guidelines for dealing with casualties at the scene of a CBRNE incident:
   • creation of a document describing standardised procedures for dealing with a casualty at the scene of a CBRNE incident, according to a uniform scheme developed by services specialising in emergency medical care.
8. Forensics at the scene of a CBRNE incident:
   • creation of a document outlining the initial principles of procedures for securing evidence at the scene of a CBRNE incident in the context of subsequent investigations of that evidence material.
9. Performing functionality tests of equipment and devices used to counteract the effects of CBRNE agents:
   • creation of a catalogue of equipment, devices, systems and technologies that can be used when responding to CBRNE events,
   • conduction of a training and exercises to test CBRNE agent detection equipment and the selection of appropriate personal protective equipment.
10. Conducting training in the scope of response to CBRNE events:
    • raising awareness and increasing knowledge of CBRNE response services through the preparation and delivery of training courses.
11. Creation and development of a Polish CBRNE cluster:
    • development of a report compiling Polish and European scientific, research, technical and investment projects relating to the CBRNE sector,
    • creation of a Polish CBRNE cluster
12. National CBRNE Coordination and Standardisation System (KSKS CBRNE):
    • creation of a document describing possible options for the creation of the National CBRNE Coordination and Standardisation System (KSKS CBRNE)

Project helped to strengthened the incident response system by training 1,300 representatives of professional staff from Internal Security Agency and project partners (listed above). Trainings concerned such issues as radiation protection, foreign languages (Persian, French, Spanish). Experts had also chance to exchange knowledge and experience during symposia, conferences and seminars within the project that concerned f. ex. countering CBRNE threats, development of scenarios for the Crisis Communication Book. To complement trainings and exchange of good practices also purchase of specialised equipment was covered. Examples of specialised equipment purchased are: transport insulation cabin, tactical vests, rescue backpacks, equipment for laboratories for examination of biological traces, drone with CBRNE sensors. The investments made in specialised equipment and supplies directly translate into an increase in the technical capacity of the institutions involved in responding to CBRNE threats, which is crucial for the effectiveness of emergency operations.

Thanks to trainings, meetings, courses within this project, level of competence of participant institutions (Project Promoter – Internal Security Agency, and Partners – listed above) bettered.

Examples of additional results, are:

- informative webpage https://alert.rcb.gov.pl/ with tips for citizens in case of a crisis events of different types and with educational game for children,

- creation of an e-learning platform on CBRNE threats and a VR (virtual reality) training system, which represents an innovative approach to training in this area. This allows staff to continuously improve their skills and maintain a high level of preparedness, which is particularly important in the context of dynamically changing threats,

- development of report "Use of Drones at CBRNE Threats Response".

Implemented project fulfilled all assumed goals. According to the external evaluation “it can be concluded that the implementation of the project under the PA23 thematic area has had a significant impact on increasing and improving the capacity for disaster prevention and preparedness, with a particular focus on CBRNE hazards.” and “the implementation of the project has contributed to laying the foundations for a comprehensive response system to CBRNE hazards. This is a key element in building the country''s capacity to effectively prevent and respond to potential disasters related to these hazards.”

Summary of bilateral results

Bilateral component of this project was strong. It was implemented in partnership with two Norwegian Partners - Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) and Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). Norwegian Partners were engaged in various activities throughout of the whole implementation of the project. They took part in meeting, participated in exchange of knowledge and experience. The collaboration with DSB was so successful that it was extended further into three bilateral initiatives:- “International conference on disaster prevention” – initiative implemented by Polish Government Centre for Security aimed mainly at improvement of disaster resilience, and increasing knowledge on Sendai Framework DRR.- “Strengthening cooperation and exchange of experience including modern forms of terrain imaging through geospatial analysis of the area using RPAS, as support for decision-making in crisis situations” – initiative implemented by Polish Internal Security Agency, aimed mainly at development of advanced spatial visualisations to identify potential threats and prepare emergency management services, in particular to enhance the capabilities of both the drone and the command centre, which will provide an increased level of situational awareness, enabling real-time data interpretation, efficient mapping and contextual insight.- “CoSky - Polish-Norwegian bilateral initiative for increased efficiency of use of drones in civil protection” – initiative implemented by Polish Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Main aim of the initiative was to facilitate the operational use of drones for crisis management purposes in Poland and Norway, by exchanging practical experiences and sharing knowledge.