Subscribe"You cannot field a capability unless you train" Training in the use of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical detection equipment and the procedures associated with NBC / CBRN threats is difficult enough. Trying to teach how different types of detection equipment respond to either the same or different substances is much more challenging…
This article describes a CBRN simulation platform that:
- Enables a hazardous environment to be simulated in complete safety
- Permits both live agents and false positives to be simulated.
- Enables training to take place in both open and urban environments, including within buildings
- Provides the capability to simulate the use of different types of detection instrument.
- Realistically simulates the spread of toxic vapours, contamination, decontamination and persistency
- Provides valuable feedback on the performance of the students.
Planning your scenario:
A typical scenario might involve an industrial facility where it is suspected a chemical warfare agent (CW) is stored or has been placed as part of a device. An immediate problem facing the instructor is the need to simulate not only the presence of the CW agent (let us say in this instance Sarin) but also the likelihood that a number of false positives may exist, not unreasonable given the environment. Furthermore, if the facility was used to manufacture the CW agent, component chemicals may also exist.
We therefore need to deploy a simulation system that permits simulation of the actual CW agent, false positives and possibly further chemical substances that may be found in such a facility.
We also need to attend to the detection capability. For the purposes of discussion, let us presume our response team would have the following equipment for which they need to train:
CAM2+: IMS based detection manufactured by Smiths detection
AP2C: Flame photometry based detection manufactured by Proengin
HAPSITE: GC/MS based detection manufactured by Inficon
The team may initially use the CAM and AP2C to survey the facility. Each of these detectors will indicate class, rather than identify the agent. Furthermore, the CAM2+ will respond to blood and choking agents, examples of which may be legitimately in use at the facility. The AP2C will respond to any vapour with a sulphur or phosphorus content. We therefore need to simulate multiple occurrences of such sources of vapour.
The HAPSITE could then be used to specifically identify the substances detected, and confirm or eliminate the detected substance as a potential threat.
The simulation sources:
Ultrasound is used as the primary vapour simulation technology. The sources can be placed in numerous different locations and even hidden in packages and cases as desired. The emission level can be varied to suit the scenario and the signal is encoded to permit different sources to represent different substances. Electromagnetic sources are used to simulate contamination.
The simulation Detectors:
In the case of the CAM and AP2C the simulators are replica instruments. Behaviour is in all respects the same as that of the real instrument. In the case of the AP2C-SIM the hydrogen powder cartridge is simulated, avoiding the need to use consumables. Camsim avoids the need to incorporate a radiological source.
The camsim system with simulation sources
The HAPSITE simulator probe, Hapsim-P, replaces the real Hapsite probe during training. This has a number of benefits. Firstly, the risk someone may draw substance into the Hapsite nozzle and damage the column is eliminated. Hapsite consumables such as carrier, standard gas and NEG pump are reduced to a minimum, resulting in considerable cost savings.
Hapsite fitted with simulator probe.
The exercise:
Our trainees can now commence the exercise as if it were a real incident. This may involve a straightforward search team or perhaps a firearms response unit (in case hostiles remain in the facility). Similarly, an ordinance disposal team may be involved.
As the team search the facility they have to react appropriately to any readings they obtain. This may simply mean marking the area for the Hapsite team to follow later for specific identification of the vapour / substance. The Hapsite simulator probe detects the simulation sources and replays the appropriate pre recorded GC/MS run resulting in extremely realistic training.
Some sources may have been placed in different rooms, or in storage cupboards. In such instances searching around any gaps where the door closes will result in a reading being obtained. Opening the door or cupboard will result in a greater vapour release and therefore a higher reading.
Simulated operative contamination and decontamination
Once the team have withdrawn from the scene the individual members can be checked for contamination. Personal contamination is readily simulated using the electromagnetic packs. Their decontamination can then be supervised, and the simulated residue of any decontamination controlled by the instructor if it is decided decontamination was not carried out effectively.
After action review:
Once the exercise is over, discussions can take place regarding any lessons learned. In this respect the simulators are invaluable. Not only do the systems simulate, they compare the users actions with the in-built doctrine. Any differences are recorded for later analysis. The picture gives an example of how Camsim errors are displayed. Typical errors include warm up without end cap, missed confidence test, contamination of the inlet nozzle and many more.
An example of Camsim trainee error reporting
Conclusion:
By using a common simulation platform it is possible to provide CBRN / NBC training that is as close to reality as is possible in a safe, environmentally friendly way. Argon Electronics manufacture a wide range of simulators that can be viewed on their website, where you can also request a copy of their CBRN training equipment guide, a CD Rom video which provides numerous examples of CBRN exercises.
