Questions relating to the set-up and operation of emergency units
Statement by the German Commission on Radiological Protection
Adopted at the 268th meeting of the SSK on 13 February 2014
information
Abstract
In the event of an accident at a nuclear power plant, it may be necessary to set up emergency units in order to investigate the level of radiation exposure and to carry out supporting measures. As set out in special disaster protection plans, the German states (Länder) are individually responsible for setting up and operating such emergency units.
Based on the “Fukushima” interstate task group’s evaluation of the findings from the reactor accident in Fukushima, Japan, a group from within the Conference of the Ministers of the Interior decided to prepare a set of uniform standards relating to the operation of emergency units and, within this context and in agreement with the Federal Environment Ministry (BMUB), decided to approach the SSK with questions pertaining to the following points:
- Constraints for human decontamination,
- Measuring equipment for monitoring contamination and measuring thyroid glands,
- Dealing with affected persons at the emergency unit,
- How to decontaminate affected persons,
- Protective equipment and measures to protect emergency services,
- Animal and vehicle decontamination, and
- Dose estimates.