News
OPCW Inspector Training Course 2010
SPIEZ LABORATORY was again used as training facility for new inspectors of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). From 12 April to 16 April and from 19 April to 23 April respectively, two separate international delegations from the OPCW visited the SPIEZ LABORATORY’s Schedule 1 facility (high-tox laboratory), with the aim of putting their newly acquired inspection skills into practice for the first time and under real life conditions. This was the sixth edition of the “Mock-Inspection” training module.
Divided into small groups, the future inspectors were able to acquire valuable practical experience of what an actual OPCW inspection entails, such as liaising with representatives from the inspected State Party and inspecting a facility that synthesizes chemical warfare agents. For most participants, this was their first visit to such a facility and the first time they came close to actual agents. Both delegations declared that their time spent in Spiez was the highlight of their training.
The Security Policy Directorate of the DDPS and the International Relations Defence Sector of the Swiss Armed Forces (IR D) helped organise and fund these Mock-Inspections. The Chemistry Division of SPIEZ LABORATORY was responsible for providing the training. SPIEZ LABORATORY will continue its contribution to the training of OPCW inspectors, supporting them in their implementation of an effective verification regime around the world.
CBMTS VIII 2 - 7 May 2010
Between 2nd and 7th March 2010, SPIEZ LABORATORY will host a new edition of the Chemical Biological Medical Treatment Symposium (CBMTS VIII). The well-known and highly respected series explores the scientific, medical and policy aspects of CBR warfare and terrorism. This year it will further build on the base of knowledge established in the CBMTS Industry series, i.e., an area still not fully addressed by convention, agreement or treaty: the terrorist or combat threat to the chemical, petrochemical, oil, pharmaceutical, biochemical, and other industries. Dr. Brian Davey, director of the UN Medical Services Division, and Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, Secretary-General of the OPCW, will attend the opening session.
SMS 2010
Following the success of the 1st Swiss Microbial Safety Meeting held in 2008 in Bellinzona, Switzerland, SPIEZ LABORATORY is organizing the 2nd meeting in 2010. The focus will be on issues related to microbial safety in high-containment facilities, since the meeting will coincide with the scientific opening of the new high-containment laboratory currently under construction..
Keynote lectures will be presented by Prof. Stewart Cole (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland), Susan Caskey (Sandia National Laboratories, USA), Andreas Lüthi (Architecture Firm Burkhard & Lüthi, Switzerland) and Stephane Kunz (University Hospital Lausanne CHUV, Switzerland). A number of national and international experts on microbial safety will give further presentations.
Participants will have the possibility to join a guided tour of the new high-containment facility in Spiez. More information is available from the meeting website.
European microbiology proficiency test
The Robert Koch Institute, a German research laboratory, has launched a project to establish a European network of microbiological laboratories with the necessary capabilities to detect potential bioterrorism agents. Known as EQADeBA – “Establishment of Quality Assurances for Detection of Highly Pathogenic Bacteria of Potential Bioterrorism Risk” – the project got under way in May 2008 and will run for three years. The focus will be on micro-organisms that are highly infectious and have a high mortality rate. In the event of a bioterrorist attack, this European network should improve the early warning and rapid response capabilities of each of its member laboratories. The SPIEZ LABORATORY is one of the 24 facilities from 22 countries which make up this European network.
Currently, the second of three proficiency tests is under way. The purpose of these tests is to assess the laboratories’ analytical capabilities, including all biosafety and biosecurity aspects. 15 infectious and 15 inactivated samples of differing complexity, such as anthrax, plague, tularaemia, meliodosis, glanders and brucellosis, will be authenticated using molecular, immunological and mass spectrometry methods. Culture techniques will also be used for the infectious samples. Authentication is made more challenging and work-intensive because the samples used in these proficiency tests may also contain accompanying flora.
H1N1 screening in the SPIEZ LABORATORY
The SPIEZ LABORATORY has developed a rapid and efficient chain of custody to screen for the H1N1 pandemic virus. Since 17 July 2009, it has been commissioned by the DDPS to examine samples taken from Swiss Armed Forces personnel suspected of being infected with the virus. It has tested 721 samples so far, of which 167 were positive.
Update on the construction of the Biosecurity Laboratory
Construction on the internal structure of the maximum containment laboratory (level 4) is going well. The building project, which is the first of its kind in Switzerland, is incredibly complex and challenging due to the high security requirements involved. Nevertheless, the project is still within budget and on schedule. The opening ceremony will take place in Spiez on 25 June 2010 with the official handing over of the keys. A long validation phase will follow and the laboratory should finally be operational at the end of 2010/early 2011.
Swiss Defence Minister visits SPIEZ
On 17 August, the SPIEZ LABORATORY was honoured to welcome the Swiss Minister for Defence, Ueli Maurer. A packed schedule awaited the Minister. Over the course of three and a half hours, Mr. Maurer was able to familiarise himself thoroughly with our work, including detailed visits to eight separate laboratories.In his speech to round off the visit, the head of the DDPS heaped praise on the institute and staff, pointing out that our reputation precedes us: long before his visit, he had heard about the great work and commitment of the SPIEZ team. On that balmy August afternoon, he was delighted to confirm that everything he had heard was indeed true. However, the Minister warned that it was no time for complacency, particularly given new investments like the biocontainment laboratory, which will bring new challenges for the SPIEZ LABORATORY team.
LABORATORY SPIEZ inspection
As part of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
Last week, the SPIEZ LABORATORY was subject to an inspection by an international team of specialists from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The aim of this inspection was twofold: to verify the annual declarations made by the SPIEZ LABORATORY as required by the Chemical Weapons’ Convention, and to confirm that no unauthorised activities or deliveries had taken place at our institute. We are happy to report that we passed the inspection.
The CWC prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons. Any country which becomes a State Party to the CWC pledges to destroy their stocks of chemical weapons and production facilities by 2012 at the latest. However, the CWC does permit the manufacture and use of small amounts of prohibited chemicals for research purposes. The SPIEZ LABORATORY is the only institution in Switzerland which is authorised to carry out such work. Since it came into force on 29 April 1997, the number of State Parties to the CWC has risen to 188. This includes Switzerland, which ratified the international treaty on 10 March 1995.
Diagnostic testing of pandemic virus
SPIEZ LABORATORY, together with its national and international partners, has been working on the development and introduction of methods to detect influenza A viruses. These are now ready and available for use. The diagnostic testing of the H1N1 pandemic virus involves the molecular detection of specific gene sequences using real-time RT-PCR. As a result, SPIEZ LABORATORY has the necessary capabilities to identify and distinguish between the various influenza A viruses (including the H1N1 pandemic virus).
Three separate strategies may be deployed:
- Specific detection of all influenza A viruses
- Specific detection of human influenza A viruses
- Specific detection of the H1N1 pandemic virus
These analyses make it possible to identify the type of influenza A virus present in a sample, i.e. distinguish between a simple case of seasonal flu and the H1N1 pandemic virus. As an additional check, tests may be carried out to screen for the presence of swine influenza viruses which differ from the pandemic virus, despite the fact that all originated in pigs.
The Green Star Awards
The Green Star Awards honour individuals, organisations, and governments who demonstrate dedication to preventing, preparing for, and responding to the environmental impacts of man-made and natural disasters.
The winners of the 2009 inaugural awards are Mike Cowing of the United Nations Environment Programme; The Center for Scientific Support in Disaster Situations (CENACID) of Paraná Federal University in Brazil; SPIEZ LABORATORY; the Government of the Netherlands; and the Government of Sweden.
The awards are a joint initiative between Green Cross International (GCI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Gallery
SPIEZ LABORATORY dispatches samples all over the world
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, has a global network of certified analytical laboratories. To verify these laboratories, the OPCW organizes annual Proficiency Tests. For that purpose, samples containing chemical-warfare agents and related compounds are sent to the laboratories. These perform extensive analyses and are required to submit their results within a maximum of 15 days. For the 25th OPCW Proficiency Test, the samples were prepared by SPIEZ LABORATORY. They were received on 24 April by the OPCW and sent to 15 laboratories worldwide from Amsterdam Airport..
The Chemical Weapons Convention is so far the only multilateral disarmament agreement which requires the Member States to destroy a whole category of weapons of mass destruction within a stipulated period. Moreover, the Convention is to all intents and purposes a universal treaty instrument. The Bahamas became the 188th country to ratify the Convention last week. Seven countries have still not signed up: Angola, North Korea, Egypt, Israel, Myanmar, Syria and Somalia.
A verification regime with extensive powers is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Convention: independent OPCW inspectors visit military facilities, industrial works and laboratories all over the world. The Organization is assisted by the certified laboratories which undergo regular checks by means of the Proficiency Tests. The SPIEZ LABORATORY is one of the few laboratories anywhere in the world to have so far successfully completed all of these Proficiency Tests.
COVERING SOURCES OF TOXIC VAPORS WITH FOAM
In a case of chemical terrorism, fire fighters might be arriving on scene first, and they might well be confronted with a liquid source of toxic vapor which keeps spreading out its hazardous contents. With foam as an efficient and simple means, such a source could be covered up in seconds and the spread of vapors mitigated drastically. Once covered, the source could then wait for a longer time to be removed professionally by a decontamination team.
Which foams could be used for this purpose? How thick should the foam cover be? For how long would such a foam cover be effective? In order to answer these questions the Chemistry Sections' Decontamination and Detection group has performed a set of measurements on a variety of fire extinguisher foams available in Switzerland, together with the decontamination foam CASCAD introduced in the Swiss army for the NBC troops. The idea behind the experiments was to measure the time to breakthrough of warfare agents and simulants as a function of layer thickness.
Results:
The results illustrate the fact that, for performing reproducible experiments, foam is not an easy material. In spite of this, foams suitable for the job could be identified: The foam most suitable appears to be CASCAD: With a layer of 7cm, it stops GB vapors for 200min; 10cm of foam seem to contain enough active chlorine to destroy 0.5mL of GB and accordingly to prevent any breakthrough. Breakthrough with GD happened after 326min; CASCAD on HD yielded a breakthrough time of 208min.
Of the conventional fire fighter foams, the best ones are Jomos, Rehealing and FC 602 with GB breakthrough times of 235min, 85min and 63min. Featuring pH values between 6.0 and 6.5 they act mainly as physical barriers, The remaining foams Arctic, LS TS, MXOL, LW TN and Moussol featured breakthrough times of less than 40min.
A full version of the report can be obtained, free of charge, from SPIEZ LABORATORY.
Training OPCW inspectors
From 23 to 28 March 2009, SPIEZ LABORATORY will host a 16-strong international delegation from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The aim of their visit is to conduct a mock inspection in a Schedule 1 facility. Two OPCW mock inspections are held every year.
- Mock Inspection 2009
The 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) demands not only the destruction of all existing chemical weapons but also inspections of all chemicals which could be used to produce such weapons (dual-use chemicals). In addition, all industrial facilities that manufacture other organic chemicals in quantities above pre-defined thresholds must register with the OPCW. Ensuring compliance with these provisions is the central mission of the OPCW, hence the need for well-trained inspectors.
The chemicals subject to inspections under the CWC fall into three categories: Schedule 1, Schedule 2 and Schedule 3. Inspections are also carried out on compounds which contain chemicals from any of the three schedules, and on manufacturing processes which involve precursors or by-products of these controlled substances. Schedule 1 chemicals are highly toxic, organic substances (warfare agents) and their direct precursors. These may be produced in small quantities and for research purposes only. As a result, the handling of these substances, including their import and export, are subject to authorisation and notification.
OPCW Director-General thanks SPIEZ LABORATORY
- Rogelio Pfirter,
Director-General OPCW
SPIEZ LABORATORY makes a considerable contribution to the creation and further development of the "OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD)", which contains analytical data on chemical warfare agents and related compounds significant for the CWC. This central role of Spiez was expressed recently by OPCW Director General Rogelio Pfirter. In his opening statement on October 14th 2008 to the executive council at ist 54th session, Ambassador Pfirter expressed his "deep appreciation to the SPIEZ LABORATORY as the largest provider of data, especially those used in on-site sampling and analysis."
SPIEZ LABORATORY scores top marks again in the latest OPCW proficiency test (PT-23)
- Dr. Peter Siegenthaler,
Head Analytical Chemistry
The annual OPCW proficiency tests, introduced back in 1989, aim to develop a network of designated laboratories which can perform analyses that are used to help verify compliance with the chemical weapons convention (CWC). In 1998, the SPIEZ LABORATORY became one of the first institutes to be granted OPCW-designated status. By passing the proficiency test with flying colours, the SPIEZ LABORATORY has once again provided a clear demonstration of its professional expertise and know-how.
Handling mixed samples:
Successful NATO-Exercise
Any analysis of CBRN samples raises safety and analytical challenges for a laboratory. The correct handling of such a sample requires multidisciplinary cooperation. Not only must the safety of the technicians be guaranteed, but it is also paramount that the sample does not contaminate the laboratory.
We tackled this problem when we took part in the "1st NATO - Mixed Sample Laboratory Exercise". The presentation of the results by the Swedish organizers at the NATO/PfP SIBCRA Meeting in Tampere/FIN (May 19th - May 22nd) confirmed our approach. Our methods were received exceedingly well and our process for handling mixed samples was highlighted as exemplary in the final report.
Even though the analytical part was not central to this exercise, among the 11 participating institutions, we were the only laboratory able to correctly identify all NBC-agents. Once again, we proved to be well equipped for handling unknown or mixed samples. Our method for handling mixed samples is described in our annual report on pages 26-27 (http://www.labor-spiez.ch/en/dok/ge/index.htm).