Speaker
Description
The Radio-nuclides monitoring stations (RN) utilize complex and sophisticated equipment due to development of scientific and technological discipline. The upgrading and investment on RN is coupled with requirements ranging from initial capital investment for infrastructures and human resources development for station operators. The CTBTO operates RN stations which essentially need trained operators by having training programmes for manpower development, availability of equipment and facilities. The participating Member States made available laboratory space and staffs with basic qualification requirement for work at RN stations. Some challenges faced by operators include difficulties in following up some standard operational procedures such as procedures for re-sending spectra-data for re-evaluation which seem to be not user friend for operators for sending the requested data smoothly. Unreliable LN2 supplies for HPGe detectors caused by either distances from supplying firms or unreliable production. The frequent power failures detriment the functionality of standby generator and/or other facilities at station. The usage of the IDC data is minimal although some Research Institutions have who shown interest on accessing some radioactivity data for environmental research. The highlights of some challenges, possible solutions and respective upgrading for improving working situations in the station are presented.
