The training programme on radiation emergency response kicked off yesterday at the General Directorate of Civil Defence organised by the Permanent Committee for Emergency (PCE), Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and US Department of Energy, with the participation of authorities concerned in the state.
The five-day programme includes lectures, presentations, field training on radiation response methods and the use of radiation detectors to display and clarify response requirements such as the provision of qualified human resources and technological potential.
Ahmed Mohammed al-Sada, assistant undersecretary for environmental affairs at the MME, said the programme was designed for different emergency teams such as those responsible for radiation, early responders, planners, managers and law enforcement agencies to obtain effective operational experience, in order to enable them to adequately prepare for an acceptable response to radiological emergencies.
He added that the programme affirms Qatar’s keenness to abide by international conventions and treaties that support international peace and security and preserve the human and the environment at a national, regional and international level and ensures the prevention of smuggling radioactive materials to illegal entities.
He said that the training programme is a continuation of the constructive bilateral co-operation between Qatar and the US through the office for nuclear accident policy and co-operation, part of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) at the US Department of Energy in the field of radiological emergencies and severe nuclear accidents with the aim of developing and improving the national integrated radiation management system.
Brig Hamad Othman al-Duhaimi, director, General Directorate of Civil Defence, who is also the PCE secretary said preparing and responding to radiological emergencies requires the preparation of first responders such as security and civil defence personnel, medical staff and others to face such cases. First responders conduct initial responses to ensure the safety of the general public and minimise the consequences of accidents, he said.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the US embassy Phillip Nelson highlighted Qatar’s interest in issues related to national security and nuclear threats. The US and Qatar have a common interest in promoting radiological safety in Qatar and the region, while Qatar is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. (QNA)

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