Airports have long been focal points for ensuring safety and security. Historically, the emphasis has been on preventing explosive or weapon-based attacks. However, the presence of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats present a far more intricate challenge. Unlike traditional explosives, these threats are subtle, often invisible, and exponentially more difficult to detect.
Remember, such attacks have already happened to individual targets such the killing of Kim Jong-nam the older half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un in Kuala Lumper airport. This incident gives agency to the idea that airports must have in place comprehensive strategies encompassing both proactive and reactive measures to safeguard against these insidious dangers.
CBRN: The Unseen Menace
CBRN threats provide particular menace due to the stealth with which they can be used. Unlike visible threats, a chemical or biological agent can be discreetly hidden within luggage, making it nearly impossible to detect without sophisticated technology. The technology required for this level of detection is advanced and comes with a cost, not just in equipment purchase but also in the training of responder teams individually and collectively.
The inherent complexity of CBRN threats stems from their diverse nature. Chemical agents like sarin or ricin, and small nuclear materials each present unique detection challenges. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide have highlighted the persistent risk of CBRN materials being accessed by determined terrorist groups. Incidents of trafficking and misplacement of these materials are alarmingly frequent, with an average of 150 cases reported annually to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
All airport staff should be trained to recognize signs of CBRN incidents. The indicators they should be watchful for include:
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Obviously distressed individuals.
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Unexplained symptoms like skin, eye, or airway irritation, nausea, or disorientation.
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Presence of unusual materials or equipment.
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Unexplained vapours, mists, or oily droplets.
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Withered plant life.
Operational Response
Airports continually assess their risk and threat environment to decide on the nature and balance of their response. Responses usually fall into two categories which decision makers must blend to provide comprehensive counter-CBRN capability. Proactive strategies involve anticipation and preparation, while reactive strategies focus on response and mitigation after an incident has occurred.
Let’s look at proactive measures first.
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Advanced HVAC systems: Using heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can play a crucial role in managing the spread of contaminants. These systems, often utilized in fire safety, can be adapted to filter and contain biological or chemical agents. However, the costs associated with such upgrades are considerable.
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Containment protocols: Airports should have in place stringent protocols for controlling potential contamination of water and food supplies within their premises.
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Detection systems: Investing in cutting-edge detection systems is vital. While costly, the ability to detect a wide range of agents can significantly enhance an airport’s defensive capabilities.
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Staff training: Most importantly regular training for customer-facing staff on recognizing CBRN indicators and initial response protocols must take place. Linked to that is the ability to conduct rapid survey and analysis by first responders. The ability to coordinate reporting with rapid response is the key to isolating and suppressing CBRN. To do this first responders must have the right training tools to safely and efficiently practise their skills and produce response capability.
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Multi-agency collaboration: It probably goes without saying that conducting joint training exercises with external emergency responders, including fire, police, and medical services, fosters a cohesive and effective response during actual events.
What about reactive measures.
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Role of airport first responders: Fire and rescue service play a critical role during and after a CBRN incident. It’s imperative that these teams receive comprehensive training in CBRN response and multi-agency incident command protocols. To stay sharp the need for regular training is critical. Training for emergencies is complex requiring resources and detailed planning. That’s why many agencies are turning to using simulation in their detection survey and analysis training and preparation.
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Decontamination processes: Post-incident, the decontamination process is crucial. Coordination with local authorities and external agencies ensures thorough and effective decontamination, minimising the impact on public health and safety.
Formulating a CBRN Strategy
Every airport must have a robust CBRN strategy as part of its overall security and risk management plan. This strategy should include:
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Containment and spread prevention: Plans to manage potential contamination on flights originating from the airport to ensure that the spread is contained.
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Maintaining public confidence: Resilient operational procedures and response capability will maintain public confidence awareness and restore post-incident fears and ensure transparent communication.
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Business continuity plans: Incorporating CBRN scenarios into the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Business Impact Analysis (BIA) will make dealing with potential disruption smoother, provide staff confidence and ensure minimal disturbance to operations.
The Training Burden
Detection, protection, and response must be integral components of an airport’s security framework. Training airport first responders in Initial Operational Response (IOR) protocols is a foundational step. This training focuses on initial containment and decontamination—crucial in limiting the spread of contaminants. To avoid the complexity of completing response exercises, possibly having to use live agent with the attendant regulatory and safety controls, simulation in training can play a major part in maintaining operational capability while reducing disruption and cost within daily operations.
Argon Electronics work with leading CBRN detection manufacturers to produce simulators to replicate a wide range of operational detectors such as the Smiths Detection LCD3.3-SIM, Mirion AccuRAD-SIM and Ludlum Measurements / Dtect-SYSTEMS RDS-SIM. These simulation detectors allow flexible training in any environment by responding to harmless synthetic sources. The use of simulators in training reduces wear and tear to operational equipment, promotes user confidence and enables regular flexible trouble-free individual and collective training.
Conclusion
While the occurrence of a CBRN attack might render an airport temporarily inoperative, the primary objective should always be the effective and immediate response. Ensuring that airport first responders are well-prepared can make the difference between a contained incident and a widespread catastrophe. Thus, a comprehensive approach that combines proactive and reactive measures with training confidence is essential for modern airport security against the complex landscape of CBRN threats.
